11 Best Hotels to Stay Near Acadia National Park, Maine

The awe-inspiring Acadia National Park in Maine spans a whopping 47,000 acres, offering some of the East Coast’s most spectacular natural attractions. Tucked on Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast, Acadia offers endless outdoor adventures notwithstanding the season. That’s why nature lovers love flocking to this stunning corner of the world, making it one of the country’s most-visited national parks in the US! For more than 100 years, nature lovers have been staying in cute little shingled cottages, but all that’s changed now. Today, there’s a profusion of hotels to stay near Acadia National Park. The fjord-lined isle is still a hotspot for outdoor lovers, but we now have options for stays ranging from luxurious hotels to smaller boutique ones and even budget options. So, whether we were looking for quaint B&Bs, iconic waterfront hotels, or even centuries-old inns, we were delighted at the sheer options we had here.

Whether we wanted to chow on local delicacies, explore the quaint villages, drift on the lake waters, or hike the seemingly endless network of trails, the staying options near Acadia National Park offer them all. Check out our detailed guide to exploring and staying near what is one of the best national parks in the US.

The Inn On Mount Desert, Bar Harbor

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Imagine staying just a mile from Acadia National Park! Our dream became a reality at the Inn on Mount Desert, which was the perfect jumping-off point for exploring what is one of the best places in Maine to see fall foliage. Having been recently renovated in 2018, this historic inn beautifully blended modern amenities with New England charm.

We loved the rooms and suites here, which came not only with mod-cons like microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers but also nautical decor and luxe bathrooms with specialty handmade soap. However, we got ourselves an upgraded room, which was completely worth it, what with the private balcony/terrace that came along with it. It was the perfect place to sip our morning coffees and evening wine. 

Our days begin with a hearty complimentary continental breakfast, which would fuel us up for a full day of hiking in Acadia National Park. On some days, we even went on a culinary walking tour of Bar Harbor, which the amazingly friendly hosts highly recommended. What’s more, they even put out hot tea, fresh lemonade, and free coffee 24/7. We were delighted to be able to snag fruit and freshly baked goodies in the lobby in the afternoons! The best bit? Not only is the inn just a 10-minute walk to the waterfront and Bar Harbor, but even the free shuttle to Acadia National Park is a hop, skip, and jump away.

Bass Cottage & Ullikana, Bar Harbor

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Best B&B. What was once a traditional summer home for wealthy residents is now one of the best luxury B&Bs near Acadia National Park. We’re talking about Bass Cottage & Ullikana, a luxurious guesthouse tucked at the northern end of Bar Harbor. It’s the town’s longest-running inn and boasts a wonderful beach house aesthetic. Not only was it a quick stroll from the town center, but it was also close to the beach, where strolling down every evening to catch the sunset was a ritual.

Since we were visiting in the summer, we loved spending evenings in the lush gardens, which is where we also indulged in huge breakfast spreads that included everything from crispy apple maple bacon to French toast. After a day of hiking around and exploring Acadia, the 24/7 pantry with complimentary fresh baked goods and coffee was one of the most thoughtful amenities we’d ever seen. On days that we took a break, the relaxing Adirondack chairs in the backyard were perfect to curl up with a book and a glass of wine. Finally, the timbered indoor lounge was where we’d get a warm drink before bed when nights were cooler.

That said, the cherry on top of our stay was the rooms, which were a nod to the inn’s Victorian roots and still had well-thought-out New England crisp, coastal styling. Plus, they had a nice selection of amenities, such as cable TVs, complimentary bath products, and high-powered air conditioning, which was a blessing during summer. Did you know the inn even has a non-stuffy fine-dining restaurant? Yes! So, we didn’t have to step out for food either.

Chiltern Inn, Bar Harbor

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We were looking for Bar Harbor digs close to the national park with the vibe of a guesthouse but the amenities of a hotel. That may seem impossible to find, but we got lucky with the Chiltern Inn. Located just 10 minutes from Bar Harbor’s town center, this peaceful escape wasn’t your typical B&B. A forest green glass-paned door welcomed us onto this luxury property, which was surrounded by some of the best verdure in the region.

“Staying at the Chiltern offered us the best experience of staying close to Acadia, but in an environment we were comfortable with.”

