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There are so many fabulous places to stay in Bar Harbor, Maine! Whether you’re looking for coastal New England charm, affordable options, or convenient places from which you can hit the trails in Acadia easily, this helpful guide shares the best places to stay based on what you want to do.
Bar Harbor has a year-round population of only around 5,000 people, which swells quite dramatically in the summer and autumn months.
Acadia National Park is the biggest draw for this area of Downeast Maine, so you’ll have to experience New England’s only National Park during your stay in Bar Harbor.
Check out our Boston to Acadia road trip itinerary if you’re starting your adventure in MA.
While Bar Harbor is the largest town on Mount Desert Island, it’s certainly not the only one!
Be sure to check out the other towns on the island while you’re here: Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont.
Within those other towns you’ll find various villages like Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, Otter Creek, Seal Harbor, and Somesville.
The island is quite small so everywhere is easily accessible if you have your own vehicle. Public transportation is limited, so a car is recommended for convenience.
If you’re bringing your fur-child with you, take a look at our list of pet-friendly hotels in Bar Harbor to skip right to the ones that will welcome Fido!
If you’re heading to Acadia and Bar Harbor for a special getaway, take a look at these Bar Harbor luxury hotels and stays to splash out a little more.
And check out our guide to the best East Coast hikes for a full review of Acadia’s options.
Where to Stay in Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor has long been the central hub of Mount Desert Island and where visitors opt to stay for convenient access to bars, restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries.
While in Bar Harbor you’ll want to be sure to check out Main Street for vintage-style restaurants and shops or visit the Criterion Movie Theatre, a stunning art-deco theatre from the 1930s.
You can also check out some walking tours to experience Bar Harbor’s biggest attractions, including learning more about the Village Green and Frenchman Bay.
To stay in the heart of it all, check out these excellent places to stay in Bar Harbor…
Acadia Hotel – Downtown
The Acadia Hotel (20 Mount Desert Street) is located in the heart of downtown, right next to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
It regularly tops lists of places to stay in Bar Harbor!
The historic Acadia Hotel building dates back to the 1800s but has since been revamped to modern times with spacious rooms and distinct naval decor.
A 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, sauna, and fitness center are all available in the hotel for guests to utilize during their stay.
Each of the 12 guest suites is fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, a refrigerator, and a private en-suite with all necessary toiletries for a comfortable stay.
The hotel also features a terrace, as well as a library for guests to enjoy.
Queen Anne’s Revenge
Queen Anne’s Revenge (39 Holland Avenue) is a luxury boutique hotel that is centrally connected to all the tourist amenities found in downtown Bar Harbor.
The hotel is designed with muted blue tones that bring this 1800s-era colonial-style building into the 21st century.
Guests have access to a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and shared lounge while staying in the hotel.
The Queen Anne’s Revenge property features a terrace, garden, and outdoor fireplace for guests to enjoy throughout their stay.
Each of the hotel’s stunning guest suites is uniquely decorated so no two rooms are the same.
In every room, however, guests have access to a flat-screen cable TV, a private en-suite bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.
The Inn on Mount Desert
The Inn on Mount Desert (68 Mt. Desert Street) is a unique, centrally-located, boutique inn that features a great mix of modern amenities in the heart of Bar Harbor.
The inn offers a fitness center, billiards room, and indoor games area that guests are encouraged to use throughout their stay.
The property features plenty of outdoor spaces, including a picnic area, outdoor fireplace, terrace, and garden.
Each of the 31 guest rooms is modern, spacious, and decorated with a distinct coastal decor reminiscent of Bar Harbor’s ocean-centered past.
In each of the rooms, you’ll find a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, and a fully-equipped private bathroom.
Select suites also feature a private balcony or terrace.
Every morning, The Inn on Mount Desert offers its guests a continental breakfast complete with staple items to start your day right.
Unique Places to Stay in Bar Harbor, Maine
If you’re looking for a little extra something during your Bar Harbor trip, these unique spots offer a splash of history and a dash of charm.
Bar Harbor boasts both in spades, but these two unique hotels in Bar Harbor are highly recommended.
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (269 Main Street) is a historic replica hotel that transports its guests back in time with elegant furniture and decor mixed with modern amenities.
This unique hotel sits in a convenient location in downtown Bar Harbor that grants easy access to the many charming shops, restaurants, and attractions that the town is known for.
The colonial-style building is separated into two parts, connected by a walkway, right in the heart of Bar Harbor.
Featuring an outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, a wrap-around porch with chairs, and an on-site fitness center, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy during your stay.
Services include a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and an option for laundry should you need it.
Each of the 70 guest suites is clean, spacious, and decorated in muted tones with classic wood finishes.
You can find a fully-equipped private en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and refrigerators in each suite along with fresh linens and toiletries.
Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property.
Ivy Manor Inn Village Center
Ivy Manor Inn Village Center (194 Main Street) is a charming, boutique bed & breakfast situated in the heart of Bar Harbor’s best restaurants, shopping, and attractions.
This gorgeous, English-style cottage has a lovely garden, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor seating areas that make the outside of this accommodation as wonderful as the interior.
Inside, guests will be charmed by the on-site pub that serves a great selection of wines and champagnes to be enjoyed by both patrons and the public.
