Overview of Acadia Accommodation Areas

When looking at places to stay near Acadia National Park, it really comes down to what kind of experience you want. Bar Harbor is the lively hub, packed with restaurants, shops, and direct access to park highlights like Cadillac Mountain and the Park Loop Road. On the other hand, the “Quiet Side” of Mount Desert Island—towns like Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Tremont—offers a slower pace, fewer crowds, and a more authentic coastal Maine feel. I’ve found that both areas have their perks: Bar Harbor is unbeatable for convenience, while Southwest Harbor’s working waterfront and easy access to gems like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse make it perfect for a more laid-back escape.

👉 For those who also love exploring the West, you might enjoy my guide on the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where planning around seasons makes just as much difference as it does here in Acadia.

Ellsworth and Trenton provide budget-conscious travelers with affordable places to stay near Acadia National Park, typically 15-30 minutes from the park entrance. These mainland locations offer larger chain hotels and more parking, which I've found especially valuable during peak summer months when Bar Harbor accommodations fill up quickly.

The Schoodic Peninsula represents the most remote option among places to stay near Acadia National Park, perfect for visitors seeking solitude and access to the park's least crowded section. Winter Harbor offers a handful of accommodations that provide a completely different Acadia experience, though you'll need to drive about an hour to reach the main park attractions on Mount Desert Island.

Luxury Hotels & Premium Resorts

For travelers seeking the finest places to stay near Acadia National Park, several luxury properties deliver exceptional experiences that I've personally enjoyed during my premium Maine getaways.

Bar Harbor Inn & Spa

The Bar Harbor Inn stands as the crown jewel among luxury places to stay near Acadia National Park. During my three-night stay in their Oceanfront Lodge, I was impressed by the property's prime waterfront location and impeccable service. The resort offers three distinct buildings, each providing different experiences while maintaining the same high standards. The infinity pool overlooking Frenchman Bay creates an unforgettable backdrop for evening cocktails, and their spa services provide perfect post-hiking relaxation.

What sets this property apart from other places to stay near Acadia National Park is its rich history dating back to 1887, combined with modern luxury amenities. The Reading Room Restaurant serves exceptional locally-sourced seafood, and I particularly recommend their lobster bisque and pan-seared scallops. Room rates typically range from $400-800 per night during peak season, but the experience justifies the investment. For your outdoor adventures, don't forget essential gear like this ***reliable LED headlamp*** for early morning hikes up Cadillac Mountain.

The Claremont Hotel

Located on the quieter Southwest Harbor side, The Claremont Hotel offers one of the most elegant places to stay near Acadia National Park. This historic property, which I visited during fall foliage season, provides stunning views of Somes Sound and maintains a refined, old-world charm that feels distinctly Maine. The croquet lawn, tennis court, and private dock create an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

The Claremont's accommodations range from renovated hotel rooms to private cottages, making it versatile among luxury places to stay near Acadia National Park. During my cottage stay, I appreciated the full kitchen facilities and private deck overlooking the sound. The property's restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients, and their famous popovers have become a tradition I look forward to during every visit. If you're planning to explore other western national parks, our ***Colorado Springs to Black Canyon of the Gunnison*** guide offers excellent route planning tips.

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

The Harborside Hotel represents modern luxury among places to stay near Acadia National Park, featuring a full-service marina that sets it apart from other accommodations. During my stay, I enjoyed direct access to boat tours and appreciated the contemporary design elements throughout the property. The spa services are exceptional, particularly their signature Maine blueberry treatments that perfectly complement a day of hiking in the park.

This property excels in providing amenities that enhance your Acadia experience, including concierge services that can arrange private boat tours to see the park from the water. The poolside bar and multiple dining venues ensure you never need to leave the property for entertainment, though the location makes exploring Bar Harbor's downtown attractions effortless.

Budget-Friendly Hotels & Motels

Affordable places to stay near Acadia National Park don't require sacrificing comfort or convenience. I've discovered numerous budget-friendly options that provide excellent value while maintaining easy access to the park's attractions.

Acadia Inn

The Acadia Inn consistently ranks among the best budget-friendly places to stay near Acadia National Park, and my multiple stays here confirm its reputation for cleanliness and value. Located just one mile from the park entrance, this family-owned property offers an on-site trail that connects directly to Acadia's carriage roads—a unique feature I haven't found at other accommodations in this price range.

