Best Western Caribou Inn

I appreciate how the staff handled a loud domestic argument in the room across from me during my second stay. It was nonviolent, but disruptive, and they took care of it. Scott, the owner/manager, even followed up personally to apologize. That kind of care feels rare these days. My first visit, in midsummer, was fairly quiet. The hotel is basic but clean, well maintained, and freshly renovated. There’s a decent bar for dinner, and the poutine was delectable for this side of the border. I liked it more than the brewery across the street, haha. I don’t eat breakfast, though the restaurant menu looked good. The lobby espresso machine and water bottle filling station are nice touches. A couple of things to know: most rooms are on the first floor, which I’m not thrilled about, and the shower doors are a Euro style design squeezed into a small American shower stall. The space feels too tight, though I saw Scott respond to other reviews that it would be addressed soon. The design is usually better for the environment than curtains and cleaner than fixed glass doors, but here it feels ahead of its time. I’ve stayed twice and saved over $125/night compared with the gouging and rate manipulation at the Hampton Inn Presque Isle. Travelers include people from Aroostook county who need to get around for work or healthcare, not just visitors from away, so having this alternative matters. I probably wouldn’t stay longer than two nights because of the mostly first-floor rooms and the location in Caribou, which is toward the northern part of my work area. Still, I’m looking forward to coming back in a couple of weeks for a quick client visit, poutine, a burger, and a beer. I don’t like the lack of room options, but the comfort and savings make it well worth it.

Now they want $200 a night? That's messed up. This is a basic little hotel/motel with a facelift, nowhere near worth that kind of money. With so many vacancies in the middle of nowhere, I can’t understand charging $159 for one night, especially when I only stopped because a snowstorm made me worry I wouldn’t get to Van Buren. The guy at the counter had been wandering around the hotel and took a while to come back. I’ve stayed all over and am a master Google reviewer. To me, this is a $79 hotel, maybe $80 with breakfast. I won’t give them my business at those prices. Don’t spend big on renovations and then pass the bill to guests with outrageous rates. Charging triple what you’d see in major cities with major attractions makes no sense.

The room was comfortable and homey, and I liked that the hotel has a fitness area, bar, and restaurant. The lobby had just been redone, too. I didn’t have a reservation, but the front desk was glad to help and found me a room. I was in Northern Maine looking around because it was my father’s first duty station. I’d hoped to see the air museum at the airport, but its bizarre hours meant I would have had to wait from 0345 to 0700 hours. Then I spotted this best western beside a brewery, which seemed like an awesome combination. I grabbed an appetizer and beer at the brewery, then came back to the hotel bar for a phenomenal beat Salad and chicken strips. They were happy to put the Korean sauce from the cauliflower on the chicken. I forgot to take pictures, distracted by the beer and food and having a senior moment. If you’re up north, this is an amazing place to stay.

The rooms are roomy and clean, with a fresh modern look, and those beds are insanely comfortable. The gym is great and there’s a nice bar. I haven’t tried the new restaurant yet, but I want to next time. The renovation has turned what felt like an outdated 80s hotel into a stylish, comfortable place with a luxury feel. The lobby is completely transformed, with sleek furniture and lovely art, and it’s a welcoming spot to hang out. There’s a laid-back vibe here, too. I’ll definitely stay again when I’m in town.