The Inn on Mount Desert leads with a 9.3/10 overall and a near-perfect 9.7 location score right on Mount Desert Street. For impeccable service and a breakfast delivery to your door, Highbrook Motel’s 9.5/10 rating and 9.8 staff score are unmatched. Both put Acadia National Park within a mile.
Whether you want bay views or walkable downtown access, Bar Harbor’s hotel scene is deep—but not all delivers on its price tag. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 6,600+ verified guest reviews across 19 Bar Harbor properties to compile this list, prioritizing properties with cleanliness scores 8.5+ and location ratings 9.0+ to ensure every recommendation earns its spot.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall: #4 The Inn on Mount Desert→ Rates
- Budget-friendly: #5 Belle Isle Motel→ Rates
#8 Eden Village Motel and Cottages→ Rates - Top luxury: #1 Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency→ Rates
#10 Bluenose Inn→ Rates - Best location: #4 The Inn on Mount Desert→ Rates
#15 Anne’s White Columns Inn→ Rates - Pet-friendly: #1 Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency→ Rates
#5 Belle Isle Motel→ Rates - Cleanest: #9 Highbrook Motel→ Rates
#19 The Elmhurst Inn→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG | (750+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Wonder View Inn – Bar Harbor Collection | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Seasider Motel | (650+ Reviews) |
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| 4. The Inn on Mount Desert | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Belle Isle Motel | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Best Western Acadia Park Inn | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Bar Harbor Manor | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Eden Village Motel and Cottages | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Highbrook Motel | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Bluenose Inn – Bar Harbor Collection | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Mira Monte Inn & Suites | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Harbourside Inn | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Cleftstone Inn | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Anne’s White Columns Inn | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Heathwood Inn | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Hinckleys Dreamwood Cottages | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Woodland Apartments – Acadia National Park | (40+ Reviews) |
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| 19. The Elmhurst Inn | (40+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Top Affordable Stays in Bar Harbor Maine
1. Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG
The Vibe
This 4-star resort sits right on Eden Street with panoramic Frenchman’s Bay views. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness (9.2) and the spacious rooms with large fridges and Keurig machines. The outdoor pool with a view keeps families happy, though the 7.7 value score suggests you’re paying for that waterfront location.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with free Wi-Fi (8.4), a fitness center, and a very good breakfast. The property allows pets (dogs up to 30 pounds, one-time $75 fee). There’s an elevator in the main building and Eden House wing, plus AAA discounts if you ask. Groups booking more than 6 rooms face different policies—good to know for weddings or reunions.
Choose this if: You want a resort feel with Frenchman’s Bay views and don’t mind paying extra for the scenery.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG →
2. Wonder View Inn – Bar Harbor Collection
The Vibe
The staff here gets consistent shoutouts—Horace, Maurice, Gregory—for making guests feel like family. It’s a simple 2-star property, but the 8.7 Wi-Fi and indoor pool punch above the room rate. The location is the draw: half a mile to downtown shops and 2 miles to Acadia’s Hulls Cove entrance.
What You Actually Get
Every room has a fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffeemaker—real conveniences for a coastal trip. There’s an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and terrace. Pets are allowed on request with charges. The Queen Rooms have specific layout notes, so check the fine print. No age restrictions for check-in.
Choose this if: You value friendly service and an indoor pool over luxury finishes.
Check Tonight’s Price for Wonder View Inn – Bar Harbor Collection →
3. Seasider Motel
The Vibe
An 8.2 value score and 9.0 staff rating make the Seasider a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers. It’s a walkable spot—Kebo Street puts you minutes from the historic village and waterfront without the Main Street noise. The trade-off: no elevator, so second-floor rooms are stairs-only.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking is included—a big deal in Bar Harbor. Rooms have free Wi-Fi (8.0). Pets are allowed with charges, and groups booking more than 5 rooms trigger different policies. The deposit model charges a one-night fee at booking, so plan accordingly. Guest quotes highlight “clean, easy access to downtown and park.”
