Best Budget Hotels in Bar Harbor (Affordable Places to Stay Without Sacrificing Location)

Bar Harbor is one of the most popular destinations in Maine—and one of the most expensive during peak season. The good news? You don’t have to blow your entire travel budget on a hotel to enjoy Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor.

This guide covers the best budget hotels in Bar Harbor, focusing on places that offer:

• Good value for the price

• Convenient access to Acadia National Park

• Clean, comfortable stays without unnecessary extras

What Counts as “Budget” in Bar Harbor?

During peak season (June–October), many hotels in Bar Harbor regularly exceed $300–$400 per night. For this guide, “budget” generally means:

• Under $250 per night in shoulder season

• Lower-priced options compared to downtown waterfront hotels

• Strong location-to-price ratio

Prices vary heavily by season, so flexibility helps.

Quick Picks: Best Budget Hotels in Bar Harbor

• Best overall budget hotel: Bar Harbor Motel

• Best budget waterfront stay: Belle Isle Motel

• Best budget hotel near Acadia National Park: Acadia Inn

• Best simple downtown-adjacent stay: The Acadia Hotel

Below is a full breakdown of each option.

1. Bar Harbor Motel (Best Overall Budget Option)

Best for: Value, location near Acadia
Location: Near the Hulls Cove entrance

Bar Harbor Motel is a go-to choice for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring Acadia National Park. It’s clean, affordable, and located close to the park entrance, which makes early mornings easy.

Why it’s a good value:

• Lower nightly rates than downtown hotels

• Quick access to Acadia National Park

• Simple, well-kept rooms

• Easy parking

You’ll need to drive into downtown Bar Harbor, but it’s only about a 10-minute trip.

2. Belle Isle Motel (Best Budget Waterfront Stay)

Best for: Water views at a lower cost
Location: Along Frenchman Bay

Belle Isle Motel is one of the few places where you can get waterfront views without paying luxury hotel prices. It’s quiet, scenic, and often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Highlights:

• Waterfront location

• More affordable than downtown waterfront hotels

• Peaceful atmosphere

This is a strong choice if you value views and quiet over walkability.

3. Acadia Inn (Best Budget Hotel Near Acadia National Park)

Best for: Families, longer stays
Location: Near the park entrance

Acadia Inn offers good value for travelers who want a comfortable stay close to Acadia National Park. Rooms tend to be larger than typical budget motels, and the property offers amenities that help keep costs down.

Why travelers choose it:

• Free breakfast

• Spacious rooms

• Convenient park access

• On-site parking

It’s a practical option if you’re traveling with family or planning multiple days in the park.

4. The Acadia Hotel (Best Budget Option Near Downtown)

Best for: Central location without waterfront prices
Location: Downtown Bar Harbor

If staying downtown is important to you, The Acadia Hotel is one of the more affordable options in the heart of Bar Harbor. While it lacks waterfront views, the location makes up for it.

Why it works:

• Walkable to restaurants and shops

• Good value compared to other downtown hotels

• Ideal for short stays

Availability can be limited, especially in summer.

5. Mount Desert Island Motels & Inns (Best for the Lowest Prices)

Best for: Maximum savings
Location: Outside downtown Bar Harbor

Staying slightly outside the downtown core on Mount Desert Island can save you a significant amount, particularly during peak season. These properties are often:

• Family-run

• Simple and clean

• A short drive from town

This is often the best option if you’re staying several nights and plan to explore the island by car.

Best Areas to Stay for Budget Travelers

• Near Acadia National Park: Best value for hikers and early park access

• Frenchman Bay: Affordable waterfront options

• Outside downtown: Lowest nightly rates

Downtown convenience comes at a premium, so budget travelers typically get more value just outside the core.

Best Time to Find Cheap Hotels in Bar Harbor

• Cheapest months: May and late October

• Most expensive: July and August

• Shoulder season: Early June and late September offer good balance

If you’re flexible with dates, even shifting your trip by a week can lower prices significantly.

Where to Stay on a Budget in Bar Harbor

You don’t need a luxury hotel to enjoy Bar Harbor. By staying near Acadia National Park, along Frenchman Bay, or just outside downtown, you can save money without sacrificing your experience.

If your priority is exploring nature, hiking, and spending time outdoors, a budget-friendly hotel makes perfect sense—and frees up money for experiences instead.