Days Inn by Wyndham Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor fills up fast in summer, and when you're looking for a bed that won't drain your account - especially if you're spending the day hiking Acadia National Park or catching the ferry to the islands - the Days Inn on Eden Street serves a real purpose. It's not a destination hotel. It's a place to lay your head at a price that lets you spend money on lobster rolls and boat tours instead. The location works. The breakfast shows up. The staff remembers your name. But the building shows its age, and cleanliness is a mixed story - so walk in with clear eyes.

The location cuts down your travel time to everything that matters. A 15-minute walk puts you in downtown Bar Harbor's main drag - Dock Square, the restaurants, the shops. The ferry terminal to the Cranberry Isles sits directly across the street. Several guests specifically mentioned how convenient it is for early departures. You're also within reasonable driving distance of Acadia National Park's main gates and the Park Loop Road.

Free parking and free WiFi actually solve real problems. Bar Harbor's downtown parking situation is notorious in summer. The Days Inn offers free lot parking (though it fills up) - a genuine savings when you compare it to downtown garages. WiFi runs fast enough to work or stream. Not glamorous, but genuine relief for a budget traveler.

The staff consistently earn praise for hospitality. Reviews name-check front desk staff by first name - Ladonna, Anna, Chris - and describe them as genuinely helpful. One guest whose mother uses a wheelchair appreciated the staff's willingness to assist. Another mentioned staff cleaning the room without being asked. Breakfast staff, in particular, get singled out for attentiveness and kindness.

Continental breakfast is included, and opinion splits. Some guests raved about the variety and quality. Others found it basic - pre-packaged sandwiches, microwaved eggs, limited fresh options. The oatmeal ran out on at least one morning. The coffee situation matters: one couple noted 24-hour coffee available in the rooms, which helped. Expect diner-level continental fare, not a cooked breakfast. Go to town if you want eggs made to order.

The price-to-location ratio appeals to families and groups. Multiple guests called it "good value for the Bar Harbor area" or "best value in that area" - though a few others felt overpriced for what they got. July and August rates spike; shoulder season (May–June, September) offers better value.

The building is a two-story motel with rooms opening directly to the outside. Layout is basic and efficient. Rooms vary in size, and several guests noted they trend small - two double beds in a modest footprint means four people will feel cramped. Some rooms face the road and pick up traffic noise, especially early morning and night. Request a room away from Eden Street if road noise bothers you.

• Double Room with Two Double Beds - Standard motel room, non-smoking. The most common booking type. Compact.
• King Room - Single bed layout with slightly more breathing room. Still modest.
• Suite with Two Double Beds - Larger, with extra space. Best option for families or longer stays.

One consistent caveat: the property is dated. Multiple reviewers flagged outdated décor, worn furniture, chipped dressers, old lamps, and rusty fixtures. Cleanliness varies room to room - some guests found their room neat and clean; others discovered moldy AC units, dusty surfaces, stained bathrooms, and hair in sheets upon arrival. The management acknowledges ongoing renovation work, but as of the most recent reviews, upgrades remain incomplete. Check your room carefully upon check-in; report issues immediately.

General. 24-hour front desk · Non-smoking rooms · Air conditioning · Heating · Free WiFi · Telephone in room · Daily housekeeping (with variability in consistency)

Parking & Transportation. Free parking (lot fills in summer; standard spaces) · Free shuttle to downtown Bar Harbor (runs every half hour; last departure from downtown is 9 p.m.) · Across the street from the ferry terminal

Practical. Business center · Coffee and tea in-room · Continental breakfast · Outdoor furniture (limited seating areas)

Family-Friendly. Family rooms available · Disabled guest facilities (though some guests noted wheelchair accessibility could be improved; entry step and narrow doorways present challenges)

July and August. Peak Acadia season. The property fills completely. Expect higher rates, busy breakfast service (the breakfast area gets congested), and less availability. Road noise from day-trippers is at its loudest. Better for families if school schedules demand it.

May through June and September through October. Sweet spot for value and experience. Weather is still excellent. Acadia trails are less crowded. The motel is busy but not overbooked. Rates drop 15–25% versus summer.

November through April. Off-season rates are lowest. Some amenities may reduce hours (breakfast may start later, shuttle service may be limited). Bar Harbor itself quiets down; many restaurants and attractions operate shorter hours. Winter weather on the coast can be dramatic - beautiful but unpredictable. Good for solo travelers or couples looking for solitude.

