The Top Luxury Hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine, 2024
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a beautiful stop while visiting New England. However, due to the proximity to Acadia National Park, visitors may worry that camping and basic motels are the only housing option. There are many upscale hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Luckily, there are several high-end options for those who prefer luxury while traveling. I’m going to guide you through the best options in the area. We’ve visited the region several times and just love coming here.
Bar Harbor is a quaint town right outside the gates of Acadia National Park. Acadia & Bar Harbor are on an island known as Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor is on the eastern side of the island.
Most visitors stay in Bar Harbor or neighboring communities. As a result, you’ll find an abundance of shopping and dining options in Bar Harbor. Below you will find reviews on the most exquisite hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine.
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My Top 3 Picks: Amazing Luxury Hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine
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Luxury hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine, 2024
Most hotels in Bar Harbor come with standard features of a flat-screen tv, private bathroom, free parking, and free wi-fi.
1. Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice | ✅ Check Availability
Harborside Hotel offers visitors scenic views of Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor and the West Street historic district. It is within walking distance of all the popular points of interest in Bar Harbor, such as the Abbe Museum. It is one of the best places in the heart of town.
The hotel boasts 193 rooms, and many rooms have private or semi-private balconies. Some rooms come with kitchens, fireplaces, or hot tubs. The rooms are crisp, clean, and in the classic nautical navy blue paired with a clean white color palette.
Choose a classic room, family room, or 1-2 bedroom suites. This option is excellent if you prefer extra space or traveling with kids.
In particular, the two-bedroom suite has a king bed and a bunk bed that sleeps 3. We are a family of 5, and sometimes it is challenging to find a room that comfortably sleeps 5. Even more impressive are the room’s features- a mini kitchen and living room!
Harborside Hotel Amenities
Now, let’s look at some of the hotel amenities. First, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the exquisite outdoor pool that faces the water. What a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day exploring Acadia.
If pool time isn’t your choice of relaxation, book an appointment at their lovely spa. In addition, the hotel offers access to kayak rentals and a marina.
As for dining, you can choose from the Splash pool bar if you are sunbathing or swimming. If you prefer fine dining, make a reservation at La Bella Vita.
To try local cuisine, stop by Stewman’s Downtown for a meal. Each time we’ve visited Bar Harbor, we go out of our way to eat here. It is casual and provides a classic New England meal of fresh seafood. Afterward, grab some ice cream in Bar Harbor.
Our kids love walking around the pier outside the restaurant while we wait on food. In addition, the staff at the lobster cooler are so friendly and go out of their way to interact with kids. The last time we visited, they pulled out live lobsters for our kids to touch and see.
Other perks of the hotel include a discounted rate if you are a New England resident. In addition, you can’t beat the location of Harborside Hotel. You are in Bar Harbor, but not the busy section where all the tourists camp out.
You can quickly be in the thick of shops in minutes, but it is also a quiet respite from the madness of a busy summer day.
Finally, if I had to choose between all the luxury hotels in Bar Harbor and I was traveling with kids, this would be my choice. In my opinion, this is one of the best luxury hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine.
✅Ready to start your luxurious trip to Bar Harbor at Harborside Inn? Click HERE!
2. Bar Harbor Inn
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice | ✅ Check Availability
Bar Harbor Inn grants visitors panoramic views of Frenchman Bay every morning. You can choose guest rooms with ocean views to wake up to each night.
For my history readers, the Inn dates back to the 1800s when it operated as the Mount Desert reading room.
The Inn is close to many of the best Bar Harbor shop, art galleries, and restaurants. It is a short walk but yet far enough away from the crowded touristy areas. The Inn is nestled in a perfect retreat within the confines of the town.
If you want to stay in the comfort of the Inn, you have four restaurants to choose from. The Terrace Grill offers casual food, or you can opt for fine dining at Reading Room Restaurant overlooking the water.
One of my favorite perks is the complimentary daily breakfast offered each morning. From 7-10:30 am, you can choose from various breakfast options to fuel up before your day exploring Acadia, Bar Harbor, or lounging in the spa.
Lastly, the Inn offers a spa for relaxing on vacation. It is open Tuesday-Saturday, and I recommend booking in advance to ensure availability. The Inn is one of the nicest luxury hotels in Maine.
✅Ready to start your luxurious trip to Bar Harbor Inn? Click HERE!
