The Colonels Suites Unit 1
The Colonels Suites Unit 1: Apartment-Style Lodging in Northeast Harbor

Why Stay
Why The Colonels Suites Unit 1
Northeast Harbor doesn't get the crowds of Bar Harbor, which is precisely why couples and small groups end up here - quieter, more local, still a clean jump to Acadia. The Colonels Suites Unit 1 leans into that understated appeal: one-bedroom apartments with real kitchens, separate living areas, and the kind of setup that lets you settle in rather than just sleep. It's a Northeast Harbor apartment hotel that reads more like renting a seasonal place than checking into a traditional suite.
The property sits in a village that doubles as a working port town and gateway to some of Mount Desert Island's less-trampled hiking and cycling. Reviewers consistently flag the location and the homey feel - the kind of place where you actually want to cook breakfast or pour a drink before heading out to explore. Five reviews isn't a huge sample, but they're aligned: clean, comfortable, great for couples, and worth the stay.
A true apartment setup with separate bedroom and living room. Unlike hotel suites that feel like one big box, these units have real spatial division - bedroom tucked away, living area with sofa bed and desk, kitchen meant for actual cooking. Guests consistently praise having a genuine bedroom separate from the living space, which makes a difference on a longer stay or if you're traveling with a partner and one of you wants to rest while the other works or reads.
Full kitchen amenities and a relaxed, homey atmosphere. Kitchenette isn't the operative word here - you get a real kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, and kitchenware. One guest noted the separate bedroom bed was "very comfortable" and that the kitchen setup worked well, suggesting these aren't stripped-down efficiency units. Reviewers use words like "homey" and "great" about the overall feel.
Walkable access to Northeast Harbor's quiet charm. The village has a working waterfront, lobster shacks, and casual restaurants without the carnival-atmosphere crowds of Bar Harbor proper. From here, you're 12 miles from Agamont Park and 11 miles from Frenchman Bay, putting you on the perimeter of the island's best cycling and hiking trails - the Carriage Roads and Jordan Pond Path are close enough for a morning excursion.
On-site restaurant and a property that welcomes families. The aparthotel includes a restaurant, though reviews don't elaborate on cuisine or hours. A children's playground is on-site, making this workable for small families or visiting grandchildren, which is less common in luxury bar-and-restaurant hotels.
Rooms
The rooms
The Colonels Suites offers one-bedroom apartments in a handful of configurations. Each unit features a full kitchen, living room with sofa bed, work desk, private bathroom, and separate bedroom - this layout is the whole draw, and reviewers confirm it works well. Linens are provided, and rooms include cable and satellite channels if you're in the mood for downtime.
Room types from reviews include:
- Queen Suite - one-bedroom with queen bed; clean, homey feel
- King Suite - one-bedroom with king bed
- One Bedroom Suite - full one-bedroom with emphasized kitchen and separate living area
One practical note: cleanliness is generally reported as good, though one reviewer noted it "wasn't spotless" - fair context for an aparthotel where you're handling your own space. If you're fussy about turnover, contact the property directly about their cleaning schedule.
At a Glance
At a glance
Best for
Couples seeking kitchen-equipped home-like accommodations; families with small children; longer stays
Price tier
Mid-range (estimate based on one-bedroom apartments in rural Mount Desert)
Open
Yes (though peak season is May–October)
Guest score
8.4 Very Good
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Kitchen & Dining
Full kitchen in each unit with coffee machine, refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenware · On-site restaurant (hours and cuisine not detailed in reviews)
Recreation
Playground for children · Hiking and cycling access documented in facility list · Fishing arrangements available
Room Features
Private bathroom with bathtub or shower · Free toiletries · Laundry facilities · Work desk and seating area · Cable and satellite TV · Sofa bed in living area · Private entrance
Safety & Practical
Smoke-free property · Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detector · Multilingual staff (Czech, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese)
Seasons
When to visit
Summer (June–August)
Peak season for Mount Desert Island. Acadia is fully open; Park Loop Road is busiest late July and August. Northeast Harbor is quieter than Bar Harbor proper. Water temperature is coolest early June (still chilly), warmest in August (~60°F). The on-site restaurant and playground make sense for families.