WOW Travel

The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming, dishing out a nourishing complementary breakfast every morning. It kept us going for a half-day exploration of Acadia National Park, after which we were welcomed back to a fantastic cheese and wine tasting at the B&B. On days that we didn’t step out, the indoor swimming pool was our favorite haunt. After a leisurely swim, we’d cozy up on the flower-filled patio with a glass of wine and a good book, or we’d head out to explore the neighborhood. Most nights were reserved for kicking back with a movie in the lounge, which was the best way to end the day.

Every gorgeous room and suite here featured a cozy fireplace that we could fire up in the evenings. Traditional wooden decor aside, we loved the well-appointed bathrooms with romantic bathtubs and fluffy bathrobes.

The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor

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Best beachside hotel. Ocean vistas meet beachy design at the Bayview Hotel, which is the epitome of modern boutique luxury near the national park. Tucked right on the shores of Frenchman Bay, this hotel in the heart of Bar Harbor is unique because each of its 26 rooms has sea-facing views! That cannot be said of any digs in the region, and that’s saying something. Not only that, but also each of them has a private terrace with spectacular island and ocean views. If that doesn’t catch your fancy, we don’t know what will! With original artwork, tufted headboards, and whimsical bursts of color, the rooms are divided into Peak, Island, and Ocean rooms. We chose the top-floor Peak rooms, the best in the house, which came with boho-chic furnishings and furnished oceanfront terraces. 

Since the objective of our trip was to explore Acadia National Park, the attentive staff delivered breakfast directly to our room every morning. What’s more, we had both vegan and vegetarian options, with goodies like juice, seasonal fruit, assorted yogurt, homemade granola, and freshly baked goods. Since our room, actually, every room came with a coffeemaker, we could brew our own much-needed cup of joe in the mornings. After a long day, we’d head down to the elegant seaside Rusticator Lounge for small plates and craft cocktails. It was the best way to end a day of exploration.

Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites, Bar Harbor

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Most unique stay. Imagine staying in a hip but elegant pirate-themed haunt to explore Acadia – that’s what the Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn and Suites was all about. The inn, which comprises 5 cottages dating back to the 1800s, is tucked on a quiet street not far from the Bar Harbor town center. Plus, it’s less than a mile from the entrance to the national park.

The quirkily named inn takes its name from Captain Blackbeard’s famed pirate ship. So, we found just the right amount of nautical-themed decor and humor at this stunner of an inn. Think bold accent walls, tall ship decals, and Kraken paintings. Plus, there’s even an appropriately named bar onsite called the Black Spot Tavern, which serves a variety of beer, wine, and rum, along with a side of shuffleboard. Plus, the shared outdoor lounge is a great place to rest up after a day’s hike. What’s not to like? In fact, the amenities made it one of the best Acadia National Park family resorts too.

What we also loved about this B&B is that every room here was different, making for an intimate and exclusive staying experience with a homely vibe. Moreover, every room mixed vintage accessories with mod-cons like flatscreen TVs and Wi-Fi, and even complimentary bath products and ensuite bathrooms. 

Under Canvas Acadia, Surry

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Best glamping. Accommodations don’t get any more unique than Under Canvas Acadia, a chic glamping resort we loved as discerning glampers. The Acadia location, which is hardly 30 minutes from the national park and Bar Harbor, lies against a breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Coastline. In fact, it offered us everything that brought us to Acadia in the first place – a rugged shoreline, dense woods, and a sense of being completely enveloped by nature.

At the same time, it wonderfully complemented that with comforts like grown-up camping meals, a campfire to cozy around each night, and real, plush beds. The upscale, safari-style tents have vintage wood-burning stoves, a thick victory canvas, solid wood floors, and plush white linens, which were comforting after a day on our feet. Putting the “camping” back in glamping are elements like pull-chain environmentally-friendly showers, but with running hot water, which was a great perk. While some come with attached bathrooms, other tents have communal bathrooms, so plan accordingly. Did we mention the daily housekeeping services? Yep.

Even though most people here come to explore Acadia, they have a roster of daily activities, including painting sessions for kids and morning yoga classes for adults. Evenings were reserved for kicking back with a glass of wine in Adirondack chairs and enjoying grilled seafood dinners while mingling. Finally, the food here is sublime and Maine-central, with breakfasts and lunches comprising smart grab-and-go versions of sandwiches, bagels, etc. Dinner, on the other hand, is exciting and boasts fresh takes on classic and iconic Maine dishes. Oof!

