Where to Stay in Bar Harbor: Top Hotels & BNBs
When we decided to visit Acadia National Park, figuring out where to stay was one of our top priorities. Bar Harbor is known for being one of the best towns outside of a national park, so it was a pretty easy choice to stay in town.
Downtown Bar Harbor is quaint, charming and extremely walkable. It’s location is only a short drive from many popular areas of Acadia National Park making it convenient for getting to the park and grabbing dinner downtown. Parking downtown can be really difficult, so if you are staying at one of the great lodging options in town you can just walk everywhere you need to within town.
Given its location, we found prices for hotels to be higher than other destinations but the convenience and destination is worth it to us. When researching places to stay we found that Bar Harbor is bursting with cute bed and breakfast style inns and hotels. It’s not everyone’s vibe, but we find them to be so cozy and homey. Not to mention the complimentary fresh breakfast spreads.
This guide includes some of our favorite accommodations in Bar Harbor, perfect for those seeking a romantic, comfortable stay.
Heads up: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book at no cost to you. We only link to stays and experiences we'd actually choose for ourselves.
Bar Harbor
One thing you will find is that Bar Harbor is very busy from summer through fall, so it is important that you plan ahead and book your lodging first. The town kind of shuts down for the winter with many accommodations and restaurants closing up shop.
Given that many of the options are bed and breakfasts, each only have a handful of rooms at any given time. We planned pretty far in advance for our fall trip and found many places were already pretty full. However, we still found a great BNB downtown at Acadia House Inn.
The 6 Best Hotels & Inns in Bar Harbor
Acadia House Inn
We’ll start where we actually ended up staying - The Acadia House Inn. The Acadia House Inn has 9 queen/king rooms with private bathrooms. Our room was located in the main house, but there are some rooms in the carriage house right next door.
Our room was clean and comfortable with a very casual feel that we enjoyed. The room itself was on the smaller side, but the bathroom was huge which gave us some extra room. Our room also included a private deck which was great to relax after a long day in Acadia.
This place was very inviting and we immediately felt at home. The innkeepers were fantastic and had a wealth of knowledge if we had any questions or needed suggestions.
Each morning you get your choice from a small breakfast menu offering things like omelettes, fresh Maine blueberry pancakes and parfaits. The service was great and breakfasts delicious to fuel our morning hikes. Then in the afternoons they provide light snacks like fresh cheese and crackers or baked goods. Or if you are looking for a lunch on the go to take with you into Acadia you can order lunch from them and it will be packed for you in an insulated backpack for your travels.
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Atlantean Cottage
This inn is where we would have liked to stay, it was just a little bit more than we wanted to pay for our accommodations. The Atlantean Cottage is just a bit more luxurious. Featuring 6 guest rooms and two suites all with private baths, there’s a room here to suit your needs.
The innkeepers have lots of experience in the restaurant and hotel industry and it shows. The two-course included breakfast looks divine with options of different fruit based dishes or a pastry for the first course and comforting entrees like waffles, Maine blueberry pancakes, quiche, seafood vol au vent, etc. Then you’ll also be treated to fresh fruit and freshly baked cookies in the afternoons.
The rooms and bathrooms are spacious, comfortable and styled beautifully. Some include sitting rooms and fireplaces as well.
We are looking forward to staying here at some point in the future.
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Bar Harbor Grant Hotel is a great option if you are looking for more of a hotel rather than a bed and breakfast. However, it’s really not your typical hotel you find in any city in the US. It is a replica of the Rodick House, a gilded-age hotel that opened in 1866 but was torn down in 1906. This replica transports you back with its Victorian style and elegant design.
Great for those wanting a little more room if traveling with more than two people. You can choose from queen/king rooms, suites and rooms with kitchenettes. You’ll also have more typical hotel service.
Located right on Main Street, you are in the heart of the action downtown and just a short drive away from Acadia. Amenities include a continental breakfast, heated pool, hot tub and fitness center. Or relax on their idyllic, huge porch’s comfortable wicker rocking chairs with a fresh cup of coffee.
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Ivy Manor Inn
We walked by this inn multiple times and it was just the most idyllic looking inn we’ve seen. True to its name the outside of the inn is covered in ivy and oozes warmth. It has a great location just steps from various shops and restaurants.
This inn is a little bit larger with 18 guest rooms. They have queen rooms, king rooms, king suites, and king cottages. The rooms have a vintage modern vibe that is easy to sink into. Many include fireplaces and decks for a relaxing evening after a day in the park.
They offer daily housekeeping, but if you are looking for a BNB then this might not be your pick as they do not offer breakfast.
We ended up stopping by here to enjoy their William Tell Garden Lounge which is open not only to guests, but also the public. They’ve got a small whiskey, wine and beer bar and multiple firepits to lounge around the afternoons or evenings. It’s open 12-8 pm and often showcases live music in the afternoons.
Holbrook Inn
Here is another BNB that has a light, airy feel perfect for a New England getaway. The Holbrook Inn is a beautiful Victorian home with a huge porch to relax on while sipping your morning coffee or lounging in the evening after a long hike.
Featuring 7 queen rooms, 3 king rooms, 2 suites, and 1 two-bedroom cottage there’s plenty to choose from. The rooms are modern and spacious, each with its own unique coastal style. Pick your favorite or go for one of the rooms with a fireplace and/or private deck.
And of course you have breakfast. They serve two courses with a light fruit based first course and delightful sounding entrees from French toast to quiche to roulade. Or request a breakfast to-go and head out early to beat the Acadia crowds.
Check Here for Rates & Availability
Queen Anne’s Revenge
Queen Anne’s Revenge is another BNB located on a quieter side street in downtown Bar Harbor. The original building was built in the 1800s and has been lovingly renovated over the years. The inn is a beautiful white Victorian style house.
The rooms are small, quaint and charming with classic decor as you’d expect in a small New England town. But, they also have larger rooms including a suite and guest house with a full kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
They offer a light continental breakfast with standard items like cereal, pastries, muffins and bagels each morning. One thing that helps stand them apart is the Black Spot Tavern which is located in their north building. Here you can imbibe on some rum, wine or beer in a cute outdoor setting or play a game of shuffleboard. It is only available to guests and are open 2-9 pm.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices! Pick your favorite vibe and price point and you are in for a great stay.
These inns and hotels all are in downtown Bar Harbor either smack in the action or tucked away on a side street, so you are never far away from a delicious dinner or shopping spree and of course just a short drive from Acadia.
Be sure to check out our Three Day Itinerary for Acadia National Park to help plan the rest of your trip.
Happy travels!
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