Choose this if: You want a clean, quiet base within walking distance of everything Bar Harbor.
4. The Inn on Mount Desert
The Vibe
This is Bar Harbor’s sweet spot: a 9.7 location on Mount Desert Street, 9.9 Wi-Fi, and a 9.6 staff rating. Guests rave about the breakfast—”every day was something different”—and the afternoon treats that make you feel like you’re at a friend’s inn rather than a hotel. The value-to-quality ratio here is exceptional.
What You Actually Get
An elevator and ADA-accessible rooms make this rare among Bar Harbor’s historic properties. Free private on-site parking, a fitness center, and a terrace round out the amenities. The Inn serves an exceptional breakfast included in rates, and the all-day beverage access is a quiet perk. Pets aren’t allowed, but the cleanliness (9.6) and comfort (9.6) scores speak for themselves.
Choose this if: You want a best-in-class location and breakfast without sacrificing cleanliness or comfort.
5. Belle Isle Motel
The Vibe
A classic motor court setup—park right outside your room—Belle Isle keeps things simple. The staff score of 8.9 suggests a friendly front desk, and the 8.6 location gets you close enough to Bar Harbor without the premium price tag. It’s older, but guests say “clean” and “cute” more often than “dated.”
What You Actually Get
An outdoor swimming pool, continental breakfast included, and free private parking. Pets are allowed—cats included—with a per-pet fee of $30 per night (maximum 2 pets per room, no weight limit). The 7.5 Wi-Fi is usable but not streaming-grade. Kids under 18 have specific check-in rules, so call ahead if traveling with minors.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with pets and want an affordable room with an outdoor pool.
6. Best Western Acadia Park Inn
The Vibe
For families heading to Acadia, this Best Western hits the practical notes. The 8.7 comfort score and “large and comfortable” rooms get consistent praise. The free breakfast buffet is a daily win, and the 8.5 cleanliness keeps things solid. The location on Highway 3 is convenient for park access but requires a car for downtown Bar Harbor.
What You Actually Get
Two washers and dryers in a 24/7 room—a lifesaver for rainy Acadia hikes. Outdoor pool, free parking, and a good breakfast included. Pets are allowed: up to 2 dogs under 80 pounds each, must be leashed in public areas, and can’t be left unattended. Rooms have fridges and microwaves. Check-in ends at 9:00 PM, so plan accordingly.
Choose this if: You’re a family needing laundry access and a reliable breakfast before park adventures.
7. Bar Harbor Manor
The Vibe
A 9.7 staff score is almost unheard of in hospitality, and Bar Harbor Manor earns it. Guests call out the friendly recommendations and the “grab and go” breakfast with all-day coffee. The property sits on quiet Holland Avenue—half a mile from the pier, but the peace is worth the short walk. The 9.5 location score confirms you’re not sacrificing access for quiet.
What You Actually Get
Free parking and free Wi-Fi (9.5) are included. The Deluxe King rooms have private balconies—worth upgrading for. Grab-and-go breakfast and coffee throughout the day keep things flexible. Note: this property doesn’t accept American Express, so bring Visa or Mastercard. Pets aren’t allowed, but the quiet, clean setup (9.6 cleanliness) is ideal for couples.
Choose this if: You want exceptional service in a quiet location a short walk from everything.
8. Eden Village Motel and Cottages
The Vibe
This property bridges motel and cottage living. Guests love the screened-in porches for breakfast and the fire pit at night—it’s a cozy, community feel without being cramped. The 8.6 overall and 9.0 location hide a gem: the newly renovated cottages with kitchenettes offer way more space per dollar than downtown hotels.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking and Wi-Fi (8.1). The cottages sleep more comfortably than motel rooms—some have kitchenettes. Pets are allowed with charges. The property has a garden, terrace, and BBQ facilities. Note that only one king room exists across the entire property, so if you want a king bed, book early. Children 13+ are charged as adults.
Choose this if: You want cottage-style privacy with outdoor living space and don’t mind a short drive to town.