The bed & breakfast also provides some desirable amenities including a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and a complimentary breakfast served every morning.
Each of the 18, spacious, luxurious guest rooms features a seating area, flat-screen TV, and fresh linens.
Select rooms even feature a fireplace and balcony for guests to enjoy.
With all of these great amenities and services wrapped up in a gorgeous 1940s cottage, Ivy Manor Inn is one of the best places to stay in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Hotels Near Acadia National Park
If you’re heading to Bar Harbor specifically to enjoy Acadia’s many trails, viewpoints, and beauty, then you’ll want to stay near the park for convenience.
Of course, nowhere on Mount Desert Island is far from Acadia, but you don’t want to worry about traffic and parking all the time if you’re headed into the park each day.
These are some of the best places to stay near Acadia if you’re looking for convenience.
Kimball Terrace Inn
Kimball Terrace Inn (10 Huntington Road) is located in Northeast Harbor and offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities.
You can access the Brown Mountain Parking Area just 2 miles up the road from Kimball Terrace Inn.
You’re also on the Jordan Pond side of Acadia, offering easy access to multiple great hikes.
Featuring a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk, guests can be sure that every need is met during their stay at KTI.
Each of the 70 modern guest rooms features a flat-screen cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a fully-equipped private bathroom complete with a hairdryer.
Select rooms also have an attached private balcony or terrace for guests to enjoy.
With such a great list of amenities, Kimball Terrace Inn is one of the best hotels near Acadia National Park.
Otter Creek Acadia House
The Otter Creek Acadia House (Otter Creek) is a large holiday home that boasts 6 spacious rooms and a large patio.
It is conveniently located only minutes away from Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor.
If you’re planning to tackle the tallest peak, this house is just 1 mile from the Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead.
Bordered by Acadia National Park’s lush forest, the property features a stunning outdoor space, complete with a barbecue area, seating area, and patio.
Inside, you’ll enjoy the spacious house for you and your family or friends, with a fully-equipped kitchen for gathering around the table together after tackling the trails all day.
There are also laundry facilities located on-site so you can pack light while still keeping fresh.
Each of the 6 spacious bedrooms is clean, comfortable, and decorated with muted tones for a relaxing experience.
Some of the rooms feature bunk beds, so more than 6 people can stay on the property.
The house also has free high-speed internet throughout an there is also a flat-screen cable TV in the shared lounge area as well.
This vacation house is set between downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, in the Otter Creek area of Mount Desert, making it perfect for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors while still being reasonably close to shops and amenities.
Where to Stay Near Bar Harbor, Maine
Beyond the accommodations near Acadia and its many trailheads and parking areas, there are other parts of Mount Desert Island that offer excellent places to stay near Bar Harbor without being right downtown.
You might want a little more peace and quiet or you might be looking for more affordable options with these choices.
In any case, you’re never far from the various Acadia access points or from Bar Harbor itself.
Hotels Along Eastern Bay, Bar Harbor
Eastern Bay is located just north of Bar Harbor’s main downtown area, heading back towards the bridge that traverses Mt Desert Narrows.
Staying in the Eastern Bay area near Bar Harbor provides a less crowded spot that is still convenient in terms of shops and restaurants.
There are also a few places of interest on this stretch of Bar Harbor Road along Eastern Bay.
Check out Pirate’s Cove for mini-golf, Mainely Meat for BBQ, and Bar Harbor Cellars for local wine.
The drive into Bar Harbor is just 4-8 miles from these hotel recommendations, making for an easy trip into town for groceries or other amenities as needed.
The villages here include Eden, Hulls Cove, and Salisbury Cove.
Heathwood Inn
The Heathwood Inn (6 Long and Winding Rd) is a rustic, farmhouse-style inn that offers comfortable rooms and kind owners who go above and beyond to make your stay wonderful.
The property is large and features outdoor elements that encourage guests to spend time outside.
Take advantage of the sun terrace, garden, and BBQ facilities.
Built in the 1890s, this historic building boasts plenty of charm while also offering guests modern amenities, especially in the rooms.
Each of the 5 spacious rooms has coffeemakers, fresh linen, and either a private balcony or whirlpool tub — depending on which suite you pick.
Best Western Acadia Park Inn
The Best Western Acadia Park Inn (452 State Highway 3) is one of the few budget places to stay in Bar Harbor, Maine that doesn’t hold back on amenities and comfort.
The hotel has a business center, concierge service, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, and BBQ facilities.
Each of the 96 rooms is equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, flat-screen cable TV, and a seating area.
There is also a kid-friendly breakfast buffet offered every morning to guests.
High Seas Motel
The High Seas Motel (339 State Highway 3) is a great budget-friendly option for places to stay near Bar Harbor, Maine.
The property is beautiful and borders a lush forest.
High Seas Motel features great amenities such as a seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool, picnic area, and garden.
The motel offers daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi throughout, and clean, spacious rooms.
Each of the rooms at the High Seas Motel includes a flat-screen TV, refrigerators, and fully-equipped private bathrooms complete with a hairdryer.
Final Words
We hope this guide to where to stay in Bar Harbor has been helpful as you plan your trip to this beautiful part of Maine! Let us know your favorite places to stay in the comments below.