where to stay in bar harbor maine
Bar Harbor, perched on the northern side of Mount Desert Island, is the gateway to Acadia National Park and a year‑round summer‑town charm. Whether you’re in search of a romantic seaside escape, a family-friendly retreat, or a modest stay near the hiking trails, the town offers a palette of lodging options. This guide cuts through the options and helps you pick the right place to lay your head for an unforgettable Maine experience.
Quick Take‑away:
For luxury, pick the Bar Harbor Inn or Chatham Inn.
For boutique charm, try The Dunes Hotel or First & Six.
For a shared‑experience with locals, go for a B&B like Casco Street Gables.
For a home feel, book a vacation rental on Vrbo or Airbnb.
Pet‑friendly stays abound – none of the big four‑star hotels are pet‑banned; just check details.
1. Choosing the Right Accommodation
When you decide where to stay, consider three key factors that shape your Bar Harbor experience:
| Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Waterfront vs. downtown vs. a quiet side street | Proximity to Acadia entrances, tide pools, and seafood restaurants |
| Season | Off‑peak vs. peak (Jul‑Aug), Fall foliage, winter | Prices, crowd levels, available activities |
| Budget | Luxury ($200+ per night) vs. mid‑range $80‑$150 vs. budget < $80 | Comfort, amenities, and the cost of living stenches (tax, tips, parking) |
2. Best Hotels in Bar Harbor
| Hotel | Highlights | Price Range (per night) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Inn | Waterfront rooms, 5‑star service, on‑site bistro, indoor & outdoor dining | $250–$400 | Couples, honeymooners, luxury seekers |
| Chatham Inn | Historic charm, sweeping views of Frenchman Bay, spacious suites | $200–$350 | Couples, small families, sophisticated travelers |
| The Dunes Hotel | Seaside location, living‑room style rooms, boutique vibe | $180–$280 | Couples, groups, art lovers |
| Red Fox Inn & Winery | Boutique inn with a local winery, homely décor, delicious food | $150–$260 | Couples, wine‑enthusiasts, families |
| East Street Inn | Classic hospitality, convenient to ferry and park | $120–$210 | Budget travelers, families |
Pro tip: All listed hotels offer “peak‑season” packages that include breakfast or shuttle to Acadia. These can save you up to $30/night.
3. Boutique Inns & Bed‑and‑Breakfasts
If you want an intimate, local feel—think a welcoming door and stories from hosts—Bar Harbor’s B&B scene is thriving.
| B&B | Features | Rate | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Street Gables | Lively Victorian vibe, craft cocktails, great breakfast | $95–$120 | Couples, groups wanting conversation |
| Royalston House | Historic 1880’s estate, outdoor fire pit, French‑style cuisine | $110–$140 | Romantic trips, summer retreats |
| Hawthorne Cottage | Cozy cottages, easy access to Acadia, pet‑friendly | $80–$110 | Families, pet owners |
| The Porch | Modern décor with a beach view, rooftop terrace | $110–$150 | Couples, newlyweds capturing Instagram moments |
Bed‑and‑Breakfasts grain out of the larger chain, so you get the unique flavors of Maine right from the host’s kitchen.
4. Vacation Rentals: Homes, Cottages, and Treehouses
If you need extra space or want to experience “innate-of‑Maine” living, several websites list stunning rentals.
| Platform | Types of Rentals | What’s Included | How to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | Cottages, condos, tiny houses | Wi‑Fi, kitchen, BBQ | Search “Bar Harbor” + filter “Entire place,” book early; refundable policies recommended |
| Vrbo | Larger homes, kid‑friendly, pet‑friendly | Full kitchen, often a pool, pet amenities | Search July‑August, read host communication ratings |
| VR Frontiers | Eco‑friendly treehouses, cabins | Minimalist interior, simple furnishings | Ideal for couples or groups looking for a retreat |
| MaineMoy Home Rentals | Boutique holiday homes | Local interior décor, often a fireplace | Contact the agency to match a home to your travel plan |
Smart booking tip: Book rentals that have a “free cancellation” option. The opening of Acadia’s Summer Fences — where Reservation days are limited to just 30 days of stay — may impact rush, but early flexibility can save you.
5. Pet‑Friendly Options
Maine’s shops, cafés, and the waterfront feel the same excellent service whether you trot in with a dog or enjoy a quiet night in. Pet‑friendly accommodations:
| Property | Pet Policy | Pet Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Inn | Pets allowed (2 pets, max 30 lb each) | $25/night |
| Chatham Inn | Pets allowed, beHelpy hir; no weight limit | $35/night |
| Red Fox Inn | Two pets, up to 50 lb | $20/night |
| Many Airbnb rentals | Often “pets allowed” with basic deposit | $25‑$50/deposit |
| East Street Inn | Pets allowed, no extra fee up to 50 lb | Free |
Happening detail: The town’s zoning ordinance allows pets only on a limited number of streets: moments considering a Rand’res park, pets restrictions on the seashore regional a beach area.