9. Highbrook Motel
The Vibe
The highest-rated property in this list at 9.5/10, Highbrook Motel turns the motel concept on its head. Breakfast delivered to your door each morning? That’s the kind of detail that earns a 9.8 staff score. Guests describe feeling “like I was already in the park”—it’s a mile from Acadia’s nearest entrance, and the free shuttle stops by.
What You Actually Get
Each room has a fridge and access to a shared microwave. Free Wi-Fi (8.9), free parking with assigned spots, and a very good breakfast included. There’s no elevator, and children aren’t allowed—this is an adults-focused property. Arrive before 10:00 PM or notify the property ahead. The 9.1 value score means you’re getting exceptional quality at a fair price.
Choose this if: You’re an adult traveler who wants exceptional service, cleanliness (9.7), and free breakfast delivered.
10. Bluenose Inn – Bar Harbor Collection
The Vibe
The Bluenose is the upscale sibling among Bar Harbor hotels—guests mention the massage chairs and bidets in bathrooms as welcome luxuries. The 9.4 cleanliness and comfort scores reflect attention to detail that warrants the 4-star rating. Frenchman’s Bay views from select rooms are the headline, and the elevator makes accessibility easier.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (9.0), a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and free parking. Comfy beds are a recurring highlight—the property earned a “very comfy beds” badge from guests. Balcony doors can be left open for ocean breezes. Breakfast was suspended post-pandemic and hasn’t returned, so plan to eat out or bring your own. No pets allowed.
Choose this if: You want a 4-star experience with clean, spacious rooms and bay views from your balcony.
Check Tonight’s Price for Bluenose Inn – Bar Harbor Collection →
11. Mira Monte Inn & Suites
The Vibe
A guesthouse rather than a hotel, Mira Monte offers a more intimate stay with a 9.5 location score on Mount Desert Street. The Wingwood Suite (and similar rooms) offer separate sleeping areas—good for families with teens. Window air conditioners are in every room, and the garden view adds a peaceful backdrop. Breakfast is included May through October only.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (8.3), free private parking, and very good breakfast included seasonally. The property has a strong “comfy beds” badge. Check-in ends at 6:30 PM—this is a strict window, so coordinate travel plans carefully. Groups booking more than 2 rooms face different policies. English is the only language spoken at the front desk. No pets allowed.
Choose this if: You want a guesthouse feel with garden views and a central Mount Desert Street location.
12. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
The Vibe
A 9.0 overall with a standout 9.6 comfort score makes this Hampton Inn a reliable pick. The dual pool setup—indoor and outdoor—is a rare find in Bar Harbor, and the sea views from select rooms add value. Guests praise the breakfast (“delicious!”) and friendly staff. The 6.0 Wi-Fi score is the weakness, so don’t plan on streaming-intensive stays.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (6.0—usable but slow), garden, balcony options, free parking, and a fitness center. The free Island Explorer shuttle stops at the property, taking you into town (about a 10-minute ride). The property is smoke-free with designated outdoor smoking areas. Guests must be 21 or older to check in. No pets allowed.
Choose this if: You want pool options and a reliable chain experience with free breakfast and shuttle access.
13. Harbourside Inn
The Vibe
A perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi score is the headline, but Harbourside Inn in Northeast Harbor offers more—a 9.5 staff rating and 9.5 cleanliness create a quietly excellent stay. The location is less touristy than Bar Harbor proper; you can walk to Lower Hadlock Pond in 15 minutes or drive a mile to Brown Mountain parking for Acadia trails.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking and free Wi-Fi (10.0). The grab-and-go breakfast includes fresh fruit, granola bars, donuts, and oatmeal served daily between 7-10 AM. The property has no restaurant but reservations can be made nearby. Pets aren’t allowed. Check-in ends at 7:00 PM. No AARP discounts available.
Choose this if: You need reliable internet and prefer Northeast Harbor’s quiet charm over Bar Harbor’s crowds.
