Bar Harbor is a charming resort town on Mount Desert Island along the Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful islands in America located in Hancock County, Maine, United States. It serves as a gateway to the picturesque mountains and rugged cliffs of neighboring Acadia National Park. Conversely, many travelers are drawn to its gorgeous setting that blends seamlessly with the thriving seashore community. Bar Harbor is sought-after for its stunning coastal beauty, the many yachts and lobster boats, and its awe-inspiring views of islands and ocean. Here, the community lives in harmony with the island in which they commune in. As such, Bar Harbor is an aspirational lifestyle and holiday destination ideal for city dwellers seeking a tranquil environment that is conducive to family fun and adventure. It is the center of activity for many island visitors in search for interesting shops, restaurants that offer the famous Maine Lobster, taverns, turn-of-the-century hotels, lodges, inns or bed and breakfast cottages as well as accessibility to the lush forests and dramatic shores of Acadia National Park.
For your convenience, we have narrowed down a list of the best hotels in this charming county to make your visit to the resort town a memorable experience unlike any other. Read on: Here is a list of the best lodging and boutique properties that make Bar Harbor a haven for today’s mindful and savvy traveler.
#1. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is a unique property that stands out from other Bar Harbor, Maine hotels with its classic design and sophisticated style.
The Hotel is a replica of the historic Rodick House and its idyllic location affords you with access to nearby restaurants and attractions. As such, it is the ideal choice if you are seeking a quieter venue with the convenience of being located right at the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. Additionally, this seventy-one rooms hotel is along a tranquil tree-lined street that is a few minutes walking distance to the seaside town’s Green Village.
Essentially, it is home to spacious guestrooms that are equipped with modern conveniences such as mini-refrigerators, coffee makers and provisions for complimentary Wi-Fi access during your stay. Additionally, it features inviting amenities such as a heated outdoor swimming pool complete with whirlpool located amid a lush landscaped setting.
For some exercise, you can head to the fitness center equipped with a treadmill, bicycle, and elliptical machine. It also has a souvenir shop where you can choose an array of Maine-themed gift items. Most importantly, as stay in the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel accords you with complimentary Continental breakfast with hot items like egg sandwiches served a la minute.
#2. The Bayview
The Bayview is nestled in a tranquil setting in the northern Bar Harbor that boasts of awe-inspiring views of Frenchman Bay and nearby Acadia National Park. It is set on an area with lush greenery of landscaped oceanfront grounds just outside downtown Bar Harbor. Essentially, the boutique property is home to twenty-six spacious guestrooms that are simple in design and evokes a homey ambiance.
The well-appointed guestrooms highlight antique-style furnishings, comfortable beds, and modern conveniences that include flat-screen televisions, microwave ovens, mini refrigerators, and Kuerig coffeemakers. It also features a private balcony ideal for relaxing while basking at the stunning views of the mountains and coast beyond. Additionally, The Bayview has Townhouses available that come equipped with full kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms as well as private porches that are ideal for families or small groups.
Here, you will appreciate the intimate atmosphere and thoughtful touch points such as the freshly-baked cookies served every afternoon during tea time at the lobby and the sumptuous breakfast prepared every morning which is already included in the room rate. Suffice to say, The Bayview sets the stage for a pleasant holiday experience and moments of great adventure when your visit Mount Desert Island.
#3. Balance Rock Inn
The Balance Rock Inn is nestled just steps away from the tranquil waters of Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor, Maine. Its design ethos is a homage to America’s Gilded Age and classic New England Charm.
As such, this charming boutique hotel is home to twenty-seven well-appointed guestrooms that are cozy and highlights classic decors on white color tones while most rooms feature white floral-patterned wallpaper and intricately carved wood furniture.
Essentially, the guestrooms are equipped with all the modern conveniences such as flat-screen televisions, bathroom with whirlpool tubs, complimentary in-room bottled water, free Wi-Fi access and furnished decks to make your stay a pleasant experience. For some outdoor recreation, you will appreciate the Inn’s outdoor swimming pool that is surrounded by verdant gardens.
It also has an outdoor fire pit on the patio which is the perfect venue to cap that day over cocktails and meaningful conversations. Suffice to say, Balance Rock Inn is your premier choice for a quiet and luxurious ocean-side retreat on this side of the county. It is the ideal hideaway as your set your sights outdoors for some adventure.
#4. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
The Bar Harbor Inn & Spa is a famous New England holiday destination located in Bar Harbor. It is nestled along a stunning waterfront that overlooks the Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. It is the ideal hideaway for those seeking a private retreat amidst gorgeous landscapes of lush lawns, verdant gardens and awe-inspiring scenery.
Likewise, this charming Inn affords you will easy access to specialty shops, art galleries, museums, sightseeing and boat tours of downtown Bar Harbor. Most importantly, the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa is just minutes away from the entry way of Acadia National Park. As such, the Inn offers excellent tour options so you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the park during your stay. Essentially, it is home to world-class amenities and well-appointed rooms that are spread across three distinctive guest room buildings.
