Frequently Asked Questions

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina is located on the waterfront in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, overlooking Frenchman Bay. The hotel is just minutes from Acadia National Park and within walking distance of Bar Harbor’s restaurants, shops, galleries, and waterfront attractions.

Harborside combines a prime downtown Bar Harbor location with oceanfront accommodations, a full-service marina, on-site dining, spa services, and exclusive access to the Bar Harbor Club. Guests enjoy easy access to both Acadia National Park and the charm of downtown without needing to drive everywhere.

Yes. Harborside welcomes families with spacious guest rooms and suites, outdoor pools, seasonal resort activities, nearby whale watching, easy access to Acadia National Park, and walkable access to downtown Bar Harbor.

Harborside Hotel is approximately one mile from the entrance to Acadia National Park, making it one of the closest full-service hotels to the park’s hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.

Harborside Hotel operates seasonally, typically welcoming guests from spring through late fall, allowing visitors to experience Bar Harbor during its most popular travel seasons.

Harborside’s downtown location makes it easy to explore Bar Harbor on foot, while Acadia National Park is just minutes away. Summer and fall are especially popular, so advance reservations for accommodations, dining, spa treatments, and certain Acadia activities are recommended.

Harborside Hotel is located in downtown Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Most guests arrive by car via Route 3 or fly into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (the closest airport to Harborside Hotel), with additional flight options available through Bangor International Airport.

The Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is about 25 minutes away from the hotel and Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about an hour away. While we don’t offer a hotel shuttle, guests can reach both airports by taxi and BGR has a Bar Harbor Shuttle. The next closest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM – about 3 hours away). If you fly into Portland, we recommend making your visit a classic Maine coast road trip! Explore the foodie paradise that is Portland, ME before making your way to the midcoast for a night at our sister property, Samoset Resort.

Self-parking is included in the resort fee for registered hotel guests, making it convenient to explore both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We also offer valet parking for a daily charge.

Yes. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for guests staying at Harborside Hotel.

Yes. Harborside Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, allowing guests to walk to shops, restaurants, the Shore Path, waterfront attractions, and many popular tour departures.

Not necessarily. Many of Bar Harbor’s restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance, and the free Island Explorer shuttle provides seasonal service to many destinations throughout Acadia National Park.

Yes. During the season, guests can use the free Island Explorer shuttle, which provides convenient transportation between Bar Harbor and many popular destinations within Acadia National Park. Island Explorer shuttle stops are located within walking distance of Harborside Hotel, making it easy to explore Acadia National Park without driving.

Another energy-efficient way to get around the park to consider? Renting an Acadia GEM. Learn more about Bar Harbor’s only EV rental business here.

Yes. Harborside Hotel features a full-service marina on Frenchman Bay, allowing boaters to dock while enjoying the hotel’s accommodations, dining, and amenities. Please contact the marina team in advance for dock availability, rates, and services.

Harborside Hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and suites, including accommodations with ocean views, private or semi-private balconies, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and fully equipped kitchens in select room types. To guarantee a view overlooking Frenchman Bay, guests should book a room type with an oceanfront view specified.

Families often choose Harborside’s spacious suites, including accommodations with separate living areas or full kitchens. The hotel is also close to family-friendly attractions, whale watching tours, and Acadia National Park.

Yes. Select suites feature fully equipped kitchens, making them ideal for extended stays, families, or guests who prefer the convenience of preparing meals during their visit.

The Willow House is a private four-bedroom, four-bath home available for stays of 31 nights or longer. Guests enjoy a residential-style experience along with access to Harborside Hotel’s amenities, including the Bar Harbor Club.

The Harborside does not have rollaways, but pack and plays are available based on availability.

Yes, the Harborside is a pet-friendly hotel in Bar Harbor! Dogs are allowed in all hotel rooms (please note, there’s a $100 fee per night per pet). Click here for more information on our dog policy.