14. Cleftstone Inn
The Vibe
A classic Bar Harbor B&B with a serious advantage: both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The “exceptional breakfast” gets rave reviews, and the 9.6 cleanliness score shows the historic property is well-maintained. The third-floor rooms offer limited sea views—more of a peek than a panorama, but a nice bonus. Adults-focused with no children allowed.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (9.5), free parking, a fitness center, and exceptional breakfast included. The property has late check-in until midnight, which is flexible for evening arrivals. Rooms are tastefully decorated with period touches. Pets aren’t allowed. Guests must comply with health restrictions if applicable at the time of stay—check current Maine travel rules.
Choose this if: You want a B&B experience with pool options and don’t mind an adults-only policy.
15. Anne’s White Columns Inn
The Vibe
This AAA 3-diamond B&B started life as a Christian Science church in 1930—the architecture is unique among Bar Harbor accommodations. The owner is hands-on, creating a community feel among guests and serving a wonderful breakfast. The 9.7 location score puts you in the top-rated area of Bar Harbor, walking distance to everything.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi, free parking on-site, and a wonderful breakfast included. Comfy beds are a highlight. No elevator, no pets, and children aren’t allowed. There’s no laundry on-site, but a public laundry is available in town. The 10-room B&B has tub/shower combos in bathrooms. Check-in ends at 8:00 PM.
Choose this if: You want historic charm, a central Mount Desert Street address, and a community-focused host.
16. Heathwood Inn
The Vibe
Heathwood Inn is the budget option with trade-offs. The 7.1 location score reflects its distance from downtown, but the garden, terrace, and BBQ area offer a quiet retreat. The 8.2 cleanliness is decent for its price tier. Each room has a private bathroom (no shared toilets, despite any confusion). Breakfast certificates for a local restaurant replace an on-site breakfast.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (7.5), free private parking, and breakfast certificates for a local restaurant. The property has a garden and BBQ facilities. No pets allowed. Children 3+ are charged as adults. Payment is required before arrival via bank transfer. The 5-room inn is small, so availability is limited.
Choose this if: You’re on a tight budget and want a quiet garden setting with a unique breakfast voucher system.
17. Hinckleys Dreamwood Cottages
The Vibe
These cottages offer more space than a typical hotel room, but they’re about 7 miles from downtown Bar Harbor—you’ll need a car. The pet policy is one of the most straightforward: $100 per pet per stay. The 8.4 staff score suggests the team is helpful despite the property’s modest 7.2 overall rating. The 8.1 location score is decent for the price.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Only select cottages are pet-friendly—confirm when booking. The pet fee is $100 per pet per stay, not per night. Some cottages have separate bedrooms for couples traveling together. No elevator. The property is on Bar Harbor Road, which is convenient for park access but removes you from the walkable downtown scene.
Choose this if: You want a pet-friendly cottage setup and have a car to get to Bar Harbor’s downtown.
18. Woodland Apartments – Acadia National Park
The Vibe
For travelers who want a full apartment setup, Woodland Apartments in Tremont delivers a 9.0 rating with a 9.6 comfort score and 9.5 cleanliness. The full kitchen, window AC units, and bathtubs make this feel like a home base rather than a temporary room. The 8.4 location reflects its Tremont position—it’s a drive to Bar Harbor but close to Acadia’s quieter side.
What You Actually Get
Free on-site parking, free Wi-Fi (8.3), a full kitchen, air conditioning, and free parking. The apartment setup includes a private bathroom. Check-in starts at 5:00 PM, which is later than most hotels. No pets allowed. The property doesn’t accommodate bachelor/bachelorette parties. It’s well off the beaten path—guests mention the peaceful location as a highlight.
Choose this if: You want apartment-style living with a kitchen for longer stays or self-catering needs.
