Where is the best place to stay when visiting Acadia National Park?
Acadia National Park is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States — a mix of rocky coastline, granite mountains, and charming New England towns. But with so many hotels near Acadia National Park Maine, deciding where to stay when visiting Acadia National Park can feel overwhelming.
The most popular place to stay is Bar Harbor, which sits just minutes from the park’s main entrance.
You’ll also find excellent accommodations in Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and even inland near Ellsworth or Winter Harbor. These towns each have their own charm — from luxury waterfront hotels to rustic cabins and cozy B&Bs — making it easy to find the best places to stay near Acadia National Park for every style of traveler.
Whether you’re looking for the best hotel in Acadia National Park itself, a boutique inn, or budget-friendly lodging, this guide will help you discover the perfect spot to make your trip unforgettable.
Best Hotel Near Acadia National Park
If you only have time to look at one place, the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa is the best hotel near Acadia National Park. With its waterfront location, elegant rooms, full-service spa, and on-site restaurants, it’s the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and New England charm.
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My Top 3 Picks: Best Places to Stay Close to Acadia National Park
🥇 Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Bar Harbor
Best for luxury and convenience
Why it’s one of the best: Waterfront location, ocean-view dining, outdoor pool, and just minutes from the park entrance.
🥈 Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
Best for Families & Groups
Why it’s one of the best: Spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and direct ocean access. Bonus: on-site boat tours to see seals, porpoises, and puffins.
🥉 Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B
Best for a romantic getaway
Why it’s one of the best: Adults-only inn with private beach access and gourmet breakfast.
Comparison of the 10 Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park
| Name | Photos | Location | Why Book (Unique Features) | Rating (/10) | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Inn & Spa |  | Bar Harbor | Iconic waterfront inn with spa & restaurants | 9.2 | BOOK NOW |
| Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center |  | Southwest Harbor | Elegant seaside resort with tennis & golf | 9.3 | BOOK NOW |
| Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B |  | Bar Harbor | Adults-only, private beach, gourmet breakfast | 9.6 | BOOK NOW |
| Chiltern Inn |  | Bar Harbor | Romantic B&B with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and indoor pool | 9.5 | BOOK NOW |
| Bar Harbor Motel |  | Bar Harbor | Upscale boutique B&B with gourmet breakfast and quiet location | 9.5 | BOOK NOW |
| Acadia Hotel - Downtown |  | Bar Harbor | Boutique Victorian inn with gourmet breakfast | 9.4 | BOOK NOW |
| Best Western Acadia Park Inn |  | Bar Harbor | Boutique inn right in downtown, charming décor, free breakfast | 9.0 | BOOK NOW |
| Acadia Inn |  | Bar Harbor | Family-friendly hotel with pool & trails | 8.7 | BOOK NOW |
| Kimball Terrace Inn |  | Northeast Harbor | Affordable option near marinas & shops | 8.5 | BOOK NOW |
| Harbor Ridge Resort |  | Southwest Harbor | Condo-style units with kitchens, pool & hot tub | 8.9 | BOOK NOW |
Top Picks for Best Places to Stay
| Best For… | Place to Stay |
| Best Overall Stay | Bar Harbor Inn & Spa |
| Best Family Hotel | Atlantic Oceanside Hotel |
| Best Romantic Escape | Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B |
| Best Family Option | Acadia Inn |
| Best Budget Hotel | Bar Harbor Motel |
| Best Mid-Range Value | Kimball Terrace Inn |
Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor (Main Gateway)
This is the hub of activity with the most hotels close to Acadia National Park, restaurants, shops, and boat tours.
Stay here if: You want walkability, nightlife, and the most convenient access to the park.
Northeast Harbor
A peaceful harbor town with marinas, art galleries, and boutique inns.
Stay here if: You want a quieter, upscale vibe and fewer crowds.
Southwest Harbor (Quiet Side of Mount Desert Island)
Known as the “quiet side,” with charming shops and beautiful harbor views.
Stay here if: You want tranquility and a slower pace while still being close to Acadia’s hiking trails.
Ellsworth (Budget-Friendly Option)
Located inland about 20 minutes from Bar Harbor.
Stay here if: You want more affordable accommodations and don’t mind a short drive to the park.
Winter Harbor (Schoodic Peninsula)
Perfect for exploring Acadia’s lesser-known Schoodic District.
Stay here if: You want off-the-beaten-path coastal beauty and fewer tourists.
10 Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park
1. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
📍 Address: 8 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
This iconic waterfront hotel is one of the most popular hotels around Acadia National Park. You’ll enjoy oceanfront rooms, a heated outdoor pool, spa services, and two restaurants — including the scenic Terrace Grille.
❓ Why stay here?
For iconic oceanfront views, full-service amenities, and a classic Bar Harbor experience steps from Acadia.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Excellent location, full-service amenities, beautiful views.