The Bar Harbor Club is a private oceanfront club adjacent to Harborside Hotel featuring clay tennis courts, a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, and gathering spaces. Harborside guests enjoy exclusive seasonal access to many of the Club’s amenities and seasonal programming, making it one of the hotel’s signature benefits.

Yes. Our Opal Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness services designed to help guests relax after exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Families can enjoy seasonal resort activities, oceanfront pools, whale watching excursions, nearby beaches, Acadia National Park adventures, and easy access to downtown Bar Harbor’s shops and attractions.

Yes. Wi-Fi, spacious accommodations, and a walkable downtown location make Harborside a comfortable choice for guests combining work and leisure.

Harborside offers several on-site dining options including in-room dining, La Bella Vita, and Splash Pool Bar. Stewman’s Lobster Pound and Paddy’s are just a few steps away.

Reservations are recommended for La Bella Vita and holiday dining events, particularly during the summer and fall seasons.

Yes. In-room dining is available, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening desserts from the comfort of their accommodations.

Yes. Harborside’s restaurants offer menu options suitable for families, making it easy for guests of all ages to enjoy a meal together.

Dining hours and restaurant availability vary seasonally.

Yes. Harborside’s restaurants welcome both hotel guests and visitors, although reservations are encouraged during peak travel periods.

Standard check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Guests may contact the hotel regarding early arrival or late departure requests.

Yes. Harborside Hotel charges a nightly resort fee that includes access to a variety of amenities and guest services. A full list of what’s included is available here.

Reservations can typically be modified or canceled through the booking confirmation or by contacting Harborside Hotel directly.

Yes. The hotel can help arrange welcome amenities or special touches for celebrations. Contact the hotel before your guest’s arrival to make arrangements.

Yes. Opal Collection gift cards can be purchased and redeemed at Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina and participating Opal Collection properties.

Yes. Harborside Hotel and the neighboring Bar Harbor Club provide beautiful waterfront venues for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations overlooking Frenchman Bay.

Couples can choose from elegant indoor ballrooms, waterfront event spaces, and scenic outdoor venues at Harborside Hotel and the historic Bar Harbor Club.

Yes. Harborside offers flexible meeting rooms and event venues for conferences, corporate retreats, board meetings, and social gatherings of various sizes.

Yes. Harborside’s experienced events team assists with planning, catering, room blocks, and every detail needed for a successful event.

Yes. Group room blocks are available for weddings, meetings, and special events, subject to availability.

Yes. Harborside is an ideal destination for corporate retreats, offering meeting facilities, waterfront accommodations, team-building opportunities, and easy access to Acadia National Park.

Laundry and valet services are available seasonally. Contact the front desk for current availability during your stay.

Comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing coastal weather, rain gear, and outdoor clothing are recommended, especially if you plan to explore Acadia National Park.

Popular nearby activities include visiting Acadia National Park, whale watching, strolling the Bar Harbor Shore Path, shopping downtown, taking boat tours, kayaking, and enjoying local restaurants.

If you plan to drive Cadillac Summit Road during the seasonal reservation period, a vehicle reservation is required in addition to an Acadia National Park entrance pass. Here’s a helpful article about how to navigate Acadia National Park’s reservation system.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. tours depart from the Bar Harbor waterfront, just a short walk from Harborside Hotel.

Yes. Acadia National Park offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy shoreline walks to challenging mountain climbs, all just minutes from the hotel.

Several local outfitters in downtown Bar Harbor offer bicycle and kayak rentals, along with guided tours throughout Acadia National Park and Frenchman Bay.

Rainy-day activities include visiting local museums, shopping downtown, relaxing at our Opal Spa, enjoying waterfront dining, exploring art galleries, or taking a scenic drive through Acadia National Park.

Yes. The historic Bar Harbor Shore Path is just a short walk from the hotel, offering beautiful views of Frenchman Bay and the area’s famous summer cottages.