Shoulder Season (May, September–October)
Excellent weather for hiking and cycling; fewer crowds. September is the last gasp of summer comfort. October brings foliage, though peak color on the island is typically late September to early October. Reviewers visited in August, September, and April - all reported clean, comfortable stays.
Spring (April–May)
Quieter and cool. Not all island attractions open until late May or early June. Some seasonal restaurants and guided tours may have limited hours. Still serviceable for couples who want solitude and don't mind a light jacket for evening walks.
Winter (November–March)
Park Loop Road and many Acadia facilities have reduced hours or close. Northeast Harbor becomes genuinely quiet. The property appears to be open year-round, but this isn't peak tourist season - useful if you want peace or are visiting family during holiday breaks.
Reviews
What guests say
Great location. It was clean.
- Naomi, United States · Couple · 8/10
Very homey and great location.
- Shannon, United States · Couple · 8/10
Bedroom separate from living area. Bedroom bed very comfortable. Kitchen area good as well.
- Gene, United States · Couple · 7/10
[No detailed comment]
- Carolyn, United States · Couple · 9/10
[No detailed comment]
- Joe, United States · Couple · 10/10
The consistent thread across all five reviews is location and home-like comfort - couples appreciate that the layout works for a real stay, not just an overnight. The only substantive criticism was minor: one guest noted the coffee maker wasn't stocked with coffee (bring your own or ask at check-in), and another mentioned the Queen Suite bed was slightly uncomfortable, though a different guest praised the one-bedroom bed as "very comfortable." Cleanliness is solid, with one reviewer noting the property could be more thorough, but this is aparthotel living - what you see is what you get.
Location
Things to do nearby
- 2 miles to Northeast Harbor waterfront - working fishing village with lobster-focused restaurants and galleries
- 4 miles to Somes Sound - only fjord-like body of water in the continental United States; hiking trails and scenic overlooks at Jordan Pond
- 7 miles to Cadillac Mountain and the Acadia National Park loop road - highest point on the U.S. East Coast; sunrise hikes in summer
- 8 miles to Bar Harbor - larger town with restaurants, shops, and the Park Loop Road entrance
- 9 miles to The Abbe Museum - Native American cultural museum, 12 miles per description but accessible for a half-day visit
- Nearby cycling and hiking - the Carriage Roads (15 miles of gravel paths, no cars) are accessible from within the park; excellent mountain biking on Eagle Lake trails
- Fishing and water access - the property lists fishing as an available activity; Frenchman Bay is 11 miles and offers charter fishing and whale-watching trips
FAQ
Good to know
Is The Colonels Suites Unit 1 right on the water?
Northeast Harbor is a waterfront village, and the property is within the village, but reviews don't specify waterfront access from the unit itself. You're walking distance to the harbor and harbor-view restaurants, but confirm water views or waterfront location when booking if that's a priority.
Is breakfast included?
No. The property lists a coffee machine in the kitchen and a tea/coffee maker in the room, but you'll need to provide your own coffee grounds or buy breakfast locally. Northeast Harbor has casual restaurants and cafes within a short drive.
Is there a shuttle to Bar Harbor or Acadia?
Reviews don't mention shuttle service. You'll need a car or rental to explore the island - the property lists cycling as an activity, but cycling 8+ miles to Bar Harbor or the Park Loop Road isn't practical for a morning outing unless you're an experienced cyclist.
What's the cancellation policy?
The JSON doesn't include cancellation terms. Check Booking.com directly for your specific dates; many independent aparthotels offer flexible cancellation for stays booked directly.
Is there cell service in Northeast Harbor?
The property doesn't mention Wi-Fi or cell details. Most of Mount Desert Island has decent coverage, but confirm with your carrier if you need reliable service for work calls or navigation.
Are pets allowed?
Facilities list doesn't include pet policy. Contact the property directly if you're traveling with a dog or cat.
How far is the nearest restaurant or coffee shop?
Northeast Harbor village (walking distance, under 1 mile) has restaurants and cafes. Bar Harbor (8 miles) has more options. The on-site restaurant is your closest bet, though reviews don't detail its hours or menu.













