Bar Harbor Maine Hotels & Motels

When should you visit Bar Harbor, ME?

Thanks to its coastal location, Bar Harbor, Maine, enjoys a more moderate climate than you'd expect from its northern location. However, Bar Harbor is situated near the top of Northern New England, so winter can be prone to snowstorms and very cold temperatures. You'll get the most out of your stay if you visit in late spring, around April, through autumn. Be aware that the peak season of July and August in Bar Harbor can cause congestion on the hiking trails and roads, due to an influx of tourists from tour buses and cruise ships.

In spring you can enjoy the blooms of the famous regional flora: lupines, azaleas, and even wild blueberries. In the fall, pristine, clear views draw hikers and leaf-chasers to the island's trails and to Acadia National Park. The best time to book a boat cruise is during the months of June through October, so take that into account according to your plans. As long as you travel outside the months of July and August, you'll get better hotel rates and deals and enjoy fewer crowds during your stay. Just be aware that Bar Harbor has been known to get snow as early as mid-October.

However, if you want to taste the succulent local favorite — a lobster roll — the peak months of July, August, and September are known in Maine as lobster season. Travelers can charter a lobster fishing tour during these months for a truly unforgettable experience. During this time, you can watch the Bar Harbor lobster boat races, a local tradition. Visitors also rave about Fourth of July in Bar Harbor, especially the fireworks show over the harbor.

Bar Harbor is also known for its music festivals, which draw talented musicians of all genres. The Bar Harbor Music Festival takes place all over town throughout July, and many of the concerts are free. It's a tradition that has endured for more than 51 years. If you're a music-lover, this is a can't-miss event worth braving the crowds for. You can take in opera, choral, jazz, classical, and contemporary performances of all styles at venues such as Acadia National Park's amphitheater and Bar Harbor Congregational Church.

What hotels are giving the best discounts in Bar Harbor, ME?

Depending on when you visit Bar Harbor, Maine, you'll find plenty of affordable hotel options, from trusted chain hotels to unique independent hotels.

AAA members will enjoy discount hotel rates at several Bar Harbor-area hotels. Your best bet might be the Hampton Inn Ellsworth, a brand name that offers well-kept accommodations and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. You'll find discounted rooms with two queen beds and 32-inch HD televisions, plus accessible rooms designed with roll-in showers and work areas. You'll even find room options including a microwave and fridge, so you can save a bit more by bringing your own convenient snacks and lunches.

The Comfort Inn Ellsworth – Bar Harbor offers some of the most generous discounts around, including AAA rates, military discounts, and special senior rates. These discounts are generously applied to a variety of room types, from twin queen beds to king rooms. Each guest room is equipped with air conditioning and essentials such as a hair dryer and a coffee maker. The Comfort Inn Ellsworth's rates can't be beat, and guests consistently rank this hotel as a great value for its well-maintained cleanliness and convenience to Bar Harbor, not to mention the hotel's friendly staff.

What are the best value hotel options in Bar Harbor, ME?

For the ultimate combination of convenience, comfort, and value, look no further than the Ramada Ellsworth. This property boasts a wealth of amenities, including a wood-paneled sauna, generously sized pool, fitness center, and a free breakfast that consistently earns high reviews from guests. The Ramada Ellsworth staff is also known to be very friendly. A back porch with cozy Adirondack chairs allows a restful view of the woodland beyond. It's a great value for a well-trusted brand name, located within a short drive from downtown Bal Harbor.

For an All-American experience in an All-American town, a classic roadside motel offers a charming and unforgettable experience. You just don't find hotels like the Colonial Inn anymore, with its distinctive red roof and friendly deer statue that attracts curious guests to pull over. Inside, guest rooms feature full kitchens and seating areas, including love seats. The motel also offers a pool, picnic area, and outdoor barbecues, so guests and families will feel right at home — all within close proximity of Indian Point Peninsula, Atlantic Art Glass, and more.

How do you enjoy the Natural Wonders of Bar Harbor, ME?

To experience Bar Harbor's maritime charms up close, take a whale- and seal-spotting sunset cruise or head over to the Mount Desert Oceanarium to observe lobsters in their hatchery and enjoy an eco-walk through the marshes.

You can even take to the water with a paddleboard or kayak, where you can get a unique perspective of Bar Harbor's rocky, granite coastline. For the active set, Bar Harbor's proximity to Acadia National Park is ideal for hiking or biking the island's network of old carriage trails. Hike Cadillac Mountain to take in the harbor view at its pinnacle.

Whether you're seeking a romantic weekend escape, a hiking expedition, or an unforgettable family vacation, there's simply no getaway quite like Bar Harbor, Maine. Here you can find a charming hotel or motel to fit any need.