11 Best Acadia Luxury Hotels

Acadia National Park, a.k.a. the “crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” is the first national park east of the Mississippi River. So, this 47,000-acre-huge park is naturally special, with miles of hiking trails, woodlands, and rocky beaches for us to explore. This spectacular East Coast natural attraction lies on Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast and enticingly offers outdoor adventures for every season. In fact, it’s the only national park in the northeast, so it’s natural for it to be a very popular destination. That said, the region is now a popular luxury destination, with the profusion of Acadia luxury hotels that have cropped up in recent years. While the fjord-lined isle still has a superb mix of hotels, it’s now popular with even discerning luxury travelers like us due to the sheer number of iconic and swanky luxurious hotels.

Moreover, they range across locations, spanning from sprawling waterfront resorts to centuries-old inns nestled in the forested region. What could be better, right? As one of the country’s most-visited national parks, Acadia is certainly busy, which means that even top-notch stays need to be booked in advance. We’ve done the legwork for you and whittled down a list of our favorite indulgent Acadia accommodations that have everything from onsite spas to private seaside cottages.

Chiltern Inn, Bar Harbor

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Best B&B. Imagine finding a luxury B&B property with the coziness of a guesthouse but with all the bells and whistles and even frills of a luxury hotel. We’re talking about the Chiltern Inn in Bar Harbor, which sits pretty overlooking Cromwell Cove and is less than 10 minutes from the town center. This peaceful luxurious escape wasn’t your typical B&B, and we loved it for exactly that. A forest green glass-paned door welcomed us into this luxury B&B, which was ensconced in verdure. The hosts, lifelong Mainers Dan and Joan Mills welcomed us incredibly warmly. Every morning, they laid out a sumptuous breakfast spread, which was complimentary, by the way. It kept us going to explore Acadia, after which we’d come back to find a fantastic wine and cheese tasting awaiting us.

One of the rarest features at Chiltern Inn was the indoor swimming pool, which we’d never seen in a B&B – ever. It was our favorite spot on the property, followed by the flower-filled patio, where we’d curl up with a glass of wine. Even exploring the neighborhood was a pleasure, but at night, we’d be back at Chiltern, which showed movies in the lounge – the best way to end the day.

With just three rooms, staying at the Chiltern was a very personal and intimate experience, which is what made it so exclusive. All three gorgeous rooms boasted cozy fireplaces, traditional wooden decor, and modern bathrooms with plush bathrobes and romantic bathtubs for two. Our chosen room, the Garden Room, not only had a carved four-poster bed but also French doors that opened onto a lovely patio and the inn’s gardens.

Bass Cottage & Ullikana, Bar Harbor

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Maine, particularly the Acadia region, is all about fantastic B&Bs. So, it’s not surprising that we have another B&B on this list, the Bass Cottage & Ullikana in Bar Harbor. The former traditional summer home for wealthy residents is now one of the best luxury B&Bs we’ve stayed in around Acadia. Nestled at the northern end of Bar Harbor, this luxurious guesthouse also happened to be its longest-running inn! Plus, we were within walking distance of the beach and town.

The vibe here is “wonderful beach house.” We were lucky enough to come here during spring/summer, so the landscaped gardens were bursting with blooms. Every morning, our host and seasoned innkeeper, Eddie Hemmingsen, would lovingly lay out hearty breakfast spreads that included all our favorites – think French toast and crispy apple maple bacon. The 24/7 pantry with complimentary coffee and fresh baked goods was a very thoughtful feature, especially since we’d be tired after a day of exploration. Moreover, the relaxing Adirondack chairs in the backyard were ideal for curling up with a glass of wine. When it got cold, we’d retreat to the warm-timbered indoor lounge to get a nightcap before going to bed. In fact, we didn’t even have to step out for food, as there was a fine-dining restaurant right at the inn.

The icing on the cake here was the digs, which paid homage to the inn’s Victorian roots while sporting New England’s crisp, coastal styling. Despite being a B&B, we had everything from air conditioning, complimentary bath products, and even a cable TV in our room.

The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor

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Best beachside hotel. The Bayview Hotel in Bar Harbor is one of the best beachside 5-star hotels near Acadia National Park. We loved the beachy design of the boutique luxury hotel, whose Frenchman Bay location meant that the ocean vistas here were spectacular. But what makes this place uniquely luxurious because all 26 rooms boast sea-facing views! Now that’s something we haven’t seen in any beach hotel around the world.

