There’s no doubt that Bar Harbor, Maine is one of the prettiest towns in New England. Sitting right at the doorstep of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor boasts of breathtaking scenery that invites exploration. Its downtown area also has plenty of historic attractions, as well as unique and amazing shopping and dining options. The question for you now isn’t what to do in Bar Harbor when you visit there, but rather what you’ll do first and where you’ll stay. Regarding accommodations, we’ve picked out five of the top hotels in Bar Harbor.
Acadia Hotel-Downtown
Built in the 1880s, Acadia Hotel-Downtown was once a ship captain’s house with an attached boathouse. Today, the property is a charming hotel in the heart of Bar Harbor’s downtown area and a mere few steps to many of the town’s restaurants, bars, and shops. Its rooms have either a queen- or king-sized bed, a private sitting area and bath, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi access. The hotel also has large suites with views of the mountains surrounding the town. Guests are served a light continental breakfast every morning and have access to an indoor golf facility. Additionally, the hotel provides bike storage and bike rentals for guests who want to explore the area by cycling.
Bar Harbor Inn
The historic Bar Harbor Inn is one of the town’s seaside landmarks. Formerly an exclusive gentlemen’s club, it’s become one of the top hotels in Bar Harbor. The inn is divided into three parts: the Main Inn, the Newport Building, and the Oceanfront Lodge. All three buildings have rooms offering sweeping views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Among the amenities Bar Harbor Inn offers are complementary breakfast and Wi-Fi, free parking, afternoon coffee and snacks. Guests have access to the hotel’s spa, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and jacuzzi. The hotel also has two restaurants and a gift shop.
The Elmhurst Inn
The Elmhurst Inn is a family-managed bed-and-breakfast that offers the comforts of home away from home. Each room is decorated according to theme and has its own private bath, complementary Wi-Fi access. The inn also has spacious suites with its own balcony, fireplace, and bathtub. A sumptuous breakfast awaits guests every morning, and there’s always coffee and tea in the living room. Elmhurst is only a few minutes’ walk from restaurants and shops, and the staff can act as a concierge on your behalf if you need to make reservations.
Hanscom’s Motel and Cottages
Hanscom’s Motel and Cottages is a family-run property that’s been around since the 1950s. While it’s some four miles away from Bar Harbor’s downtown area, it’s a place you may want to consider if you prefer a self-service approach to your vacation. Each cottage has its own kitchenette, and you can also take advantage of the barbecue grills in the picnic area. Aside from the kitchenette, the cottages have heat and air conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi access. Hanscom’s also has its own private, if rocky, beach. It’s conveniently located, only two miles from Acadia NP’s main entrance and visitor center, and three miles from the ferry bound for Nova Scotia. You can bring your pets if you stay at Hanscom’s.
The Inn on Mount Desert
The Inn on Mount Desert is right on Mount Desert Street, just five minutes away from Bar Harbor’s Village Green. Yet another of the family-run hotels in Bar Harbor, the Inn on Mount Desert offers spacious rooms, some with private terraces. Each room has a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, iron and ironing board, coffeemaker, and Wi-Fi access. There you can enjoy breakfast in the morning, and you can join the innkeeper for wine and cheese in the afternoon. The foyer has a fireplace and shelves stacked with books that you can borrow. You can also have a picnic on the grounds or play bocce or croquet.
All these five top hotels in Bar Harbor are open year-round. They’re also on the Island Explorer route, the free shuttle service that runs around Mount Desert Island.
You won’t find a lack of accommodations whichever season you choose to visit Bar Harbor. You can start your search for great hotels in Bar Harbor with this list.
