Where to Stay in Bar Harbor, Maine (Best Areas + Hotels for Every Budget)

Bar Harbor is small, scenic, and extremely popular especially between June and October. That means where you stay matters. Pick the wrong area and you’ll deal with parking headaches, crowds, or long drives into Acadia National Park. Pick the right one and your trip feels easy from day one.

This guide breaks down:

• The best areas to stay in Bar Harbor

• The best hotels in each area

• How to choose based on budget, convenience, and travel style

If you’re visiting during summer or fall, book early Bar Harbor accommodations sell out fast.

Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay in Bar Harbor

• First-time visitors: Downtown Bar Harbor

• Closest to Acadia National Park: Hulls Cove / Near the park entrance

• Quiet & scenic: Frenchman Bay

• Best value: Outside the downtown core on Mount Desert Island

Below is a deeper breakdown of each area and the best places to stay.

1. Downtown Bar Harbor (Best for First-Time Visitors)

Best for: Walkability, restaurants, shops
Downside: Higher prices, busiest area

If it’s your first time in Bar Harbor, staying downtown is the easiest option. You’ll be within walking distance of:

• Restaurants and coffee shops

• The waterfront

• Whale watching and boat tours

• The Island Explorer shuttle into Acadia National Park

You’ll pay more for the location, but you won’t need to drive or park much at all.

Best Hotels in Downtown Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Inn
A classic waterfront hotel with harbor views and one of the best locations in town.

West Street Hotel
A more modern option with updated rooms and a rooftop pool, still just steps from the water.

The Acadia Hotel
A solid mid-range choice right in the heart of downtown, offering good value for the location.

Tip: During peak season, downtown hotels often book up months in advance.

2. Hulls Cove & Near Acadia National Park (Best for Park Access)

Best for: Hiking-focused trips, early park access
Downside: Short drive required

Staying near the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia National Park is ideal if your main goal is spending time outdoors. This area allows you to:

• Enter the park early in the morning

• Avoid downtown crowds

• Get better value for your money

It’s only about a 5–10 minute drive into downtown Bar Harbor.

Best Hotels Near Acadia National Park

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
A waterfront property close to the park entrance with spacious rooms and ocean views.

Bar Harbor Motel
A budget-friendly, no-frills option with a convenient location for park access.

Acadia Inn
Great for families, with larger rooms, free breakfast, and easy parking.

3. Frenchman Bay Area (Best for Quiet & Views)

Best for: Couples, scenic stays, relaxation
Downside: Limited dining within walking distance

The Frenchman Bay area is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter stay with ocean views. You’ll still be close to Bar Harbor and Acadia, but the atmosphere is much calmer than downtown.

Best Scenic Hotels Near Bar Harbor

Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor – Acadia National Park
A waterfront resort offering a balance of scenery and convenience.

Belle Isle Motel
A more affordable waterfront option that’s often overlooked and less crowded.

4. Budget Stays on Mount Desert Island (Best Value)

Best for: Budget travelers, longer stays
Downside: Less walkability

If you’re traveling on a budget, staying outside the downtown core on Mount Desert Island can save you a significant amount—especially during peak season.

Look for:

• Motels

• Small inns

• Lodges slightly outside town

You’ll likely need to drive, but you’ll still be close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Best Time to Book Hotels in Bar Harbor

• Peak season: June through October

• Best deals: May and late October

• Fall foliage: September to early October (most expensive and busiest)

For summer and fall trips, booking 2–3 months in advance is strongly recommended.

Where Should You Stay in Bar Harbor?

• Stay downtown for convenience and walkability

• Stay near Acadia if hiking is your top priority

• Stay along Frenchman Bay for quiet and views

• Stay outside the core for better value

Bar Harbor is compact, so nothing is truly far but choosing the right area can completely change your experience.