Acadia Hotel is a compact, independently owned property at 20 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County. The hotel's central location places guests within a short walk of the Town Pier, Village Green, ferry services, and the Island Explorer shuttle stops that run frequent free service throughout Acadia National Park from late June through Columbus Day. At the budget end of Bar Harbor's lodging market, the hotel offers clean and practical accommodations—standard rooms with air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and free on-site parking. Free parking is a genuinely scarce resource in Bar Harbor during July and August, when the town receives hundreds of thousands of visitors and public parking fills by midmorning. The property is best suited to guests who plan to spend most of their time outdoors in Acadia—hiking the Precipice, Beehive, and Gorham Mountain trails; cycling the 45-mile carriage road network; or paddling on Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond—rather than guests seeking on-site resort amenities. Shared outdoor seating provides a space to rest between activities, dry gear, and compare trail notes with other guests. Bar Harbor's restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops, and outfitters are all within walking distance. The nearest full grocery market is a short drive. Room rates fluctuate significantly between shoulder months and peak summer weeks, making early booking a worthwhile exercise for July and August travel. Advance reservations are essential for summer dates, as the hotel is small and fills completely at the height of the season.
Room types
- Standard rooms from $79/night (off-season) to $199/night (July–August)
Amenities
- free wifi
- free parking
- outdoor seating
- air conditioning
- daily housekeeping
Location
20 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
44.3869, -68.2031 View on map
Highlights
- Central Bar Harbor location within walking distance of Town Pier, ferry terminal, and Island Explorer shuttle stops
- Free on-site parking—one of the most difficult logistics solved in a town where summer parking fills by midmorning
- Budget-friendly rates from $79/night in shoulder months—the most affordable option in downtown Bar Harbor
- Walking distance to Acadia National Park shuttle stops for car-free access to trails and carriage roads
- Practical no-frills base for hikers, cyclists, and paddlers focused on Acadia National Park
Tips for visiting
- Reserve at least 2 to 3 months ahead for July and August stays—the hotel is small and fills quickly
- Use the Island Explorer shuttle from Mount Desert Street to reach Acadia's major trailheads without driving
- Bar Harbor Town Pier, 5 minutes' walk away, offers whale-watching tours and boat rentals departing daily
- Hannaford supermarket, a few minutes' drive, is the nearest full grocery market for self-catering supplies
- Shoulder months (May, June, September, October) offer lower rates, fewer crowds, and Acadia at its best
When to visit
Late June through early September for peak Acadia season and Island Explorer bus service. September and October offer excellent hiking conditions, fall foliage, and meaningfully lower rates as summer crowds depart.
Accessibility
Acadia Hotel is a compact property with limited accessibility features. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to discuss ground-floor room options and pathway configurations before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How close is Acadia Hotel to Acadia National Park?
The hotel is in downtown Bar Harbor, approximately 2 miles from the park's main Visitor Center at Hulls Cove. The free Island Explorer bus stops near the hotel and provides direct seasonal service to all major park trailheads and carriage road access points.
Is free parking available at Acadia Hotel?
Yes—the hotel offers free on-site parking, one of its most practical advantages. Public parking in Bar Harbor is severely limited in summer and typically fills completely by mid-morning on peak days.
What amenities does Acadia Hotel offer?
The hotel offers guest rooms with air conditioning, daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and shared outdoor seating. It does not have a pool, spa, or restaurant; guests are within walking distance of Bar Harbor's many dining options.
When should visitors plan a stay at Acadia Hotel to get lower rates?
Rates are lowest from May through mid-June and from September through October. These shoulder months also see smaller crowds at Acadia's popular trailheads and generally pleasant hiking and cycling weather.