What impressed me most during my stays at the Acadia Inn is their complimentary breakfast buffet, which provides excellent fuel for day-long park explorations. The property maintains well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, and the staff consistently demonstrates knowledge about park conditions and local attractions. Rates typically range from $150-250 per night, making it accessible for families and budget-conscious travelers. Don't forget to pack a ***quick-dry camping towel*** for those refreshing dips in Jordan Pond.

Best Western Acadia Park Inn

Among chain options for places to stay near Acadia National Park, the Best Western Acadia Park Inn offers reliable quality and excellent amenities. During my stay, I particularly appreciated the outdoor pool, which provided perfect relaxation after hiking Cadillac Mountain. The property's location along Route 3 ensures easy access to both the park and Bar Harbor's downtown attractions.

The hotel's complimentary breakfast and fitness center add value that distinguishes it from other budget places to stay near Acadia National Park. The rooms are spacious and well-maintained, with comfortable beds that ensure restful sleep after active park days. Free WiFi and parking eliminate additional costs that can add up during extended stays. For exploring Colorado's dramatic landscapes, consider our detailed guide on ***Crested Butte to Black Canyon of the Gunnison***.

Ellsworth and Trenton Options

For the most economical places to stay near Acadia National Park, I recommend exploring accommodations in Ellsworth and Trenton. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ellsworth provides modern amenities at significantly lower rates than Bar Harbor properties, typically saving $50-100 per night. During my stays, the 20-minute drive to the park entrance proved manageable and allowed for budget savings that funded additional park activities.

The Comfort Inn Ellsworth offers another excellent budget option among places to stay near Acadia National Park, featuring an indoor pool and hot tub that guests particularly enjoy after long hiking days. The continental breakfast provides sufficient energy for park adventures, and the property's location near shopping centers allows for convenient meal planning and supply gathering. Essential camping gear like this ***natural mosquito repellent*** becomes crucial during Maine's bug season.

Unique Stays & Glamping

For travelers seeking memorable experiences among places to stay near Acadia National Park, several unique accommodations provide alternatives to traditional hotels while maintaining comfort and convenience.

Under Canvas Acadia

Under Canvas Acadia revolutionizes camping among places to stay near Acadia National Park, offering luxury safari-style tents on 100 acres of pristine waterfront property. During my glamping experience, I was amazed by the property's 1,200 feet of coastline and the comfort level achieved in a tent setting. Each accommodation features real beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and wood-burning stoves that create cozy evening atmospheres.

What distinguishes Under Canvas from other places to stay near Acadia National Park is the seamless blend of outdoor adventure and luxury amenities. The on-site restaurant serves locally-sourced cuisine that rivals Bar Harbor's finest establishments, and the evening s'mores program creates perfect family bonding opportunities. The property's location in Surry provides easy access to the park while offering a distinctly different experience from traditional accommodations. For additional national park adventures, explore our comprehensive guide to ***Mesa Verde to Black Canyon of the Gunnison***.

Terramor Outdoor Resort

Terramor Outdoor Resort offers another exceptional glamping option among places to stay near Acadia National Park, featuring well-appointed tents in a forested setting. During my stay, I appreciated the property's focus on outdoor recreation, with guided activities and equipment rentals that enhanced my park experience. The communal areas foster connections with fellow travelers while private decks ensure personal space for relaxation.

The resort's location provides convenient access to both Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor's attractions, making it versatile among unique places to stay near Acadia National Park. The on-site dining options emphasize local ingredients, and the hot tub provides perfect relaxation after challenging hikes like the Beehive Trail or Precipice Trail.

Historic Bed & Breakfasts

Several historic bed & breakfasts create intimate alternatives among places to stay near Acadia National Park. Bass Cottage Inn and Ullikana offer elegant accommodations in beautifully restored 19th-century properties that provide insights into Bar Harbor's Gilded Age heritage. During my stays at these properties, I enjoyed personal attention from innkeepers who share extensive local knowledge and insider tips for exploring the park.

These boutique properties distinguish themselves from larger places to stay near Acadia National Park through personalized service and unique character. Gourmet breakfasts fuel park adventures, and evening wine hours provide opportunities to share experiences with fellow travelers. The intimate scale ensures quiet, restful environments that larger hotels cannot match.

Vacation Rentals & Cabins

For extended stays or group travel, vacation rentals represent some of the most practical places to stay near Acadia National Park, offering kitchen facilities, multiple bedrooms, and often significant cost savings for families or groups.