3. The Bayview Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 9.2/10 On Expedia | ✅ Check Availability
If you want a fun modern twist, check out the Bayview Hotel. You’ll find a cool and unique boutique hotel outside town.
Although Bayview Hotel is north of Bar Harbor, please keep it on your list. One of the most fantastic perks is the proximity to the gates of Acadia National Park.
Also, Bar Harbor can be very touristy; if that isn’t your scene, you’ll prefer to be a little out of town.
Bayview Hotel sits on the water north of Bar Harbor. The hotel is on the smaller side, but each of the 26 rooms has a view of the water. You can’t beat that!
In addition, if you like to travel with your furry friends, book the Bayview Hotel ASAP. They reserve rooms for visitors with pets on the ground floor. Each room has a private deck, and the ground-floor rooms have easy access to the lawn.
Lastly, the Bayview Hotel provides a refrigerator in each room. Therefore, you can keep snacks or a light breakfast in your room. In addition, the hotel boasts a delicious restaurant, The Rusticator Lounge.
✅Ready to start your luxurious trip to Bayview Hotel? Click HERE!
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4. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | In the Heart of Bar Harbor | ✅ Check Availability
The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is another beautiful option for those seeking luxurious accommodations in Bar Harbor. Built in 2003, the hotel is designed in Bar Harbor’s historic Rodick House style. While staying here, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The rooms are simple & classically designed compared to some of my other modern, chic, or nautical-themed recs. Rooms are available in a king, double queen, or two-bedroom suite. The two-bedroom suite is ideal for a larger group or family traveling together.
Of all the options provided, this hotel is truly in the heart of Bar Harbor in the downtown area on Main Street. It also provides free private parking in a busy area. The hotel’s porch is inviting and an excellent way to unwind after a travel day.
Although it doesn’t offer as many amenities as other options, Trip Advisor awarded the hotel the Traveler’s Choice award. In addition, the hotel offers an expansive complimentary continental breakfast.
✅Ready to start your luxurious trip to Bar Harbor Grand Hotel? Click HERE!
Staying Outside the Heart of Bar Harbor?
Many visitors to Acadia choose lodging in Bar Harbor due to the proximity to the shops, dining, and entrance to Acadia. However, so many neat places to stay outside of Bar Harbor offer luxury and are a short drive to the downtown area or other main attractions.
5. The Claremont Hotel– a luxury hotel outside of Bar Harbor, Maine
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | Top Reader’s Choice by Conde Nast | ✅ Check Availability
Voted as a top reader’s choice by Conde Nast, the Claremont Hotel is a luxurious option outside of Bar Harbor. Only 25 minutes from Bar Harbor, it is worth considering.
I may be in the minority, but staying outside Bar Harbor is a better choice for our family. I love the quiet Maine summers and the chance to relax. In addition, Southwest Harbor is one of my favorite destinations on Mount Desert Island.
The Claremont Hotel offers scenic views of Cadillac Mountain, a heated pool, cabanas, and a spa. After spending the day exploring Acadia, it is the perfect retreat to unwind and relax. Choose a swim, spa treatment, or curl up with a book in one of the cabanas.
The Claremont Hotel’s Amenities
For families, the Claremont Hotel is an ideal stay. They offer family cabins with air conditioning and free wifi. Most have kitchenettes, while some have full kitchens. Kids will love the heated pool or playing croquet. If you are staying mid-week, catch a local of the hotel’s garden on Wednesdays. It is the perfect place for families to stay.
For adults traveling together, book a massage, check out the fitness cottage on the grounds, or enjoy a concert every Saturday night at the Croquet Club. Every morning, the hotel offers yoga on the lawn. Lastly, the hotel arranges boat charters on request.
As for dining options, Bar Harbor is a short 25-minute drive, or you should explore Southwest Harbor. For instance, Beal’s is a crowd favorite for their lobster roll.
Within the hotel, there are several dining options. Please consider making reservations in advance! For a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap, stop by Harry’s Bar.
Walk down to the Batson River Fish Camp for a casual dinner. If you want something a little nicer, have dinner at Little Fern.
As a side note, the Claremont is open seasonally (spring-fall). Double-check their calendar and availability.
In summary, the Claremont Hotel is classical elegance in the heart of Acadia. The amenities offered are top-notch and set Claremont apart from the other luxury hotels on Mount Desert. Although it is not in Bar Harbor, I had to include it in my list of the best luxury hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine.