The Main Inn is a classic lodge with ocean view luxury rooms and suites; the Oceanfront Lodge has stunning views of the shorefront with spacious rooms and private balconies; while the Newport Building offers modern conveniences at affordable room rates.
Suffice to say, whichever room type you choose, the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa is your ideal jumping point as you explore the beautiful county of Mount Desert Island and the adventure-filled nature trails of Acadia National Park.
#5. Bar Harbor Manor
The Bar Harbor Manor is nestled within the beautiful grounds and lush gardens of Bar Harbor. Maine. Essentially, this charming property offers a range of inn rooms and suites that are equipped with all the modern conveniences to make you stay a pleasant experience.
During your stay, you will appreciate its thoughtful in-room amenities such as mini-refrigerators, microwave ovens, flat-screen televisions, iron and ironing boards as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access during your stay. Additionally, some rooms and suites have private baths as well as large covered porches and fireplaces so you can end the day simply relaxing in utmost comfort. Suffice to say, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy that you can feel from the fireplace in the lobby with comfortable armchairs.
Here, you will cozy up with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and hot cocoa. Most importantly, its friendly staff are available to recommend a range of activities in the area that include whale watching, biking, hiking, kayaking and bird watching.
The Bar Harbor Manor sets the stage for you and your family to enjoy the many sites of the resort town for one adventure-filled holiday to remember.
#6. The Harborside Hotel, Spa and Marina
The Harborside Hotel, Spa and Marina is nestled in downtown Bar Harbor that accords travelers with breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay and the ocean beyond. Its good location provides you with easy access to the famous Acadia National Park among other local resort town attractions.
The Hotel is home to 187 well-appointed guestrooms and suites that are equipped with the modern conveniences such as coffee makers, flat-screen television, and spacious working desks as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access during your stay. Likewise, some rooms have semi-private terraces with beautiful views of Bar Harbor, Maine.
In addition, the Hotel has Suites with two to three bedrooms that feature fully equipped kitchens with full-sized refrigerators as well as spacious living areas with dining tables that seat up to six people which is ideal for families or small groups.
For outdoor activities, a stay in the Harborside Hotel will afford you with exclusive access to two oceanfront swimming pools with hot tubs as well as the tennis courts, a relaxing spa and the fitness center.
To satisfy your cravings for local flavors, the Hotel is home to the Stewman’s Lobster Pound restaurant for a taste of authentic and fresh Maine seafood.
#7. Bluenose Inn
The Bluenose Inn is nestled atop a terraced hillside setting that provides the perfect backdrop for your much-deserved holiday retreat away from the city.
Its location offers stunning panoramas of the Frenchman Bay and coast beyond while affording you with access to a variety of attractions including the famous Acadia National Park. As such, it is one of the most sought-after retreats this side of town for its rich history, hospitality, and lodging experience. Essentially, it is home to well-appointed accommodations that are located in two distinctly elegant guest buildings.
The Mizzentop houses fifty-tree luxurious guestrooms as well as the reception desk, gift shop, business center, meeting rooms, and the cozy Great Room Piano Lounge. Meanwhile, the Stenna Nordica houses forty-five tastefully-designed guestrooms with shared decks and features a glass front elevator to highlight the breathtaking views of the coastal waters and islands beyond.
The Bluenose Inn comes complete with an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, and fitness center for use of in-house guests. Moreover, a stay in the Inn will afford you with complementary coffee, tea and hot chocolate available for 24-hours as well as free bike rentals so you can explore the grounds at your leisure.
#8. Moseley Cottage Inn & Town Motel
The Mosley Cottage Inn & Town Motel is a charming Victorian bed and breakfast along the quiet street and neighborhood in downtown Bar Harbor. Given its small nature, the Mosely Cottage Inn gives you an intimate setting and the warm atmosphere of a quintessential Maine home.
Here, you will appreciate its antiquated furnishings and nine well-appointed bedrooms with private baths equipped with all the creature comforts to ensure that you will have a pleasant stay. Likewise, your stay at the Inn includes complimentary Wi-Fi access and a full morning breakfast treat. However, motel-staying guests need to pay extra for breakfast (with advance notice) which is not included in the room rate. Likewise, the Town Motel offers large comfortable rooms and a space for parking your car.
The Mosley Cottage Inn & Town Motel is your ideal and budget-friendly abode in the heart of Bar Harbor. Most importantly, it gives you the convenience of being close to the county’s specialty shops and restaurants as well as a leisurely walking distance away from the famed shores of Mount Desert Island. Suffice to say, it is your ideal home base as you spend the whole day exploring the many sites and conquering the forest paths of Acadia National Park.
#9. Primrose Inn
The Primrose Inn is a charming lodge located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. It is the classic representation of Maine’s cottage-style living that evokes the spirit of this storied resort town and its welcoming community. The Primrose Inn has been tastefully updated to suit the needs of today’s savvy traveler.