Check Tonight’s Price for Woodland Apartments – Acadia National Park →
19. The Elmhurst Inn
The Vibe
A near-perfect 9.9 comfort score and 9.8 location place The Elmhurst Inn among Bar Harbor’s elite B&Bs. It’s adults-only, so the vibe is quiet and refined. Guests rave about the breakfast (“delicious”) and Cheryl’s hosting. The 9.5 value score suggests you’re getting exceptional quality for what you pay—often the mark of a family-run gem.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, exceptional breakfast included, and a 9.8 cleanliness score. The 2-bedroom suites have separate bedrooms and tub/showers—good for two couples traveling together. Air conditioning is available. The property has a garden and terrace. No pets, no children—this is an adults-only sanctuary. Notify the inn of your expected arrival time in advance.
Choose this if: You want a peaceful, adults-only B&B with exceptional breakfast and a perfect location score.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#4 The Inn on Mount Desert
A 9.3/10 rating, 9.7 location, exceptional breakfast, and free parking—no other property in Bar Harbor balances quality and value this well.
💰 Best Value
#9 Highbrook Motel
At 9.5/10 with breakfast delivered to your door and a 9.8 staff score, this is the highest-rated property at a motel price point.
🏖️ Best for Acadia Access
#1 Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency
Frenchman’s Bay views, a pool, and pet-friendly policies make this the most versatile base for exploring Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel by IHG →
How We Ranked These Bar Harbor Maine Hotels
I evaluated 19 properties across Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Tremont using 6,600+ verified guest reviews. The goal was to find honest quality—properties that deliver on their promises and scores. I prioritized guest experience indicators over marketing language.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value—the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to Acadia National Park access points and walkability to downtown Bar Harbor
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Bar Harbor hotels?
Some properties welcome pets, but policies vary significantly. Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency allows dogs up to 30 pounds with a $75 one-time fee. Belle Isle Motel accepts cats and dogs with a $30 per pet, per night fee. Best Western Acadia Park Inn allows up to two dogs under 80 pounds each. Several top-rated properties—including The Inn on Mount Desert, Highbrook Motel, and The Elmhurst Inn—do not allow pets. Always confirm the pet policy when booking.
Which Bar Harbor hotels offer free cancellation?
Cancellation policies vary by room type at every property in this guide. However, most Bar Harbor hotels listed offer flexible cancellation options for standard room bookings. Properties like Seasider Motel charge a one-night deposit at booking, which may be refundable depending on cancellation timing. You’ll see specific cancellation terms available online for each property and room type before booking.
Can I check in late at any of these properties?
Late check-in policies vary widely. Cleftstone Inn offers the most flexible late check-in, accepting arrivals until midnight. Eden Village Motel and Cottages also allows check-in until 12:00 AM. However, Mira Monte Inn & Suites has a strict 6:30 PM cut-off, and Anne’s White Columns Inn closes at 8:00 PM. If you’re arriving late, properties like Highbrook Motel ask for advance notice—contact the property directly if your arrival time falls outside standard windows.
What’s the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
June through October is peak season, with warm weather and full access to Acadia National Park trails and boat tours. September offers fewer crowds and crisp hiking conditions. November through April sees many seasonal property closures and limited breakfast services—Mira Monte Inn’s kitchen closes November through April, for example. For the best balance of availability and weather, late May to mid-June or September are ideal for booking Bar Harbor hotels.
How do I get from Bangor International Airport to Bar Harbor?
Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest major airport, about 50 miles (roughly a 1-hour drive) from Bar Harbor. Rental cars are the most common option—most major agencies operate at the airport. Alternatively, several shuttle services offer direct routes from Bangor to Bar Harbor during peak season. Once in Bar Harbor, the free Island Explorer shuttle connects many hotels to Acadia National Park and downtown, and most properties offer free parking for guests who drive.
What’s the most walkable area in Bar Harbor for hotel guests?
Mount Desert Street and the surrounding downtown area are Bar Harbor’s most walkable zone. Properties like The Inn on Mount Desert (9.7 location), Anne’s White Columns Inn (9.7 location), and Bar Harbor Manor (9.5 location) put you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. Hotels along Eden Street, including Highbrook Motel and Wonder View Inn, are about half a mile to a mile from downtown—walkable but a bit further for the best location scores.