The Claremont Hotel, Southwest Harbor

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We looked for luxury hotels on Mount Desert Island located anywhere but Bar Harbor, and the Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor stood out. Firstly, its quiet Southwest Harbor location appealed to us immensely. The property itself comprises a main historic house with rooms, cozy woodland cottages, and idyllic oceanside bungalows, all set amidst balsam fir and birch groves. We were welcomed, in true Maine fashion, with complimentary glasses of prosecco as the staff explained the property and its offerings before leading us to our rooms.

What’s more, the Insta-worthy digs all have nautical decor, leather armchairs, wallpapered nooks, and round sea-facing windows. This makes sense since the structure is one of the island’s oldest remaining hotels, which a retired sea captain built in the late 1800s. We splurged on the Summer House cottage, which came with high-end l’Occitane bath products, a cozy sitting area, and a wraparound porch overlooking lush flower and vegetable gardens.

The rest of the hotel is much the same – nautical-themed common areas with reading nooks and books to borrow and snap-worthy corners with floral walls and sleek artwork. Think classic ship captain’s quarters meeting “Alice in Wonderland” whimsy. But that’s not all. Besides exploring the national park, we enjoyed a slew of activities here, like live singalongs and waterfront croquet. On our days off exploring, the fabulous outdoor heated pool was where we’d be, followed by a lounge on the lawn-front cabanas with ocean views. The spa treatments at Spa Botanica were a grand offering and rather a welcome after all that outdoorsy activity. Three onsite dining concepts satiated all hunger pangs, and drinking nightcaps by the fire pits was the perfect way to wind up the day.

Bar Harbor Inn and Spa

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Best location. Staying on the water’s edge in Bar Harbor doesn’t get any better than at the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Not only does it sit smack dab in the heart of the town, but also Town Beach is right next to the hotel, with the shore path right out front. Moreover, Acadia National Park is less than 10 minutes away, making this the perfect base for us for a well-rounded Acadia holiday.

Originally a men’s social club, this elegant inn might sound small, but it comprises an 1887-built main inn, an oceanfront lodge, and the Newport building, which together has 150 rooms and suites! We wanted to take complete advantage of the waterfront location, which is why we chose an oceanfront room in the Oceanfront Lodge. Not only did the spacious room come with a four-poster bed, but it also boasted a large flatscreen TV and a private balcony. If you’re looking for old-world touches like gas fireplaces, then go for the main inn rooms.

The title might say inn, but you’ll be delighted to find a wonderful luxury spa here. The facials and aromatherapy massages were a blessing after a long day of exploring Acadia. We’d begin our relaxed evenings at the upscale Reading Room with live music, followed by a delicious dinner at the outdoor restaurant. The outdoor heated harbor-facing pool was a delight, as was the continental breakfast which we’d dig into poolside. Plus, the views of lobstermen pulling up their traps and the waves lapping against the rocky shore were hard to beat!

The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

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Culture vultures like us will love staying at the unique Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, a stunning structure that’s actually a replica of the iconic 19th-century Rodick House. Once touted as Maine’s largest hotel, the hotel now features historic throwbacks of all kinds that blend seamlessly with mod-cons. What makes this architectural masterpiece unique is that it sits right in the heart of Bar Harbor but not on the waterfront. At the same time, it’s less than five minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park.

Our days would begin early as we sipped our coffees on rocking chairs on the front porch, followed by a hearty complimentary breakfast that fueled us for a day of hiking and exploring. After we’d come back, swimming in the heated outdoor pool was our favorite activity. However, star gazing from the hot tub took the cake, and it was one of the most overwhelming experiences we ever had.

The rooms and suites here have the same vibe as the rest of the hotel, complete with ultra-comfy beds, bathtubs to soak our aching muscles in, and flatscreen TVs for relaxing movie nights.

The Primrose

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There’s nothing we didn’t like about our stay at the Primrose, housed in a reimagined historic 1878-built structure right in the heart of Bar Harbor. Not only was the waterfront and Main Street just a short jaunt away, but also the entrance to Acadia National Park was merely 10 minutes away.