Its guestrooms are luxuriously-appointed with bespoke furniture, decors and fine artworks. Essentially, this unique property is a nod to 19th century stick style architecture that comes complete with all the modern conveniences to make your visit an authentic experiential stay that immerses you to the heart and soul of the community. It provides you with an idyllic venue and a historic Maine cottage-style experience without sacrificing modern comforts and essential amenities as you relax in one of its fifteen spacious guest rooms.
As such, all guestrooms feature private bathrooms, luxurious linens, air conditioning, smart televisions with Netflix as well as complimentary wireless internet so you can stay connected during your stay. Likewise, most rooms feature a cozy fireplace, spa tubs, and private porches so you can simply relax after a day of exploring the great outdoors.
Most importantly, a stay at the Primrose Inn affords you with complimentary full breakfast as well as freshly-made goodies and refreshments served during afternoon tea time.
#10. Acadia Hotel- Downtown
The Acadia Hotel- Downtown is nestled in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor on the Village Green. Its sought-after location is set within a thriving shopping neighborhood where art galleries, fine restaurants, and boutiques abound.
It is one of the premier boutique hotel properties in this side of town that features a large outdoor hot tub, modern amenities, and well-appointed guestrooms at budget-friendly rates. As such, it is the ideal jumping point in exploring the natural wonders of Mount Desert Island and the famous Acadia National Park. Bicycles are provided free-of-charge to in-house guests so you can maximize your time discovering the resort town at your leisure.
Here, you will appreciate their thoughtful approach to hospitality, its cozy ambiance, downtown location, complimentary wireless internet access, off-street parking, and pristine accommodations.
Likewise, a stay includes Continental Breakfast served as you wake up in utmost comfortability in the morning. A stay at the Acadia Hotel will definitely be a memorable and convenient journey for you and your family.
#11. Atlantic Eyrie Lodge
The Atlantic Eyrie Lodge is just a five-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor that offers remarkable views of the Frenchman Bay. The Lodge is a family-owned value hotel nestled on a hill overlooking the forest and waterfront.
Essentially, it is home to fifty-eight well-appointed guestrooms that feature balconies overlooking the stunning grounds below and the coast beyond. Likewise, included in the room rate is Continental Breakfast served every morning as well as coffee and tea throughout the day. It also features a heated outdoor swimming pool ideal for relaxation while enjoying views from various vantage points.
If you are planning an excursion, there is a complimentary shuttle located just across the lodge that will take you to downtown Bar Harbor stops. Suffice to say, it is the ideal venue for families who would like to maximize their holiday with affordable yet comfortable lodging while fully enjoying the various adventure offerings that the Mount Desert Island provides its many visitors.
#12. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
The Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is nestled in a quiet hillside with great views of nature and the coast beyond. Its location is just a short drive to downtown Bar Harbor and provides you with an ideal location for your holiday escape from the city.
Essentially, the Inn is home to 103 well-appointed guestrooms that are clean, bright and spacious with most rooms offering mountain or ocean views. Additionally, included in your room rate is a hot breakfast served buffet style complete with an egg station and selection of meats.
If you wish to have some fun under the sun, the Inn has an outdoor swimming pool with bathing loungers so you can enjoy some fresh air while relaxing. Likewise, the Hampton Inn has an indoor pool with whirlpool and hot tub should you wish to stay indoors.
#13. Bass Cottage Inn
The Bass Cottage Inn is your quintessential Bed & Breakfast lodge with a distinctive style and persona that is intimate. This boutique property has been delighting the sophisticated set of travelers to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and the pristine Maine coast since its inception.
The ambiance is simply beautiful and well-curated to provide you with a home that is convenient, comfortable, easy refinement with touches of understated luxury.
A stay invites you to embrace nature and to simply enjoy the cottage-style lifestyle. Simply put, the Bass Cottage Inn is your home away from home for that much-deserve holiday in one of the most beautiful islands in America.
#14. West Street Hotel
The West Street Hotel is one of the sough-after boutique hotels in the seaside village of Bar Harbor for its location in a prime corner of West and Main and well-appointed lodging accommodations.
It offers you breathtaking views of the ocean and the storied harbor right from the window of your comfortable rooms. Additionally, the West Street Hotel highlights a rooftop pool offering unparalleled views of Frenchman By and the outer islands beyond.
Here, you will fully enjoy your Maine holiday as you relax in its world-class amenities while creating lasting memories as you explore the outdoors with family and friends. Suffice to say, West Street Hotel ticks all the boxes for your choice hotel when planning a visit to Bar Harbor.
#15. Bar Harbor Regency
The Bar Harbor Regency is nestled in one of the most gorgeous spots in Bar Harbor, Maine. Its prime location is ideal for its close proximity to the famous Acadia National Park. As such, it is conveniently located near the entrance of the park and serves as your idyllic venue to rest after a day of adventure exploring the forest trails and the great outdoors.
Essentially, the property comes complete with the facilities and amenities you need to enhance your holiday experience as complemented by its full-service staff and well-appointed guestrooms.
Here, expect to be pampered by its cordial staff as they welcome you with great pride to their community so you can experience Maine’s heartfelt hospitality at its finest.