New Hotel Opens In Spot Of Old Buildings On University Of Maine Campus

Since the sale and demolition of the University Inn on Park Street in Orono a few years back, aside from the Black Bear Inn in Old Town, there haven't been many options of places for folks to stay directly in Orono.

Get our free mobile app

But that's all changed now.

Folks visiting the area, whether to spend time with a student going to school at the University of Maine, or just people who may want to stay in between the city of Bangor and points north, now have a new option.

Hotel Ursa, which opened recently, is located right on the campus of the University, is brand new construction in the location where a couple of old halls used to stand.

Anyone familiar with the campus, probably remembers the old Coburn and Holmes Halls. These buildings were constructed in the 1800s, and at one point held both the original University of Maine Library and Agricultural & Chemical labs.

The structures were completely renovated starting in 2022.

Two years later, the $28 million project to build a hotel and bistro cafe in their place has been completed. Hotel Ursa is made up of 3 buildings: Polaris Hall, which features guestrooms, Coburn Hall, where the unique rooms and suites are located, and Holmes Hall, which is the main building of the complex and home to the new MajorMinor Cafe.

The 24,800 square-foot complex offers 95 rooms and suits for visitors and already boasts 400 reservations between now and October.

According to their website the establishment in ready for students, their families or anyone else who dares travel north for some adventure!

"We embrace our role as a trusted guide for travelers, parents, students, and professionals, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages genuine interactions and an open exchange of ideas...Whether you're venturing north to explore new horizons or are a proud Black Bear yourself, Hotel Ursa stands ready to be your trusted guide."

To check them out for yourself, or to book a room, you can click here.