Shoulder season (late April, early May). Ideal if you can time it. Wildflowers bloom, weather warms, and the motel hasn't yet ramped up prices. The free shuttle to downtown runs on a predictable schedule.

"Good location, 15 min flat walk to bar harbor." - Mark, United Kingdom · Couple · 7/10

"Loved the distance to main attractions. The view was great! Staff all very nice." - Stephanie, United States · Family · 8/10

"Location great; employees great!" - Nancy, United States · Couple · 8/10

"Across from the ocean. Good location." - Stephanie, United States · Family · 8/10

"Clean, comfortable bed. Easy check-in, free simple breakfast." - Joanna, United States · Solo traveler · 7/10

"The front desk staff were great. Breakfast was fantastic with a good variety of foods available." - Carolyn, United States · Family · 7/10

The consistent issue: cleanliness and condition. Multiple guests reported musty-smelling rooms, moldy AC units (requiring guest cleaning before use), bathroom mold on molding, dusty surfaces, dirty shower curtains upon check-in, hair in sheets, rust-stained fixtures, and dated décor. One guest spent her own time deep-cleaning the entire room with towels and bleach before settling in. These aren't isolated incidents - they span multiple years of reviews. Staff respond positively when problems are reported, but you shouldn't need to negotiate a basic clean room. Road noise from nearby Eden Street is legitimate for ground-floor and some upper rooms. Parking is tight and fills quickly. The breakfast, while included, is basic - think pre-packaged sandwiches and microwaveable items, not hot food. Minor electrical issues (non-functional outlets, lights dimming when AC cycles) have been reported. The property is actively undergoing renovation, so some conditions may improve, but evidence suggests slow progress.

• Dock Square, Bar Harbor · 15-minute walk · Heart of downtown. Shops, galleries, restaurants, ice cream, bookstores.
• Frenchman Bay Ferry Terminal · Across the street · Direct access to Cranberry Isles (Great Cranberry Island, Islesford) and the Schoodic Peninsula ferries.
• Agamont Park · 1.2 miles · Waterfront green space with views of Frenchman Bay. Walking trail, picnic tables, free access.
• Acadia National Park · 2–5 miles depending on entry point · Jordan Pond Path, Carriage Roads, Cadillac Mountain (reserve timed sunrise tickets in advance). Entrance fee required.
• Bar Harbor Shore Path · 1.5 miles · Scenic clifftop walk along the coast. Starts near the pier and ferry terminal.
• Mount Desert Island High School trails · Locally maintained free hiking. Less crowded than Acadia. Bird trails and forest walks.
• Northeast Harbor · 5 miles south · Quieter village with excellent restaurants and sailing opportunities.
• Beehive Trail (Acadia) · 3.5 miles · Short, steep, dramatic scramble with iron rungs. One of Acadia's most popular hikes.

Is the hotel within walking distance to downtown Bar Harbor? Yes. It's about a 15-minute walk downhill to Dock Square. The walk back uphill is steeper but manageable. If you prefer not to walk, a free shuttle runs every half hour to downtown (last departure from town is 9 p.m.).

Is breakfast included, and what's served? Yes. Continental breakfast is included. Expect pre-packaged sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, instant oatmeal, toast, coffee, tea, and juice. No hot food. The selection is basic but adequate. Breakfast hours are typically 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., though one reviewer noted 7 a.m. starts felt late.

Is there a free shuttle to town? Yes. A free shuttle departs every 30 minutes to downtown Bar Harbor. The last shuttle from downtown leaves at 9 p.m. This is a real convenience if you want to avoid parking downtown or don't feel like walking at night.

Is parking free, and is it reliable? Parking is free, but the lot fills during peak season (July–August). Spots are tight, and pulling in and out of parallel spaces can be awkward. Arrive early in the day if possible, or request a specific location at check-in.

Is the ferry terminal really across the street? Yes, the Frenchman Bay ferry dock is directly across the street. If you're catching an early ferry to the Cranberry Isles or Schoodic Peninsula, this location is unbeatable.

Are there any significant issues with the property condition? The building is dated. Rooms show wear. Cleanliness is inconsistent - some guests found theirs spotless; others discovered mold, dust, and stains. Check your room thoroughly upon arrival and report any issues immediately. The management is renovating, but improvements are gradual. If you're sensitive to age, odor, or dust, this may not be the right fit.