Island Place

Island Place is the kind of place that makes you wonder why anyone books elsewhere. It's a three-star motel on a quiet side street in Bar Harbor - rooms are compact, the building is modest - but every review mentions the same three things: the staff actually knows the island, the place is spotless, and you can walk to downtown without paying downtown parking prices. No resort frills, no pretense. Just a well-run family operation where the owner and her team have lived here their whole lives and are happy to mark up a map with their favorite coffee shops and hiking trails.

The 9.5 overall score from 181 reviewers speaks to consistency. Couples in particular give it a 9.7 - which makes sense, since the property is built for two people who want a clean, quiet room within walking distance of the waterfront and the park entrance.

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The staff will make your trip better. Melissa, Maureen, and Sara - who recur by name across dozens of reviews - don't just hand you a key. They hand you a marked-up map of local coffee shops, breakfast spots, and restaurants where locals actually eat. One reviewer got hiking advice for Acadia trails; another was steered toward whale-watching cruises and off-the-radar attractions. This is the difference between booking a room and booking a base camp run by people who belong here.

Walking distance to downtown, free parking, no trade-off. The motel sits a five-minute walk from Bar Harbor's shopping and dining core - Dock Square, the waterfront, the ferry dock. Most people who book here specifically to avoid paying $20–30 a day for parking in town. The staff confirms this in nearly every property reply: "No need to find or PAY for parking." That's a $100+ savings over a four-night stay.

Acadia National Park is 15 minutes away by car, closer by shuttle. A free shuttle from the property runs to the park entrance, and reviewers consistently note the convenience. You're close enough to do a day hike and be back for dinner without the hourlong drive from lodges further out.

Spotless is not marketing speak here. "You won't find a cleaner motel anywhere," one reviewer wrote. Another: "Property and room cleanliness to the highest level. You rarely come across a place kept so clean and tidy." Housekeeping staff (Sarah and others) are named by returning guests. This level of consistency doesn't happen by accident.

Good value off-season; fair pricing at peak. Several reviewers note the cost is high in July–September, but acknowledge it's proportional to Bar Harbor's peak-season market. The same property is beautiful and far less crowded in May, June, and September shoulder season - when the staff explicitly invites visitors to come back for a quieter experience.

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Island Place has two room types - Deluxe Queen and Deluxe King - spread across a compact, single-story property. Rooms are intentionally small (one reviewer called it "charmingly traditional rather than fully modernized"), but consistently described as well-designed for the footprint. Each includes a private balcony or front porch with chairs and a table - these outdoor spaces get repeated praise from guests who use them to read, relax, and watch the street.

• Deluxe Queen Room - Compact, one queen bed, private balcony or porch, full-size dresser, closet, sitting area. Best for couples or solo travelers.
• Deluxe King Room - Similar layout with one king bed; slightly more breathing room; same amenities and outdoor seating.

One honest note: rooms are genuinely small. A handful of reviewers flag tight bathrooms and note that the TV is positioned toward the bed (you can't easily watch from the chairs). Walls are thin - one guest heard neighboring conversations. If you need space to spread out, this isn't the place. If you want a clean, comfortable base where you'll spend most daylight hours exploring, it's perfect.

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Practical · Free on-site parking · Free WiFi · Private check-in/out · 24-hour access to ice, tea, coffee, and water refill in the lobby · Express check-in/out · Tour desk and concierge

Outdoors & Grounds · Garden with outdoor seating · Sun deck · Picnic area · Private balconies or front porches on every room · Terrace

For Guests Exploring · Walking tours and hiking information · Tour desk · Information on cycling and nearby golf courses (within 2 miles)

In Your Room · Air conditioning · Private bathroom with shower/bathtub, toiletries, hairdryer · Full-size refrigerator · TV with cable channels · Flat-screen television · Alarm clock · Linens and towels daily

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July–August (Peak Summer) Peak leaf season, warmest water, most crowded. Parking premium applies; the motel fills weeks ahead. Pool season (if applicable). All attractions and restaurants fully open. Best if you don't mind crowds and plan to stay near Acadia for the driving.

