With beaches ringed by mountains, a swanky old-timiness and exhaustive opportunities to explore its treasures, it’s no wonder Bar Harbor is one of the East Coast’s most popular destinations.
Mira Monte Inn, Bar Harbor (Photo: Booking.com)
Serving as the artistic, culinary and social nucleus of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a hive of activity. Its streets are laden with gregarious mansions, pastel-hued shops and restos and some of the most spectacular nature and wildlife in North America. We’ve scoured the city far and wide and chosen five of the best B&Bs and guesthouses based on cost, amenities and guest reviews.
Mira Monte Inn
Fronted by a sprawling lawn and lilting trees, this charming country house is an idyllic and tranquil setting. Right in the heart of Bar Harbor, Mira Monte Inn is within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants, and also the waterfront – Frenchman Bay. Rooms are light, spacious and bursting with a Victorian-era theme with pastel colours and floral prints. Each room includes a fireplace, a private bath and some rooms and suites have a private balcony or porch. Staff create a warm and convivial atmosphere, and couples are particularly fond of the location. Rooms from $114.
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Yellow House Inn
Yellow House Inn, Bar Harbor (Photo: Booking.com)
Yellow House Inn is situated on a quiet street right in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. This faux-antiquated dwelling with a porch (and rocking chairs) that straddles the whole house is steps from the shops, galleries and bars on Main Street (the town’s main artery), and also its famed Shore Path which winds along Bar Harbor’s sublime coastline. Though the house retains its antiquated design, thoughtful touches of modernity seep through. Rooms are well appointed, flooded with natural light and offer private bathrooms with old- school bath tubs. Complimentary cooked breakfast is served each morning, along with fresh fruit, pastries and a rotating selection of entrées. Rooms from $126.
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Modern House Family Retreat
Modern House Family Retreat is exactly that – a retreat. Truly immersed in a forest-setting just minutes from Cape May’s town centre, its cabin-like aesthetic conjures the spirit of living in the great outdoors. Though as its name also suggests, the interior is thoroughly modern with all up-to-date furniture and appliances. Rooms include a desk, a patio with a garden view, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, bed linen and towels. If you enjoy the spit and sizzle of a good BBQ, the garden is quite the place for it. Rooms from $105.
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Chiltern Inn B&B
Chiltern Inn Bed & Breakfast, Bar Harbor (Photo: Booking.com)
Located 2.6km from Acadia National Park, this Bar Harbor B&B boasts an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. The house has a cosy and welcoming spirit with plants, flowers and trees populating its drive, gardens and walkways. Decorated in warm neutral tones and dark wood furnishings, each room offers wood-burning fires, and an en-suite bathroom with shower (some with shower and bath). Local artwork and a piano are showcased in the gallery room. Daily breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese are served at the B&B. Very popular with couples. Rooms from $141.
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Little Fig Hotel
Little Fig Hotel is set on a residential street, and is within walking distance of Bar Harbor town centre. Boasting an on-site “Serenity Spa” which consists of a spa and massage parlour, its reputation for having a tranquil atmosphere makes sense. Rooms are quiet, clean and simple, and offer en-suite bathrooms, cable TV and an in-room refrigerator. Agamont Park is just 700m from the inn, which is only 100m from West Street Historic District. Acadia National Park is 1.6km away. Staff are very friendly and humorous. Rooms from $88.
Book at Booking.com