Located on Mount Desert Island in coastal Maine, Bar Harbor is a historic hamlet dating back to 1796. Today, it’s a popular resort town, best known as being the gateway to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the Eastern Seaboard.
The town of Bar Harbor may be small, but it’s home to hundreds of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries – all just steps away from the postcard-perfect waterfront. Whether you plan to spend your vacation hiking in Acadia National Park or simply shopping, wining, and dining downtown, it’s easy to while away the days in this magical Maine town.
Bar Harbor was once a haven for wealthy families who would flock here to summer in their palatial cottages. Many of these 19th-century cottages have now been given new life as luxury B&Bs, inns, and resorts, many of which line the streets of downtown Bar Harbor.
With the town’s fascinating history, it’s no secret that there is an impressive number of places to stay in Bar Harbor. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of 10 incredible boutique hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine, to help you plan your perfect getaway!
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are our top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a blissfully small town, so no matter where you stay, you’ll never be too far from the area’s major attractions. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, choose one of the many historic hotels in Bar Harbor that are clustered around the quaint downtown area. That way you can walk to all of the town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants!
If you plan on spending your vacation hiking in Acadia National Park, choose a hotel that borders the park. Hotels like Acadia Inn offer direct trail access to Acadia National Park! Plus, downtown is a quick 5-minute drive away.
There’s also a free Island Explorer bus system that links downtown Bar Harbor with the area’s hotels and inns and Acadia National Park, so getting around is a breeze!
The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Bar Harbor, ME
1. Yellow House Inn
Yellow House Inn is where to stay in Bar Harbor if you want to feel right at home. Part traditional bed and breakfast, part boutique hotel, expect the customer service at Yellow House Inn to be second to none.
You’ll be spoiled with all sorts of freebies, including a lovely breakfast spread, happy hour beverages (think wine or blueberry margaritas!), 24-hour coffee and grab-and-go snacks in the butler’s pantry, unlimited Wi-Fi, and YMCA Access Passes. You can even borrow the inn’s Cotopaxi hiking packs, yoga mats, tote bags, umbrellas, and picnic blankets!
And then there are the seven beautifully decorated guest rooms, which all feature unique amenities. Choose the Malvern and you’ll get an antique soaking tub, or pick Jack’s Room and you’ll be able to open up your French doors onto the wraparound porch.
2. Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Perched on West Street, just across from the harbor, Sand Bar Cottage is one of the best hotels in Bar Harbor if you’re looking for a boutique retreat. What makes Sand Bar Cottage stand out from the rest is that the entire place was recently redesigned by Ethan Allen’s Portland Old Port Design Center. The customer service is outstanding, too!
You can choose from 19 guestrooms and standalone cottages, each offering a beautiful blend of designer décor, historic elements, and luxurious amenities. No matter which you choose, you’ll get a rotating made-to-order gourmet breakfast each morning, as well as afternoon snacks and evening wine socials.
3. The Inn on Mount Desert
The Inn on Mount Desert is housed in a renovated historic building that opened its doors as an inn in 2018. Like many hotels in Bar Harbor, this place prides itself on offering its guests excellent customer service and all sorts of thoughtful amenities.
You can fuel up with the complimentary made-to-order breakfast in the morning before digging into the homemade cookies, treats, coffee, and tea that are put out each afternoon. And when it comes to dinner, you’ll have a wide range of restaurants within walking distance of the inn.
The guest rooms at The Inn on Mount Desert vary in size and style, but each is outfitted with nautical decor, a smart TV, a microwave, a minifridge, and free Wi-Fi.
4. Little Fig Hotel
Fully revamped in 2022, Little Fig Hotel has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing getaway. Book a stay here, and you’ll be a short stroll from the waterfront, the Island Explorer shuttle, and a range of restaurants and shops.
When it comes to boutique hotels in Bar Harbor, Little Fig Hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms with all the luxuries you can imagine. The ultra-friendly staff leave coffee and snacks out all day, which is perfect if you plan to get up early and catch the sunrise at nearby Cadillac Mountain!
