Atlantic Coast Inn

The Atlantic Coast Inn sits on a strip of Ellsworth's High Street - a location that's brutally practical rather than scenic. You'll see a strip mall across the way. But that's the point. This is a motel that knows what it is: a clean, no-frills stop for people driving into Acadia National Park, not a destination in itself. Over the past year, guests have consistently praised the renovated rooms, the shower pressure, the lack of a front desk (communication happens via text), and the complimentary snacks waiting in your room. They've also been honest about the thin walls, the outdated bones, and the worn linens. If you're looking for a comfortable night's sleep 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, without paying Bar Harbor prices, this place delivers.

The majority of reviewers are couples and families on their way to or from Acadia - a one-night or two-night pit stop. Fall foliage season and summer are the busy months. The overall score of 7.7 out of 10 reflects a property in transition: the bones are old, but the management is actively renovating rooms and taking guest feedback seriously. Couples specifically rate it 8.2, suggesting the place works best for two travelers.

The shower and bathroom are the real standout. Multiple guests mentioned the bathroom as a genuine surprise - large, renovated, with excellent water pressure and a generous vanity. If you're road-weary, a proper shower can reset your whole trip. Several reviewers described the walk-in shower as "huge" and the water pressure as "fantastic." This is a motel that invested in the bathrooms first.

Keypad entry and text-based communication cut through the usual motel friction. There's no front desk, no waiting in line, no key to lose. You get a door code via text along with your WiFi password and check-in details before you arrive. Guests called this approach "odd" at first, then appreciated it - especially families who wanted a simple, fast arrival after a long drive. The staff replies promptly to questions sent via text.

Complimentary snacks and coffee make the no-breakfast model feel intentional, not cheap. Rather than a sit-down breakfast service, rooms include bottled water, soda, coffee, sugar, and creamers, plus a microwave and mini-fridge. International guests and budget-conscious families found this a smart trade-off. One reviewer from the UK noted, "Free coffee and snacks very welcome."

The location is genuinely 30 minutes from Acadia - close enough to save money on lodging, far enough to avoid the Bar Harbor markup. Several guests emphasized this. You're 656 feet from the L.L. Bean Factory Outlet, walking distance to restaurants and a grocery store, with easy highway access. If you're visiting the park, this is a tactical choice, not a scenic one.

Renovated rooms feel fresher than the motel exterior suggests. The property has been actively updating units. Guests noted clean, modern finishes, comfortable beds (at least in the King rooms), and pleasant bathroom fixtures. One reviewer said, "From the outside it looks like a nondescript motel but rooms have been remodeled so actually are very nice." That gap between exterior and interior matters when you're road-weary.

The motel has two main room types: King rooms (typically singular or two queens in larger units) and Double Rooms with Two Double Beds. Both are compact, functional spaces with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and in-room coffee. Bathrooms are the highlight - larger than you'd expect in a budget motel, with good vanity space and shower pressure.

• King Room - Single king or queen bed, renovated bathroom, microwave, mini-fridge, works best for couples or solo travelers.
• Double Room with Two Double Beds - Two queens, good for families or small groups, same amenities as King rooms.

The honest caveat: the motel is older, and sound travels between rooms. Multiple guests flagged thin walls and noise from upstairs neighbors. Several also mentioned uncomfortable or oversized pillows, worn linens, and musty smells in a few rooms. The property is working through these issues - management replies acknowledge that upgrades are ongoing. Ground-floor rooms may be quieter, but that's not guaranteed. If light sleep or noise sensitivity is an issue, this motel may frustrate you.

Fall (September–October). Peak Acadia season for foliage. The motel is consistently booked; expect higher rates. Perfect for families and couples taking a long weekend. Most guests from this period stayed 1–3 nights.

Summer (June–August). Warm, dry, busy. The motel fills up on weekends. Many guests were on extended stays (3–5 nights) or day-tripping into the park. The surrounding area is less appealing in summer heat, so the motel becomes purely functional - which is fine.

Late Fall and Early Winter (November–December). Fewer visitors, lower rates. Foliage is done, but the weather can be clear and crisp. Good for a quieter Acadia visit. The restaurant on-site was recently closed, so plan dinner elsewhere.

Spring (April–May) and Winter (January–March). Shoulder and off-season. Fewer reviews from these months, suggesting lower occupancy. Rates drop. If you're visiting Acadia in winter for solitude or spring hiking, this is a practical, affordable base.

"Clean, convenient location. I liked the fast check-in process with door lock codes."

• Vickie, United States · Group · 8/10

"Location was perfect for driving into Acadia!"

• Hannah, United States · Group · 9/10

"The bathroom was spacious, had a large vanity with a beautiful bowl sink. The shower was a huge walk-in."

• Shelley, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Fluffy towels, key code entry, free snacks, fridge and microwave."

• Janice, United States · Group · 9/10

"No frills inn that was a perfect budget stay for two - only a 30-minute drive to Acadia! Clean, comfortable, and very easy check-in and check-out."

• Anna, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Great location. Newly renovated. Comfortable room."

• Lynn, United States · Couple · 9/10

On the flip side, guests consistently mentioned thin walls, noise from upstairs neighbors, uncomfortable pillows, and worn linens. A few reported musty smells or humidity issues, which the management acknowledged in replies. The property exterior and parking-lot surroundings disappointed some guests expecting more "charm," but those who came with clear expectations (a functional motel, not an inn) were satisfied. One guest summed it up: "You get what you pay for."

Is there a restaurant on-site? The Turtle Restaurant, which was listed on Booking.com, has closed as of mid-2025. The motel still has a bar area, but you'll need to eat at nearby restaurants. Several options are within walking distance on High Street.

Is breakfast included? No. The motel provides complimentary coffee, snacks, water, and soda in the room, plus a microwave and mini-fridge. This setup works for quick departures but isn't a full breakfast.

How far is Atlantic Coast Inn from Acadia National Park? Approximately 30 minutes by car to the park entrance near Bar Harbor. It's close enough to save lodging costs (Bar Harbor hotels are significantly pricier) but far enough that you'll need a car to explore the park.

Is there parking? Yes, free parking directly in front of your room. The lot is well-lit. Plenty of spaces unless the motel is fully booked.

Do I need a key card, or is there another entry method? Keypad entry only. You'll receive a four-digit code via text before arrival. No physical key. Several guests appreciated this for contactless check-in, though one noted the door handle was slightly broken on at least one unit.

Is the motel pet-friendly? The JSON doesn't specify. Contact the motel directly via text (they'll provide a number during booking) to confirm pet policy and any associated fees.

Can I check in without talking to a person? Yes. Communication is entirely via text message. You'll receive check-in instructions, your room number, door code, and WiFi password before you arrive. If you have questions, text the number provided - staff respond promptly.