With just 15 distinctly decorated rooms, staying here was as intimate as it was exclusive and Maine-centric. All rooms came with luxurious baths and super-soft robes, smart TVs with Netflix, and comfy beds. Now that’s a treat we haven’t seen in many B&Bs! Moreover, every room had beautiful and eye-catching decor ranging from nautical trinkets to original artwork and antique furnishings.

The friendly innkeepers served up a specialty breakfast, which we could enjoy alfresco on the wraparound porch, weather permitting, or in the equally lovely dining room. What’s more, it would be a feast with a selection of freshly baked pastries and options for savory/sweet entrees like frittatas and quiches or French toast and waffles. If that wasn’t enough, they even laid out a spread of desserts, fruit, coffee, and tea in the lobby every afternoon. That said, the innkeepers were the best, helping us with everything we needed, including giving us insider tips on the best things to do in the region. They even lent us a handy GPS device for navigating the national park!

Check out the other best spa hotels in New England.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

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Do a visit to Acadia right by staying at The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, an incredibly luxurious waterfront stay overlooking Frenchman Bay. Tucked in the heart of Bar Harbor, this place had so many cool amenities that we didn’t feel like leaving!

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We loved relaxing in the newly renovated rooms and suites after long days of hiking around Acadia National Park. All rooms boast luxe marble ensuites and natural wood trimmings, while the suites offer outfitted kitchens and living rooms. However, the coolest rooms by far were the four Boathouse Suites, which is where we chose to stay. Not only did ours come with a lavish living room with a fireplace, but we even had a furnished rooftop terrace with a hot tub! And, of course, the unobstructed bay views with the boats and sky made for the most luxurious, relaxing setting ever.

One of the highlights here is the spa, where we treated ourselves to some much-needed R&R after long days of being on our feet. Soaking in the heated outdoor pool facing the harbor and enjoying some bubbling waters time in the hot tub was one of our favorite ways to relax and unwind here. When we wanted to get out, we even went on a whale-watching tour at the marina and played tennis at the club. When the hunger pangs called, the three bars and restaurants beckoned and served everything from all meals to cocktails.

Our Verdict!

If you thought staying around Acadia National Park would mean fewer options, then clearly, this list might have made you think again. That said, we’ve come up with a specialized list to help you prioritize and choose a hotel to stay in during your Acadia trip!

• Best B&B: Bass Cottage & Ullikana, Bar Harbor
• Best beachside hotel: The Bayview Hotel, Bar Harbor
• Most unique stay: Queen Anne’s Revenge Inn And Suites, Bar Harbor
• Best glamping: Under Canvas Acadia, Surry
• Best location: Bar Harbor Inn And Spa

Where to Stay near Acadia National Park?

Although it’s small, Acadia National Park is one of the USA’s best national parks. In fact, it’s one of the top places in the USA to visit by van! So, if you’re a road trip enthusiast, then Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island should be your next destination. Since it’s connected by a bridge to the mainland, you’ll need a car to get around anyway! Since there are heaps of things to do here, which are the best Acadia National Park Maine places to stay?

We begin with Bangor, just an hour from Acadia National Park. The urban region not only afforded us stunning views of the Maine Highlands from everywhere but was also packed with budget-friendly bars and fascinating cultural insights. Next, there’s Bar Harbour, which is the largest town on Mount Desert Island. What’s more, it’s also close to downtown as well as many of the ferries to the smaller islands around. Another affordable town is the blue-collar Ellsworth, which has some great deals on drinking, dining, and accommodations.

Those looking for something a little more offbeat will love Southwest Harbor, which is a haven for outdoor lovers. Finally, there’s Blue Hill across the water from Mount Desert Island, which is very popular in the summer. Whether it’s an Acadia National Park motel, hotel, or B&B you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone here.

Are there hotels in Acadia National Park?

No, there are no hotels or lodges inside the park. However, there are two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, which is a great way to experience staying in the park.

Why is Acadia famous?

As mentioned earlier, Acadia is famed for its stunning fall foliage. That said, it’s also popular in other seasons, especially winter, when it’s swathed in white. Snowshoeing, XC skiing, hiking, and scenic drives are a great way to explore the park during this time.

How long can you stay at Acadia?

An average stay is 3-4 days long, and anything more than that is fantastic.