5. Queen Anne’s Revenge
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bar Harbor that’s a bit more unique, Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites might just be the perfect pick. Located in the heart of town, this place was originally constructed as five separate summer homes in the early 19th century.
It has now been reimagined as one of the best hotels in Bar Harbor, perfect for a relaxing getaway. No two rooms are the same, but depending on which you choose, you might get a fireplace, an en-suite with a jetted tub, or a full kitchen.
The friendly staff serve a light continental breakfast each morning with everything from gourmet pastries to bagels, cereals, and juices. And from 2-9 pm, the on-site Black Spot Tavern offers a selection of beer, wine, and rum. It’s the perfect place to mingle with fellow guests over a game of shuffleboard!
6. Bass Cottage & Ullikana
Looking for places to stay in Bar Harbor that put you right in the heart of town? You really can’t go wrong with Bass Cottage & Ullikana. You’ll be right across from the waterfront and steps away from a range of restaurants, shops, and activities.
These two historic buildings have been impeccably renovated into boutique retreats in the heart of charming downtown Bar Harbor. Expect elegant cottage-style decor, pillow-top beds with 600 thread count cotton sheets, and private en-suites. Some rooms also feature sweeping harbor views, a private terrace, and/or a fireplace.
You’ll be treated to a seriously good gourmet breakfast every morning, followed by tea and baked goods in the afternoon, and wine and cheese socials on certain evenings.
7. The Primrose
When it comes to historic hotels in Bar Harbor, it’s tough to beat The Primrose. This beautiful building dates back to 1878 and is now set among a historic row of buildings just 1,500 feet from the Village Green.
This is one of the best hotels in Bar Harbor if you want to be right in the heart of downtown. While you’ll be within walking distance of a bunch of restaurants, you won’t want to miss out on the complimentary gourmet breakfasts that are served up by the chef each morning. And in the afternoon, expect a lovely spread of freshly made cookies, pastries, coffee, and tea.
The guest rooms and suites here are all unique but are all thoughtfully appointed and decorated, featuring plush beds, smart TVs with Netflix, and sumptuous robes.
8. Acadia Hotel – Downtown
Set right on the Village Green, The Acadia Hotel – Downtown is housed in a former ship captain’s house and an attached Boat House that dates back to the 1880s. Both buildings have been transformed into one of the most charming boutique hotels in Bar Harbor, beautifully blending historic architectural elements with modern amenities.
There are a variety of rooms and suites that can accommodate solo travelers, families with young kids, or couples looking for a romantic retreat. No matter which room type you choose, you’ll be treated to a complimentary breakfast each morning, as well as complimentary mountain bikes, hiking poles, all-day coffee and tea, evening desserts, and more.
9. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Housed in a replica of the historic 1895 Rodick House, once one the most luxurious hotels in town, you really can’t miss the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. With its elegant and spacious rooms and homey amenities, this place has emerged as one of the most popular places to stay in Bar Harbor since being built in 2003. Plus, you’ll be right on Main Street, so its downtown location really can’t be beat!
Unlike most hotels in Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, while the massive front porch is a popular place to while away the hours and do a bit of people-watching. You’ll also be treated to a buffet breakfast each morning, as well as thoughtful touches like complimentary apple cider and all-day coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
10. Acadia Inn
If you’re searching for places to stay in Bar Harbor that offer easy access to Acadia National Park, Acadia Inn might be just what you’re looking for. Stay at Acadia Inn and you’ll have direct trail access to Acadia National Park, as well as easy access to the free island shuttle that will take you to Acadia and downtown.
Unlike other Bar Harbor hotels, Acadia Inn offers a heated pool and hot tub, family-friendly movie nights on the lawn, s’mores by the fire pit, and fun lawn games in the backyard. You’ll also get a continental breakfast and newspaper each morning, as well as all-day tea and coffee and warm cookies in the evening.
The modern guest rooms are all outfitted with comfy beds with designer linens, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and minifridges. This is also one of the best family-friendly places to stay in Bar Harbor, and the staff will even arrange extras for your kids, including a Bedtime Story Package, a Kiddie Bath Kit, and a Kid’s Kampout Package, complete with a small tent, lantern, and padded mat for in-room adventure!