❎ The Worst Parts: High demand means it sells out early in peak season.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples, families, and first-time visitors looking for a classic Bar Harbor experience.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
2. Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
📍 Address: 119 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Oceanfront resort with indoor/outdoor pools, private beach, and on-site boat tours. Spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities.
❓ Why stay here?
A family-friendly resort with both indoor and outdoor pools, private beach access, and on-site boat tours. It’s one of the few hotels where you can step right from your room onto a boat for a puffin or whale-watching cruise.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Pools, boat tours, ocean access.
❎ The Worst Parts: Slightly outside downtown.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families and groups.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
3. Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B
📍 Address: 121 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
An adults-only, waterfront bed-and-breakfast offering private beach access, luxury rooms, and a multi-course breakfast.
❓ Why stay here? For a romantic, adults-only escape with private beach access and indulgent multi-course breakfasts.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Romantic setting, beach access, intimate feel.
❎ The Worst Parts: Not suitable for families with kids.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
4. Chiltern Inn
📍 Address: 11 Cromwell Harbor Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
For travelers seeking a romantic, boutique stay, Chiltern Inn is a hidden gem. This luxury bed-and-breakfast features spacious suites with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and elegant décor. You’ll also have access to an indoor lap pool, sauna, and art gallery — making it feel like a spa retreat in the heart of Bar Harbor.
The inn serves a multi-course breakfast each morning, and there’s a wine-and-cheese hour in the evenings. Its quiet location just a short walk from downtown makes it easy to enjoy Bar Harbor’s shops and restaurants while still having a peaceful place to return to.
❓ Why stay here? For a boutique, spa-like retreat with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and gourmet touches in a quiet setting.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Romantic atmosphere, indoor pool and sauna, gourmet breakfast.
❎ The Worst Parts: Only a handful of suites, so it books up quickly.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples who want a serene, spa-like escape with personalized service.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
5. Bar Harbor Motel
📍 Address: 100 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Budget-friendly, family-run motel with direct access to Acadia’s carriage roads. Includes breakfast and a heated pool.
❓ Why stay here?
This affordable, family-run motel offers direct access to Acadia’s carriage roads, making it a dream for cyclists and hikers. With breakfast included and a heated pool, it’s a budget-friendly stay that doesn’t skimp on convenience.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Affordable, family-friendly, great location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Simple décor, not luxury.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families and budget-conscious travelers.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
6. Acadia Hotel – Downtown
📍 Address: 20 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Boutique inn in the town square with free bikes, hot tubs, and personalized service.
❓ Why stay here?
A boutique inn located right on the town square, this hotel offers free bikes, hot tubs, and personalized service. It’s a charming, intimate alternative to larger hotels, with unbeatable access to Bar Harbor’s shops and restaurants.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Central location, boutique charm.
❎ The Worst Parts: Smaller property, limited amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples and boutique hotel lovers.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
7. Best Western Acadia Park Inn
📍 Address: 269 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Affordable chain hotel near Acadia with breakfast included.
❓ Why stay here?
A peaceful, family-friendly hotel just minutes from Acadia’s main entrance, offering clean, spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor pool — all at a great value.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Value, breakfast, family-friendly.
❎ The Worst Parts: Not walkable to downtown.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families on a budget.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
8. Acadia Inn
📍 Address: 98 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
A family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms, a heated pool, and a private walking trail that connects to Acadia.
❓ Why stay here? For family-friendly comfort with a pool, spacious rooms, and direct trail access into Acadia.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Great for families, close to the park entrance.
❎ The Worst Parts: More of a mid-range hotel than a luxury stay.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families who want convenience and value.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
9. Kimball Terrace Inn
📍 Address: 10 Huntington Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
An affordable, clean option near the marina and shops in Northeast Harbor.
❓ Why stay here? For an affordable, quiet stay near the marina and shops of Northeast Harbor.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Good value, quiet location.
❎ The Worst Parts: Simple rooms compared to Bar Harbor hotels.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid Bar Harbor crowds.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
10. Harbor Ridge Resort
📍 Address: 39 Freeman Ridge Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Offers condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, a pool, and a hot tub.
❓ Why stay here? For spacious condo-style living with full kitchens, a pool, and a peaceful home-away-from-home atmosphere.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Spacious units, great for long stays, peaceful setting.
❎ The Worst Parts: About a 20-minute drive to Bar Harbor.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families or groups looking for a home-away-from-home feel.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
Best Acadia National Park Hotels Map
Use this interactive map to explore where these hotels close to Acadia National Park are located — from bustling Bar Harbor to quiet harborside towns.
Enjoy your stay wherever you choose!
Do you have any other tip picks for the best places to stay in Acadia National Park? I’d love to hear about it. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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