6. Budget‑Friendly Stays
| Accommodation | Rate | Pros | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Hostel (inc. shared rooms) | $40–$80 | Great for backpackers, social vibe | Booking.com, Hostelworld |
| Camping at Welch N. Berkey Park | $30 (2024) | Access to tide pools, costs low | Maine State Parks |
| Bar Harbor Getaway Motel | $70–$110 | Basic amenities, central location | Renters.com |
| VRB Vacation Rentals | $80–$120 | Home comforts, often includes breakfast | Airbnb, Vrbo |
Mind you, the motel in Bar Harbor often offers a “free shuttle to Acadia” which is a huge perk on a tight budget.
7. Seasonal Tips & When to Book
| Season | Highlight | What to Do | Booking Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun‑Aug) | Peak visitor, festivals, swell surfing | Biking, whale watching, Acadia Open Air | Book 4–6 months in advance |
| Fall (Sep‑Oct) | Colorful foliage, fewer crowds | Macro photography, hiking, pumpkin patches | Book 2–4 months ahead |
| Winter (Nov‑Mar) | Quiet scenery, North Atlantic ghost lights | Snowshoeing, cozy fires | Light booking, check rate changes |
| Spring (Apr‑May) | Wildlife repopulation, mild climate | Bird watching, kayaking | Book 3‑4 months ahead; be ready for unpredictable weather |
Quick win: Many hotels run “stay a week, pay for 6” deals in late summer—perfect for filling your Acadia registry.
8. Booking Advice: How to Get the Best Deal
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Shop Differs: Sites vs. Direct
Direct hotel often offers a “Best Rate Guarantee”, free breakfast, or waive check‑in.
Third‑party sites can snag coupons or offer loyalty rewards but might not match the package.*
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Loyalty Programs
If you travel frequently, book through Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or Airbnb Plus to earn points.
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Package Deals
Hotels sometimes bundle shuttle, kayak rental, or restaurant vouchers. 1‑3 % of the room price can add up.
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Free Cancellation
In the event a park permits enters, or sudden travel restrictions arise, free cancellation offers the ultimate safety net.
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Stay Outside the Core Zone
Hotels in the core waterfront area can be 30‑50 % pricier. Staying 1–2 blocks inland can halve the nightly cost, yet a 10‑minute walk takes you to scenic docks.
- Corporate Rates & Group Discounts
If you’re traveling in a group or for a corporate retreat, contact the hotels’ group department. Often a 15–20 % discount attaches to multi-night group stays.
9. Staying Ready: Must‑Have Essentials
| Essential | Reason | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Windproof jacket | Maine’s weather can shift fast. | REI, local trunk boutiques |
| Water‑proof phone case | Long days of water-based activities. | Amazon, local shops |
| Reusable water bottle | Hydration adds up on hikes. | Hydro Flask stores, Mimbelli’s Outdoor |
| Map/digital navigation | Acadia’s network of trails needs indexing. | NIHGIS, Google Maps offline |
| Portable charger | GPS and camera battery conservation. | B&H, Amazon |
| Bug‑repellent | Especially in July‑August. | O’Keeffe’s Water‑Proof, store |
10. How to Spend Your Night
Choosing where you stay isn’t solely about where you sleep— it’s about how you unwind.
- Local Bars & Restaurants: Jar: an upscale gastropub with a lively crowd, The Lobster Shack (famous for putty lobster rolls).
- Night Hike: The Precipice Trail at low tide or a sunset walk at Otter Cove.
- Seaside Stations: The historic Gurney’s Landing Pavilion, with its classic lattice structure, is a photo‑ops everywhere.
- Stargazing: The Keene Island stargazing tours or the Astronomy Club’s “Maine’s Midnight” event show the best of the night sky.
11. Final Thoughts
Bar Harbor quivers with pairs of stories: the historic Albion Bridge days, the chance to see whales, the scent of the freshly drained lobster tide. Out of its countless seaside rests, you’ll find your perfect match.
- Luxury seekers: The Bar Harbor Inn or Chatham Inn give a luxe Atlantic feel.
- Adventurers: Choose a centrally located B&B or a small harbor cottage for easy access to trails.
- Budget: Hostels or off‑peak motel rates let you shop the town without breaking the bank.
- Traveling With Pets: Tripers Cambridge heading to the harbors is a stress devoid of pet‑fee, all good for those who love a touch of nature and a paws‑on adventure.
Reserve early, stay flexible, and let the scenic charm of Bar Harbor transform your holiday.
Open your pillows to the Atlantic breezes, breathe the pine‑cut scent, trust the warmth of a Maine welcome and let your trip to Bar Harbor become the highlight of your stoic adventure.