Not only that, but also all of them boasted private terraces with sweeping ocean views. Moreover, all of them came with whimsical bursts of color, tufted headboards, and original artwork. So, we had the pick of the lot, which was divided into Peak, Island, and Ocean rooms. The top-floor Peak rooms caught our fancy since we were on a luxury vacation. With furnished oceanfront patios, they were the best rooms in the house, hands-down.

The staff delivered a sumptuous breakfast to our room every morning, which helped us get ready quickly for our Acadia National Park explorations. But it wasn’t just some hastily put-together boxed breakfast; we had options for both vegetarian and vegan items. Think freshly baked goods, homemade granola, assorted yogurt, seasonal fruit, and juice. Thanks to the coffeemaker in our room, we could brew our own cup of Joe whenever we wanted. The elegant seaside Rusticator Lounge was fantastic for enjoying craft cocktails after a long day.

The Inn on Mount Desert, Bar Harbor

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We wanted to stay as close to Acadia National Park as possible but in luxury. So imagine our delight when we found the swanky Inn on Mount Desert just a mile from the entrance to the national park! This 2018-renovated historic inn was all about alluring New England charm but in a modern setting with contemporary amenities that ensured us a wonderfully comfortable stay.

The five rooms and suites are definitely the highlight here, and since there were just five of them, staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience. Even then, the hospitality was that of a B&B, while the amenities were that of a luxury hotel. Get this – all rooms, which were furnished in nautical decor, had mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and swish bathrooms with specialty handmade soap! That said, we got ourselves the private terrace king room, which was completely worth it. Boasting a classic coastal cottage feel, the room came with its piece de resistance – a private terrace overlooking the lush property.

Since we’d be out exploring Acadia daily, our hosts laid out hearty complimentary continental breakfasts, fueling us for an entire day. They even recommended fantastic tours, like the Historic Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bar Harbor. To top it all, they had free coffee, fresh lemonade, and hot tea around the clock, which was a great perk for the days we’d be spending on the property. Heck, they even had freshly baked goodies and fruit in the lobby in the afternoons! It’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotels to stay near Acadia National Park, Maine.

Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel

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Most luxurious chain hotel. Imagine finding an upscale and luxurious chain hotel away from the bustle of the town but within a five-minute drive of it. We’re talking about the Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel, which overlooks Frenchman’s Bay and sits right next to the Bar Harbor ferry terminal. So, we could explore not just the national park but also the islands around it easily.

What we loved about this Holiday Inn outpost was that it wasn’t just a single structure but adapted to the region’s laidback vibe. The rooms and suites were spread across two buildings, so some came with oceanfront views and some had lovely wooded views. Nevertheless, all rooms boasted well-designed wooded furniture, coffee-making facilities, and fridges. Thanks to the blackout blinds, we were able to sleep in on days when we didn’t have to wake up early. Our premium oceanfront view king room was spacious and had a balcony with panoramic views of Frenchman’s Bay.

The amenities at this Holiday Inn resort are what made our stay here so luxurious. The standout feature was the seasonal heated outdoor pool, which boasted infinite ocean views. So, it was a fantastic place to even lounge after a swim, given that there’s an excellent poolside bar, too. We even relaxed in the sauna and enjoyed a game of tennis. Finally, three restaurants on the property ensured that we didn’t even have to step out for meals.

The Mighty Oaks Retreat, Bar Harbor

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Are you looking for an elegant, upscale retreat in Bar Harbor for large gatherings? Trust the Mighty Oaks Retreat in Bar Harbor to do it right. Ensconced by fragrant conifers of the historic island, this massive six-bedroom retreat was so full of luxe amenities that we all wanted to stay forever and didn’t want to leave! It had an excellent location, too; it was just 5 minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park and just 10 minutes from the town of Bar Harbor. A spacious open living room and dining room greeted us when we entered. It was where we’d all get together and enjoy meals and just hang out together. Thanks to the fully-equipped kitchen, meals were never an issue, and we’d be able to cook everything from light to lavish dinners.

That said, the retreat was more than just a lavish home away from home. For instance, we loved the entertainment center downstairs, which is where we’d enjoy movie nights after long days of exploring Acadia. It even had a pool table and a tennis table, so we could gather and even enjoy playing. Of course, since we were visiting in spring, the shaded deck was the perfect place to grill dinners and dine alfresco. Mornings were spent sipping coffee in the Adirondack chairs, calmly gazing at the deer that would pass by. Of course, the highlight of the luxury amenities was the hot tub out on the deck, where soaking our sore muscles in the bubbling waters was the perfect way to top off a perfect day.

