Unearth The Voyage
Planning a trip to Acadia can feel overwhelming with so many towns, vibes, and budgets to consider. Whether you crave ocean-view balconies, rustic cabins, or tent sites beneath star-splashed skies, the right base can transform your entire adventure. This curated list pulls together top-reviewed stays for families, couples, hikers, and value seekers alike. Dive in to find your perfect launching pad for sunrise summits, seaside strolls, and lobster-roll-fueled explorations.
1. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (Bar Harbor)
Overlooking Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor Inn & Spa pairs historic charm with modern comforts in the heart of town. Wake to pink-tinged sunrises, then stroll the Shore Path before breakfast. Rooms range from classic to upscale, and many feature balconies for sea-breeze lounging. The on-site spa and two restaurants make unwinding effortless after a day in Acadia. Guests love the walkability to shops and the harbor. It’s a premium pick for travelers prioritizing views, convenience, and tailored service. Parking is available, and seasonal packages sweeten the deal. Ideal for couples, special occasions, and scenic-first stays.
2. The Inn on Mount Desert (Bar Harbor)
Set on a quiet street steps from downtown, The Inn on Mount Desert blends boutique style with easy access to Acadia. Expect bright, tidy rooms with coastal accents and friendly staff who share local tips. Complimentary breakfast and parking add solid value in busy Bar Harbor. You can walk to the Village Green for Island Explorer buses or stroll to restaurants and galleries. It’s a practical base for car-free travelers or short stays. Guests appreciate the calm vibe after a big hiking day. Great for couples and small groups seeking convenience without resort pricing.
3. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (Bar Harbor)
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel channels classic New England styling with modern comforts right on Main Street. Rooms are roomy, clean, and well-appointed, making it a reliable choice for families and couples. Start your day with breakfast, then walk to shops, cafes, and the Island Explorer stop. The seasonal pool and fitness room help balance indulgent lobster dinners. Guests highlight friendly service and consistent upkeep. It’s a stress-free base for first-time visitors seeking central access. Parking and accessibility features simplify logistics. Solid value in a prime location with the charm of a bygone era, reimagined for today.
4. Belle Isle Motel (Mt Desert Island, near Bar Harbor)
Belle Isle Motel sits a short drive from Bar Harbor, offering a calmer base with easy access to Acadia. Rooms emphasize simplicity and value, with tidy spaces perfect for travelers who plan to be outdoors all day. The pool, picnic areas, and fire pits make unwinding easy in warm months. Guests praise cleanliness and friendly staff. Its location trims costs without sacrificing proximity to top trails. Park-and-explore convenience is the draw here. Ideal for families and road-trippers looking to skip town-center bustle. A dependable, budget-forward choice close to the action.
5. Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages (Bar Harbor)
Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages offers classic Maine simplicity near Acadia’s main entrance. Choose between cozy cottages with kitchenettes or standard motel rooms. It’s a no-fuss base for hikers and families who value space and affordability. The grounds have a relaxed, woodsy charm with room for kids to roam. Guests highlight proximity to Park Loop Road and convenience for early trail starts. Expect practical amenities, friendly hosts, and easy parking. Not fancy, but reliably comfortable after long days on the trails. A great pick for self-sufficient travelers planning to cook a few meals in.
6. The Pathmaker Hotel (Bar Harbor)
The Pathmaker Hotel is a straightforward, clean, and comfortable stay praised for friendly service and value. Rooms have a bright, modern look without unnecessary frills, ideal for travelers focused on exploring Acadia. The location makes it convenient to reach downtown Bar Harbor and Park Loop Road quickly. Guests appreciate quiet nights and solid Wi-Fi for planning hikes. Parking is easy, and check-in is smooth. This is a practical choice for couples or solo travelers who prioritize efficiency over extras. Expect a restful basecamp that supports early starts and tired returns with no fuss.
7. Bar Harbor Manor (Bar Harbor)
Bar Harbor Manor blends boutique charm with hotel-style convenience across multiple buildings. Rooms and suites are tastefully updated, offering space for couples or small groups. The property sits a short walk from the Village Green, making car-free evenings effortless. Guests value quiet nights and attentive staff. It’s well-positioned for quick drives into the park and easy strolls to dinner. Expect manicured grounds and a relaxed atmosphere rather than flashy amenities. A smart midrange option with strong value in high season. Great for travelers seeking comfort, calm, and in-town access.
8. Bayview Hotel (Bar Harbor)
Bayview Hotel is all about the panorama, with ocean-facing rooms that make mornings memorable. Balconies frame Frenchman Bay, and the property’s quiet perch feels private yet close to town. Interiors are contemporary and cozy, with thoughtful touches like comfy seating for sunrise coffee. Guests rave about the staff and shuttles into Bar Harbor. It suits couples seeking romance and anyone who prizes a room-with-a-view experience. Parking is simple, and the vibe leans upscale without being fussy. A top pick if vistas are your number one priority in Acadia country.
