The Lodge at Glendorn: A Luxury Nature Resort Experience

Last Updated on August 11, 2024

At The Lodge at Glendorn, nature, luxury and rustic elegance converge. Nestled in the Allegheny National Forest in Northwest Pennsylvania near Bradford, it is one of 580 properties worldwide devoted to creating a better world through cuisine and hospitality as part of the Relais & Chateaux Association. This commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its Orvis endorsement and Forbes 4-star rating.

As the only luxury nature resort in northwest Pennsylvania, The Lodge at Glendorn exudes the grandeur of the Gilded Age family camps. Set on 1,500 acres bordering the Allegheny National Forest, it offers 16 exquisitely designed accommodations, from lodge suites to seven-bedroom cabins, each a testament to unparalleled luxury.

My husband and I visited in June of 2024 and fell in love with the rustic, yet luxurious property. It is the perfect place to pursue outdoor adventures, relax, be pampered, and reconnect with nature and the people you love.

The Glendorn boasts family-friendly activities for every season, award-winning culinary experiences and a custom experience for each guest.

Glendorn Accommodations

Purchased in 1927 as a family retreat, The Lodge at Glendorn opened to the public in 1995 and changed ownership in 2009. Glendorn is a collection of lodge rooms, suites, and 16 cabins scattered around the forested property. The cabins range in size from two to seven bedrooms, catering to different needs while maintaining a high standard of luxury.

Guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance from the moment of arrival. All accommodations are spacious, uniquely designed and decorated with different themes.

We stayed in the Green Suite. Our room included a small galley kitchen, a table and chair set, two comfy side chairs, a vanity, a king-size bed, nightstands, a desk, and also included a huge closet and lots of storage space. A focal point was a bedside corner fireplace adorned with 18th-century Dutch tiles. Our room had a private entrance with a small, secluded patio, and a table and chairs, perfect for early-morning coffee. 

The suite featured a large private bath with a walk-in shower, a large tub, and “his and hers” toilets.

The Lodge also includes a reading room, a dining room with a large terrace, a sunporch, and a billiard room with a bar. Lodge guests have easy access to the dining room and main lodge amenities.

The cabins are popular with groups and multi-generational travelers. The Glendorn is family and pet-friendly, perfect for those who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind.

Note: Free Wi-Fi is available in the lodge, but the connection is slow. There is no service on much of the property, making it an excellent destination to unplug and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Verizon is the best carrier for connection.

Exploring the Glendorn Property

Shortly after our arrival, we were provided a tour of the property (property map) via a golf cart. The resort’s expansive grounds feature beautiful water elements such as ponds, various water features and streams, and a heated pool. We also discovered a charming sauna shed, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

The Forest Spa is in a separate building and offers rejuvenating treatments that harmonize with the natural surroundings.

The Playroom is another building devoted to gym equipment and a seminar/game room complete with fresh-popped popcorn, ice cream treats, a TV and a pool table.

A multi-court for tennis, basketball, pickleball, and shuffleboard (equipment provided) is also available.

A golf cart was assigned to our suite during our visit. This small yet thoughtful touch set the tone for our stay, emphasizing convenience and luxury and we enjoyed exploring the grounds on our own later in the visit.

Dining at the Glendorn Lodge

Indulge in a culinary journey at The Lodge at Glendorn. The evening begins with a delightful spread of cocktails and canapes in the billiard room, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. Dinner is a grand affair, served in the main lodge dining room exuding an intimate and inviting ambiance. With a fireplace, fresh flowers on each table, and linen tablecloths, the setting is perfect for savoring the exceptional dishes prepared by talented chefs.

Breakfast is included for all guests at The Glendorn. You may dine on the lodge sunporch or have breakfast delivered to your room. We ate in the sunporch, which offered a perfect start to our day with sunlight streaming in and a view of the surroundings.

The Lodge also offers a variety of venues available for private dining or small groups. 

Meals at The Lodge at Glendorn are exquisite. Each dish is crafted with care, offering a dining experience that rivals any fine restaurant.

Thoughtful Extras

The attention to detail at The Lodge at Glendorn is remarkable. Upon arrival to our room, we found delicious chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit waiting for us. The fridge was stocked with water and sodas, and luxurious robes were hanging in the closet.

An exceptional variety of toiletries were placed in the bathroom for our convenience. 

Fresh water bottles were provided daily, and chocolate treats were left on the bed with evening turndown service.

One of the highlights of our stay was the golf cart tour and rides around the grounds. We also had a delightful evening roasting marshmallows for s’mores, a nostalgic activity that added a cozy, family-friendly vibe to our visit.

Hospitality is over-the-top, with every staff member going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.

Activities At The Glendorn

Onsite self-guided fly-fishing on three trout ponds using Orvis fly fishing equipment is popular.

Guests can enjoy hiking and biking on 18 miles of trails. Bikes are available to borrow during their stay.

Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available on Bondieu Lake.

There is also an assortment of yard games available.

In winter, guests can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Getting To The Lodge At Glendorn

Address: 1000 Glendorn Drive, Bradford, PA 16701

The Lodge is only a few hours’ drive from major cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Toronto.

If flying, the recommended airports are Bradford Regional Airport (a 20-minute drive) and Buffalo-Niagara International (a 90-minute drive).

The Lodge at Glendorn offers a serene escape combining luxury with an appreciation for the great outdoors. This award-winning resort is the perfect getaway for those seeking luxury and tranquility. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a nature enthusiast, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable stay.