Under Canvas Acadia, Surry

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Luxurious glamping. We’ve been following Under Canvas ever since their first outing in West Yellowstone, which happens to be one of the best hotels near Yellowstone’s West Entrance. So, we were thrilled to be staying at Under Canvas Acadia, a chic glamping resort that combined the outdoors and luxury in one immersive outdoor escape. Located hardly half an hour from both the town of Bar Harbor and the national park entrance, this resort had an equally breathtaking backdrop – the Atlantic Coastline.

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What we really loved about this place were the staying options, i.e., the upscale, safari-style tents. Moreover, they came with a ton of comforts we hadn’t even seen in some hotels! Think plush white linens, solid wooden floors, and vintage wood-burning stoves, which were very comforting after an entire day on our feet. At the same time, they combined “camping” elements with the glamping experience, like having pull-chain environmentally-friendly showers but with running hot water. Our tent even came with an attached bathroom, while some tents did have communal bathrooms. Even then, they were spick and span, complete with luxurious bath products. Oh, there are daily housekeeping services, too – yes!

When we weren’t exploring Acadia, we’d be going through their exhaustive roster of daily activities, which included the likes of morning yoga classes for adults. In the evenings, we’d put our feet up with a glass of wine in Adirondack chairs, mingle with other guests, and enjoy grilled seafood dinners. Breakfasts and lunches had smart grab-and-go options, while dinner was a sit-down affair with iconic and classic Maine fare.

The Primrose

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There’s yet another luxurious B&B on this list – thank you, Maine! However, this one sits right in the very heart of Bar Harbor in a reimagined historic 1878-built structure. Behold the Primrose, which lay just a short jaunt from the main street, the waterfront, and the entrance to Acadia National Park. With just 15 distinctly decorated digs, staying at this Maine-centric guesthouse felt very exclusive. Moreover, all rooms had luxurious touches like plush beds and smart TVs with Netflix for entertainment. They even had equally indulgent and rather spacious bathrooms and gave us complimentary bathrobes too. That was a perk we hadn’t seen in many B&Bs, so you can imagine how thrilled we were! Nevertheless, the decor everywhere was eye-catching, ranging from antique furnishings and original artwork to nautical trinkets.

“This was the best place for an authentically luxurious Maine stay for exploring Acadia!”

WOW Travel

The friendly innkeepers would serve the most delectable specialty breakfasts, which we’d tuck in on the wraparound porch when the weather was nice. Or, of course, there was the lovely dining room, which is where we’d have other meals too. Nevertheless, breakfast was always a feast with waffles, French toast, quiches, frittatas, and freshly baked pastries. They even had tea, coffee, fruit, and desserts in the lobby every afternoon when we’d return from our Acadia expeditions. That said, the hosts were the best, helping us with everything we needed. They even lent us a GPS device for navigating Acadia!

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

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Luxurious waterfront living in Acadia doesn’t get any better than at The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, which overlooks Frenchman Bay right in the heart of Bar Harbor. It featured on CN Traveler’s ‘Top Hotels in New England in 2020’ list, and it’s easy to see why. The upscale nautical theme throughout the hotel was the perfect place to spend a Maine-centric and entirely comfy holiday. 

After long days of hiking around the national park, the swanky rooms and suites are a welcome change. We had the choice of nearly 200 rooms, all of which boasted luxe marble ensuites, with the suites also featuring living rooms and full kitchens. However, the four Boathouse Suites were the coolest rooms, one of which is where we chose to stay. Our Boathouse suite featured a lavish living space with a fireplace and even a furnished rooftop patio with a hot tub – and ocean views! The entire experience was so relaxing that we felt it had been specially designed for us.

That said, the spa is one of the highlights here, especially since it’s one of the few resort spas in the region. The couple’s massage and treatment were much-needed after a long day of exploring Acadia. Thanks to the three bars and restaurants on the property, all our meals, even cocktails, were taken care of! The standout amenity, though, was the two swimming pools – yes! While the freeform swimming pool sat next to the property fronting the water, the heated one sat right alongside the water that was the ticket. That, along with the hot tub, meant luxurious and languorous lounging in front of and in the water!

West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor

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The luxurious waterfront West Street Hotel in Bar Harbor almost looks like it belongs in the Caribbean. However, the upscale resort offered a quintessentially New England experience. A Miami-does-Maine facade welcomed us within the intelligent boutique hotel, which boasted chic nautically-inspired decor. 

