For all its elegance, the Grand Summit retains a homey feel and relaxed vibe

Steam rises from a hot tub situated beside the Grand Summit's heated outdoor pool as a pair of skiers can be seen taking their last run on Tuesday afternoon. (Rochester Voice photos)

Editor's note: Today we publish our second of a two-part series on Sunday River and their Grand Summit Hotel. On Thursday we reported on the Sunday River Ski Resort and its ski school.

NEWRY, Maine - When you stay at the Grand Summit Hotel you feel like you're living in the lap of luxury.
From slopeside access to Sunday River's 139 trails to enjoying a soak in a relaxing whirlpool as you watch skiers making their last runs of the day to a complimentary breakfast with boundless options, the Grand Summit delivers on all fronts.

Several trails including Moonstruck rise up above the Grand Summit Hotel (Courtesy photo)

Our suite came equipped with a full kitchen, a private bedroom and a very comfortable Murphy Bed located in an expansive living room.
It also came with a large kitchen table that we used as a desk for to put out The Rochester Voice for a couple of days.
We might also note that the wifi (no password

ROCK ON: A pair or rocking chair situated by the door welcomes guests into the grand lobby.

needed) was super fast.
My favorite experience at the Grand Summit is taking that last afternoon run down novice trail Moonstruck, kicking off the skis in front of the outdoor heated pool, checking them at the hotel door, grabbing a pair of bathing trunks and enjoying a soak in the hot tub followed by a sauna.
My granddaughter Rylee had a different favorite thing: rounding up all the little chocolates our housekeeper left strewn on her bed every day.
The Grand Summit also features a health club and

Three towels combine to create a snowman to make our room feel even more homey.

shuttle bus service to the main ski lodge every half hour.
The hotel's warmth begins in the lobby where a mammoth hearth and roaring fire invites guests to relax in comfortable couches and chairs. Several rocking chairs whose backs replicate the look of skis welcome those entering inside from the cold.
Camp, the hotel's main eatery, has a relaxed atmosphere that has plenty of morning sunlight. Another hotel restaurant and bar, The Last Run, is open on weekends.
The hotel boasts 230 rooms from standard to two-bedroom suites plus 20,000 square feet of function space, including a 6,000 square-foot grand ballroom.
Presidents Week events
The hotel will be celebrating Presidents Week with a special Apres Aglow Lighted Trail from Feb. 16-18 where 100,000 lights will sparkle along a half-mile trail.
Sunday River will also feature a Red Bull Winter Vibes event at the South Ridge the same three days.
The Red Bull Event Vehicle will transform into a DJ booth, delivering popular tracks to the snowy slopes. The event will also feature Red Bull infused cocktails, a photo booth and pop-up bar where skiers can sample Red Bull products.
There will also be fireworks at the South Ridge on Feb. 17.

For more info and to book one of your most memorable stays click here.