Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia Review: Where to Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine

If you are trying to decide where to stay when visiting Acadia National Park, the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia is one of the best family-friendly options in the area. Between the location, amenities, and value, it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

Finding a hotel in Bar Harbor can feel overwhelming. Prices during peak season are shocking, with many properties ranging from $600 to $800 per night, and availability is limited. I didn’t want to overspend on a hotel we would barely be in, but I also didn’t want to sacrifice comfort.

That is exactly why the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia stood out.

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Where to Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park

I initially booked this hotel thinking it would be a simple, budget-friendly option. At around $275 per night, it felt like a deal compared to everything else in the area. It also checked an important box for us since it is dog-friendly.

The hotel is located about one mile outside of downtown Bar Harbor. At first, I was unsure about being slightly outside of town, but it ended up being a huge advantage. Parking in Bar Harbor is incredibly difficult. We often spent 20 minutes just trying to find a spot and then another 20 minutes figuring out the payment system.

At the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia, parking was free and easy every time. There is also a complimentary shuttle that runs into town, which made getting around simple without the stress.

First Impressions

We received a text that our room was ready early, which was a great start. At check-in, we were upgraded from a standard room to one with a pool view and partial ocean view.

The building we stayed in did not have an elevator, which was not an issue for us, but something to keep in mind if you need accessibility. There were staff members available to help with luggage, which made the process easy.

Our room was spacious and comfortable, with two queen beds, a table and chairs, a large bathroom, and a balcony. The property also offers family suites with bunk beds, which would be perfect if you are traveling with younger kids.

Stepping out onto the balcony and seeing the pool with the ocean in the background was a surprise. It did not feel like a typical Holiday Inn at all. The overall atmosphere felt more like a resort than a budget hotel.

Pool and Amenities

One of the standout features of the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia is the outdoor pool area. The heated pool overlooks the ocean, and there is also a hot tub, which was perfect after a long day of hiking.

The Splash Pool Bar adds to the experience, making it easy to relax while still enjoying the views. It quickly became a favorite spot for our family to unwind.

Dining options at the Holiday Inn Bar Harbor

Dining in Bar Harbor can be challenging, especially during busy months. Long wait times and limited parking made us hesitant to go out every night.

The hotel offers multiple on-site dining options, including La Bella Vita and Stewman’s Oceanfront Lobster Pound. You can even order from Stewman’s while sitting at the pool.

One of the biggest perks for families is that kids eat free. Up to two children under 11 can order from the kids menu at no cost, which made a noticeable difference in our overall travel budget.

La Bella Vita ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. The ocean views are beautiful, and the food exceeded expectations. The Umbria Pizzette with wild mushrooms, asiago cream, and truffle oil was a standout, and the molten lava cake was the perfect ending.

Breakfast was just as convenient, with hearty options that fueled us for early mornings in the park.

Location Near Acadia National Park

Location is one of the biggest reasons the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia works so well. The hotel is less than a three-minute drive from the entrance to Acadia National Park.

This made it incredibly easy to explore the park at our own pace. On rainy days, we could quickly return to the hotel and head back out when the weather cleared. It is also ideal if you are planning an early morning visit to Cadillac Mountain.

Dog-Friendly Details

The Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia is a dog-friendly property, which is a big plus for travelers who like to bring their pets along.

There is a nightly pet fee, and there are size restrictions, so it is important to review the policy ahead of time. In our case, we decided to use a local pet sitter instead, but it is still a great option for those traveling with dogs.

Final Thoughts

If you are researching where to stay when visiting Acadia National Park, the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor Acadia is a fantastic choice for families.

It offers the perfect balance of value, comfort, and location. You are close to the park, avoid the stress of downtown parking, and still get a resort-style experience with a pool, ocean views, and on-site dining.

Between the spacious rooms, family-friendly perks like free kids meals, and easy access to Acadia, this hotel exceeded our expectations. We would absolutely stay here again.