With just 85 rooms, staying here felt more intimate than a full-sized hotel, especially since we were right on the harbor. The nautical style of the rooms was cozy and charming, but the plentiful mod-cons like fridges, flatscreen TVs, heated bathroom floors, and free Wi-Fi made for contemporary luxury living. Our third-floor balcony king room even gave us bathrobes, which we’d use to potter down the hall to get to the floor’s pantry area with a Keurig machine, water, ice, morning fruit, and evening snacks – all complimentary. And even though our room faced the water (which meant amazing water views), the heavy drapes helped block both the noise and the light from outside.

That said, the hotel does have a whole lot of noteworthy perks, the top spot occupied by the heated adults-only rooftop pool with bird’s eye views over the harbor. And let’s face it – a rooftop anything is a perk in this region, given the short heights of structures, so a pool is definitely a bonus. Plus, with shaded loungers, it was the ideal place to unwind. The hotel also has a spa, which was another delightful surprise, especially since Acadia tired us out! Moreover, the Irish bar downstairs makes a great breakfast, while the restaurant serves delicious Maine-centric dishes. The best bit? We also had access to the amenities at the hotel’s sister property across the street, the Harborside Hotel.

The Claremont Hotel, Southwest Harbor

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Instead of Bar Harbor, we looked for luxury hotels elsewhere on Mount Desert Island, and we were glad as we found the Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor. The tranquil Southwest Harbor location appealed to us immensely, given that we wanted to stay away from the bustle. At the same time, the entrance to Acadia National Park was barely 10 minutes away. However, what makes it fascinating is that the place was built by a retired sea captain in the late 1800s and is one of Mount Desert Island’s oldest remaining hotels!

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In true Maine fashion, we were welcomed warmly with complimentary glasses of prosecco. Then the staff explained everything about the property, which comprised a main historic house, alluring woodland cottages, and serene oceanside ones. What’s more, these Instagrammable digs were all set amidst birch and balsam fir groves and boasted sea-facing windows, wallpapered nooks, leather armchairs, and nautical decor. Given the luxurious nature of our holiday, we splurged on the Summer House cottage. It had a cozy sitting area, high-end l’Occitane bath products, and a wraparound porch overlooking the lush gardens.

In fact, the nautical theme is evident across the hotel, whether it’s artwork, floral walls, or even common areas with reading nooks and books to borrow. We felt like we were in Alice in Wonderland crossed with a Jules Verne novel. Additionally, a slew of activities are on offer here, including waterfront croquet and live singalongs! Of course, our favorite spot was reserved, i.e., the fabulous outdoor heated pool, complete with ocean views. Wrapping up the amenities here are the three restaurants and Spa Botanica, which was the perfect retreat after all that outdoorsy activity.

Our Verdict!

Finding luxury stays near Acadia National Park wasn’t a problem, but choosing from them was! That’s why we’ve drawn up a specific list to help you choose more easily.

• Best beachside hotel: The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor
• The most luxurious chain hotel: Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel
• Luxurious glamping: Under Canvas Acadia, Surry
• Best B&B: Chiltern Inn, Bar Harbor

Where to Stay in Acadia National Park?

Did you know that Acadia National Park is one of the best places to catch fall foliage in Maine? That said, Acadia is stunning in just about every season and happens to also be one of the top places in the USA to visit by van! So, which towns should you be looking at while visiting Acadia?

First up is Bangor, which is the biggest town closest to Acadia National Park, just an hour away. The urban region boasted stunning views of the Maine Highlands and even had excellent places to see as well as budget-friendly bars and restaurants. Secondly, there’s the piece de resistance of Acadia, Bar Harbor, which is the largest town on Mount Desert Island where Acadia actually sits. Not only does it have a fascinating culture and luxurious places to stay, but it’s also where most of the ferries to the smaller islands around begin and end. We also have the affordable blue-collar Ellsworth, which has some great deals on drinking and dining, as well as a slew of excellent accommodations.

If you love offbeat, luxurious stays like us, then you’ll definitely love Southwest Harbor, which is perfect for outdoor lovers. Finally, there’s the island of East Blue Hill, which lies across the water from Mount Desert Island. It’s home to popular destinations like Surry, which boast a host of luxurious outdoor-inspired stays.

What is the best base for Acadia National Park?

That would be the charming and deeply alluring town of Bar Harbor, which lies on Mount Desert Island. Since it shares borders with the national park, it’s a popular base for exploring it.

What is the busiest time for Acadia National Park?

While people visit Acadia throughout the year, peak visitor season here is usually from June to September.

Are two days in Acadia enough?

While a two-day stay is different from a week-long experience, there’s a lot to see and explore in and around the park in two days.