June & September (Shoulder Season) Warm enough for hiking and beach time; far fewer crowds. Staff actively recommends these months: "Just as beautiful" and prices are lower. Ideal for families and couples who want to explore without fighting tour buses.

May (Late Spring) Wildflowers, longer daylight, mild temps. Many trails open; restaurant hours begin to normalize. Good for active travelers; fewer amenities may still be closed in outlying areas.

October–April (Off-Season) Cool to cold; many attractions, shops, and restaurants close or have limited hours. Foliage peaks in early October. For solitude and best rates, unbeatable. The motel stays open year-round.

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"The staff on site were extremely friendly and helpful, they provided us with a local map and marked out recommendations for coffee, breakfast and dinner places."

• Stuart, United Kingdom · Couple · 10/10

"We loved being able to walk everywhere in Bar Harbor from here. Everything from the greeting and recommendations to the lovely room and gardens was warm, inviting and relaxing."

• Curtis, United States · Group · 10/10

"The women who run the reception area couldn't have been more friendly, welcoming and helpful. The whole place just seemed exceptionally well thought out and well-run."

• Katherine, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Owner and staff amazingly knowledgeable of area and extremely helpful with places to visit, eat, etc."

• Hanna, United States · Couple · 10/10

"I don't have enough time to say all the great things about here. Everything is beyond clean, the staff are exceptional with great recommendations, it is within walking distance to town and quick access to the park."

• Kimberly, United States · Couple · 10/10

"You won't find a cleaner motel anywhere. I would highly recommend this place."

• Broome, United States · Couple · 10/10

Guests consistently flag small rooms and tight bathrooms as trade-offs rather than flaws - the consensus is that the location, cleanliness, and staff more than compensate. A few mention thin walls and note that the TV isn't positioned for viewing from the chairs, but these complaints are rare and never repeat at volume. The singular frustration is that guests wish they'd booked longer stays.

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• Downtown Bar Harbor · 5-minute walk · Shopping, restaurants, Dock Square, galleries, ice cream shops
• Town Beach · 13-minute walk · Swimming and views of Frenchman Bay
• Acadia National Park · 15 minutes by car; free shuttle from property · Hiking, scenic drives, Jordan Pond Trail, Carriage Roads
• The Abbe Museum · 10-minute walk · Native American history and culture
• Agamont Park · 10-minute walk · Waterfront park with band shell and seasonal concerts
• Bar Harbor Ferry Terminal · 10-minute walk · Day trips to Acadia on Mount Desert Island's quieter side or seasonal island hops
• Local coffee shops and bakeries · Walking distance · Staff recommendations available at front desk
• Whale-watching cruises and boat tours · 5–15-minute walk to departures · Several outfitters depart from downtown and nearby harbors

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Is Island Place on the water? No. It's a five-minute walk from Town Beach and the waterfront, located on a quiet residential side street inland from downtown. The trade-off is free parking and no tourist crowds outside your door.

Is there free parking? Yes, free on-site parking for all guests. This is a major selling point in downtown Bar Harbor, where street and lot parking costs $20–30 per day or more.

How far is Acadia National Park? About 15 minutes by car to the main visitor center. The property offers information on a free shuttle to the park entrance. Many guests use this as their daily base for Acadia day hikes.

Is breakfast included? No. There is a coffee house on-site (open to guests), and the lobby has 24/7 access to free coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and water refill. Many reviews note the lack of in-room breakfast, but the proximity to downtown cafes and bakeries mitigates this.

Are rooms really that small? Yes. Deluxe Queen and King rooms are compact - sized for couples or solo travelers. Bathrooms are tight. If you need space, ask about availability or consider a larger property. Rooms are designed efficiently, not spaciously.

Can I get a different pillow or change bed size? Yes. One guest flagged large pillows; the staff responded immediately, offering to provide different pillows on request. If you book a Queen and need a King, note this during check-in.

Is the property family-friendly? Yes, but rooms are small. Families with young children report good experiences; families needing space for multiple beds or two rooms should look elsewhere.

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