✅Ready to start your luxurious trip to The Claremont? Click HERE!
Bar Harbor FAQ
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (July & August) is the busiest month in Bar Harbor due to summer vacation schedules. However, we prefer early to mid-June when the crowds are less intense. It is a bit cooler in June, but we love it.
Fall is another popular time to visit due to the fall foliage. You should consider booking in advance, as New England is a popular tourist spot in the fall. You can try late spring if you dislike large crowds.
⛰️⛰️Want an organized tour of Acadia? Book it now by clicking HERE!⛰️⛰️
Which luxury hotels are the most romantic?
You will be happy with these luxury options, but remember that the Harbor Hotel, Spa & Marina offers convenient rooms for families. Unfortunately, this may be a deterrent if you prefer a quiet resort with little to no kids.
If willing to venture outside of Bar Harbor, I would book at the Claremont Hotel.
How many days should you spend in Bar Harbor?
Based on my experience, you would prefer at least three days to explore everything Bar Harbor and Acadia offers. You cannot be in Bar Harbor and skip out on Acadia.
On top of that, Mount Desert Island has charming communities in Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
Do I need a rental car?
I recommend renting a car when you arrive in Maine. The nearest airport is a little over an hour away in Bangor, Maine.
You will want a car to explore Acadia National Park and the rest of Mount Desert Island.
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How do I get to Bar Harbor?
There are several options for arriving in Bar Harbor. Fair warning- please be prepared to drive a bit, but it is worth it to experience a luxurious stay in Bar Harbor.
✅Option 1- Fly into Bangor, Maine. Expect a drive that is a little over an hour. However, if arriving during the height of the busy season, it may take a little longer to get on the island.
Also, stop in Bangor if you need necessities. Mount Desert Island offers smaller grocery stores. If you want something from a big box store like Walmart, shop in Bangor.
If you have an extra day or two, drive north to Millinocket, Maine, to explore more of the great outdoors.
✅Option 2- Fly into Portland and take the scenic drive to Bar Harbor. This drive is over 3 hours.
We’ve done this drive before and highly recommend it. There are numerous stops for lobster rolls or quaint & charming towns along the way. For the scenic route, you must detour off 95, which will take slightly longer.
Stay in Portland for a night or two since the town has much to offer. If traveling with kids, it is a great town to explore.
✅Option 3-Fly into Boston. This does take slightly longer, coming in at 4.5 hours if you stay on the interstate (95).
We’ve completed this route too. Atlanta is our hub, and Delta offers numerous flights in and out of Boston daily. At times, it is significantly cheaper than Portland. Consider flying into Boston and out of Portland/Bangor or vice versa.
You could make a week out of this trip and explore some of the coastal towns in Southern Maine.
✈️✈️Book your flights by clicking HERE!✈️✈️
What are the best restaurants in Bar Harbor?
For travelers who prefer fine dining, book a reservation at the Reading Room Restaurant, The Burning Tree, or Havana if you want a break from seafood.
For a taste of local cuisine, try the blueberry pie or a whoopie pie at the Stadium or lunch at Gayln’s.
If exploring Acadia, stop by Jordan Pond House for a strawberry popover. You may have to wait for a little bit, but worth the experience with delicious food, cocktails, and a beautiful view.
There are so many great options for restaurants near Acadia National Park.
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Who has the best lobster roll in Bar Harbor?
You must try a classic lobster roll to visit Bar Harbor. Some favorite lobster joints include Rode Eden Lobster, C-Ray Lobster, Side Street Cafe, and Geddy’s.
Some tasty options are outside Bar Harbor if you are okay with a bit of a drive. Beal’s is a classic joint, but our favorite lobster roll outside Acadia is Thurston’s.
If you are heading south, there are many excellent spots for a delicious lobster roll in Portland, Maine.
In Conclusion: Best Luxury Hotels in Bar Harbor
In conclusion, I love Maine, especially the Bar Harbor and Acadia regions. I joke that I want to summer in Maine, so I genuinely hope you’ve enjoyed my suggestions on the best luxury hotels in Bar Harbor.
Acadia Resources
🌲Restaurants near Acadia
🌲Pet-Friendly Hotels in Bar Harbor
🌲Best Ice Cream in Bar Harbor
🌲Acadia in Fall
🌲Kayaking Bar Harbor
🌲Luxury Hotels in Acadia
🌲How to Catch the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor
🌲Best Airports near Bar Harbor