9. Little Fig Hotel (Bar Harbor)
Little Fig Hotel packs contemporary style into a compact, walkable Bar Harbor location. Rooms feel bright and modern, ideal for travelers who value clean aesthetics and efficiency. Grab coffee nearby and reach the Island Explorer within minutes. It’s a great base for foodie-focused trips, with excellent restaurants steps away. Guests appreciate attentive service and the tidy, refreshed spaces. Expect limited frills but strong design and comfort. Perfect for couples and solo visitors who want to spend days in the park and nights in town. A polished, urban-chic option by the coast.
10. Kimball Terrace Inn (Northeast Harbor)
In quiet Northeast Harbor, Kimball Terrace Inn offers a gentler pace than Bar Harbor. Overlooking the marina, it’s a peaceful base with easy access to the “quiet side” trails. Rooms are straightforward and comfortable, often more affordable than in-town Bar Harbor options. Guests love watching boats and strolling nearby gardens. Cafes and galleries are walkable, and Acadia’s Jordan Pond area is a short drive. Ideal for travelers seeking serenity and fewer crowds. Expect reliable amenities, helpful staff, and ample parking. A calm harbor-side stay with classic Maine charm and convenience.
11. Bass Cottage & Ullikana (Bar Harbor)
Bass Cottage and Ullikana offer intimate, historic guesthouse stays tucked near the Shore Path. Rooms feature unique decor and a refined, home-like feel. The standout is the generous breakfast, fueling long hikes and leisurely town days. Guests praise personalized service and serene gardens. It’s ideal for couples seeking charm and slower mornings. You can walk to restaurants, galleries, and the harbor in minutes. Expect fewer hotel-style amenities but a richer sense of place. A romantic, well-reviewed choice for travelers who savor character and thoughtful touches over chain-hotel uniformity.
12. Edgewater Motel & Cottages (Bar Harbor)
Edgewater Motel & Cottages sits right on the shore, offering both motel rooms and standalone cabins. Guests highlight the sandy pocket beach and calm waters for skipping stones. Rooms are simple and clean, with kitchenettes in many units for easy meals. It’s family-friendly and relaxed, with sunsets painting the bay steps from your door. The location provides quick access to Acadia while feeling like its own seaside retreat. Expect good value, friendly hosts, and convenient parking. A winning pick for travelers who want water access without resort pricing.
13. Eden Village Cottages (Bar Harbor)
Eden Village Cottages offers a spread-out, woodsy setting with standalone cabins ideal for families and budget travelers. Cabins are simple, clean, and often include kitchenettes for easy breakfasts. The playground and pond add kid-friendly appeal, and fire pits invite evening s’mores. Guests love the quiet location that’s still within a short drive to Acadia and Bar Harbor. Expect no-frills comfort, helpful staff, and good parking. It’s a practical base to return to after full days outdoors. Great for longer stays where space and savings matter.
14. Acadia Cottages – Cabins & Suites (Bar Harbor)
Acadia Cottages provides cozy, private cabins and suites tucked into the trees for a nature-forward stay. Interiors are modern yet minimalist, with kitchenettes that support longer visits. It’s quiet and restorative, perfect after summiting Beehive or exploring carriage roads. Guests praise cleanliness, privacy, and thoughtful hosts. The location gives quick access to Southwest Harbor amenities and trailheads on the quieter side. Expect peaceful mornings with birdsong, ample parking, and strong value. A top choice for couples and solo travelers seeking immersion in the woods without sacrificing convenience.
15. Open Hearth Inn (Trenton)
Just north of Bar Harbor in Trenton, Open Hearth Inn offers cozy rooms, suites, and cottages at friendly prices. It’s a strategic base for drivers wanting quick access to the park without Bar Harbor rates. Interiors vary from classic inn rooms to kitchenette suites, ideal for longer stays. Guests praise cleanliness, warm hosts, and easy parking. Nearby lobster shacks and the gateway location make arrival days simple. Expect a laid-back vibe and good value. A practical choice for families and road-trippers seeking comfort and savings within minutes of Acadia.
16. The Primrose (Bar Harbor)
The Primrose blends a historic exterior with refreshed interiors for a charming Bar Harbor stay. Rooms feature tasteful decor and comfy bedding, with a generous breakfast to kick-start adventures. The quiet residential location is still walkable to downtown and the Island Explorer. Guests highlight attentive service and thoughtful amenities. It’s a great mid-budget option for couples and friends. Expect calm evenings, porch seating, and easy parking. A polished, home-like base that makes it simple to balance town time with trail time in Acadia.