Waterfront Vacation Homes

Oceanfront vacation rentals provide unparalleled experiences among places to stay near Acadia National Park, particularly properties along Frenchman Bay or on the quieter shores of Mount Desert Island. During my week-long stay in a Seal Harbor rental, I enjoyed private beach access and stunning sunrise views over Cadillac Mountain that no hotel could match. These properties typically accommodate 6-12 guests, making them cost-effective for family reunions or group adventures.

The best waterfront rentals among places to stay near Acadia National Park include full kitchens that allow for meal preparation using fresh lobster and local produce from Bar Harbor farmers markets. Private decks and outdoor grilling areas create perfect settings for evening gatherings after full days exploring the park's hiking trails and scenic drives.

Mountain and Forest Cabins

Wooded cabins offer secluded alternatives among places to stay near Acadia National Park, providing peaceful retreats surrounded by Maine's natural beauty. During my cabin stay near Ellsworth, I appreciated the complete privacy and the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities right from the property. These accommodations often feature hot tubs, fire pits, and screened porches that enhance the outdoor experience.

Forest cabins distinguish themselves from other places to stay near Acadia National Park by offering authentic Maine wilderness experiences while maintaining modern conveniences. Many properties include kayaks, bicycles, or other equipment that enhances park exploration, and the quiet settings provide perfect environments for stargazing and wildlife observation.

Downtown Bar Harbor Rentals

Village rentals in downtown Bar Harbor combine convenience with local character among places to stay near Acadia National Park. During my stay in a restored sea captain's house, I could walk to restaurants, shops, and the park entrance while enjoying the charm of a historic property. These rentals often feature period architecture, modern updates, and locations that eliminate transportation concerns.

Urban vacation rentals excel among places to stay near Acadia National Park for visitors who prefer walkable access to amenities while maintaining the space and privacy that hotels cannot provide. Kitchen facilities prove especially valuable for preparing early morning breakfasts before sunrise hikes up Cadillac Mountain or packing lunches for full-day park adventures.

Final Recommendations

After exploring dozens of accommodations throughout my many visits to this remarkable region, I can confidently guide you toward the best places to stay near Acadia National Park for your specific needs and preferences.

For luxury seekers, the Bar Harbor Inn provides the quintessential upscale experience among places to stay near Acadia National Park, combining historic elegance with modern amenities and unbeatable waterfront views. The Claremont Hotel offers similar luxury with a more intimate, old-world atmosphere on the island's quieter side.

Budget-conscious travelers will find excellent value at the Acadia Inn, which offers the unique advantage of direct trail access to the park's carriage roads. For even greater savings, Ellsworth accommodations provide comfortable lodging with reasonable driving distances to park attractions.

Adventure enthusiasts seeking unique experiences should prioritize Under Canvas Acadia, which transforms camping into a luxury experience while maintaining close connection to nature. The glamping trend has elevated outdoor accommodations to new levels of comfort among places to stay near Acadia National Park.

Families and groups benefit most from vacation rental properties that provide space, kitchen facilities, and often significant cost savings compared to multiple hotel rooms. Waterfront rentals create particularly memorable experiences, though they require earlier booking due to high demand.

Timing considerations significantly impact your choice among places to stay near Acadia National Park. Summer months offer the fullest range of amenities and activities but come with higher prices and larger crowds. Fall provides spectacular foliage views but requires very early reservations. Spring and early summer offer excellent value with fewer crowds, though some seasonal businesses may have limited hours.

Location strategy depends on your park exploration priorities. Bar Harbor accommodations provide convenience for accessing the park's most popular attractions like Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. Southwest Harbor properties offer easier access to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the park's quieter western section. Mainland accommodations in Ellsworth or Trenton provide budget advantages with slightly longer but manageable commutes.

Remember that the best places to stay near Acadia National Park are those that align with your travel style, budget, and park exploration goals. Whether you choose a luxury resort, budget motel, unique glamping experience, or private vacation rental, your accommodation choice will significantly influence your overall Acadia experience. I encourage you to book early, especially for peak season visits, and consider staying multiple nights to fully appreciate both the park's natural wonders and the diverse lodging options that make this region so special.

This guide reflects my personal experiences staying at numerous properties throughout the Acadia region over many years. Prices and availability change seasonally, so always verify current information when making reservations. Safe travels and enjoy your Maine adventure!