Acadia II on the Harbor

If you're planning to spend serious time in Southwest Harbor - hiking, biking, kayaking, or just sitting with a book and ocean air - renting a private apartment beats another hotel chain. Acadia II on the Harbor is exactly that: a one-bedroom unit with a living room, a full kitchen, a private deck with sea views, and enough space to actually spread out after a day on the trails. No breakfast line. No lobby. No small talk. Just a quiet, well-kept place a few blocks from town.

The location is the real win. You're close enough to walk to restaurants and the harbor, far enough from the tourist crush of Bar Harbor, and perfectly positioned for exploring the quieter side of Acadia National Park - the Ship Harbor trail, Jordan Pond, Wonderland. Most guests are couples and solo travelers here to hike or bike, not families looking for activities. The place reflects that.

The deck and sea view are the centerpiece. Reviewers consistently mention the "beautiful view from the comfortable living room and spacious deck" - this is the space where mornings and evenings happen. Bring coffee. Watch the boats.

You're walking distance to the harbor and town restaurants. Not lakefront or beachfront, but close enough to run to a lobster roll or ice cream without driving. The neighborhood itself is quiet - no noise complaints, no crowds.

The apartment sleeps two people with real comfort and space. A sofa bed means flexibility if a third guest joins. More importantly, reviewers praise the "comfortable furniture" and note it's "an excellent spot for two people to really spread out and relax." That matters when you're not checking out at 11 a.m.

The kitchen is genuinely equipped. Stovetop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, full cookware - you can cook. One reviewer flagged that the old electric stove heats slowly, so if you're planning elaborate meals, set time aside. But for casual cooking, coffee, and morning prep, it works.

Acadia II offers one unit: a one-bedroom apartment with a living room and private entrance. The bedroom has quality linens and a private bathroom. The living area includes a dining table and sofa bed, so guests can either sleep two in the bedroom or split the space. The deck is part of the room's appeal - reviewers note its size and ocean exposure. The main caveat: the electric stove is older and slow to heat, which matters if you're a serious cook but is manageable if you're planning simpler meals.

Outdoor & Relaxation · Private deck with sea view · Barbecue · Access to nearby beach and hiking

Kitchen & Food · Full kitchen with stovetop, oven, and dishwasher · Dining table · Tea and coffee maker · Grocery deliveries available

Practical Services · Free WiFi · 24-hour front desk · Tour desk to book activities · Free on-site private parking · ATM on site

In the Unit · Sofa bed · Private entrance and private bathroom · TV with pay-per-view · DVD player

September through October - Peak hiking and biking season. Foliage is outstanding, trails are dry, and the summer crowds have thinned out. The apartment is booked solid during leaf-peeping weekends.

June through August - Peak summer. Weather is warmest and most reliable. Acadia National Park is busiest, but coastal trails stay manageable. Restaurant reservations are tight.

May and Late October - Shoulder season. Weather is unpredictable but trails are quieter. Some seasonal restaurants may have reduced hours.

November through April - Winter. Few visitors. Some local services reduce hours or close. The deck is colder. Worth visiting if you want solitude, but not ideal for casual visitors.

"Great location. Quiet neighborhood. Comfortable furniture. Very clean." - Fisher, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Beautiful view from the comfortable living room and spacious deck, close to town and restaurants." - David, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"It's an excellent spot for two people to really spread out and relax." - David, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

Both reviewers highlighted the quiet, the cleanliness, and the proximity to hiking and dining. One noted that the electric stove is dated and slow - not a deal-breaker if you're not planning intricate cooking, but worth knowing. Another mentioned the lack of hand soap in the bathroom, suggesting you might bring your own or request it at check-in.

• Ship Harbor Nature Trail - 5 miles · An easy, beginner-friendly loop with tide pools and quiet forest. Return to the car in under 90 minutes.
• Acadia National Park - 8 miles · Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, and Wonderland Beach are all under 15 minutes from town.
• Bar Harbor - 13 miles · The busier side of Acadia; shops, galleries, and more crowded trails.
• Downtown Southwest Harbor - Walking distance · Lunch Counter serves excellent sandwiches. Gathering Place makes good coffee. Seafood restaurants dot the waterfront.
• Frenchman Bay - 15 miles · Boat tours, whale watching, and kayak rentals if you want to get on the water.
• The Abbe Museum - 14 miles · Native Maine history in Bar Harbor.
• Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport - 13 miles · If flying in, expect a 25-minute drive.

Is this right on the water? The apartment has a sea view and a private deck, but it's not beachfront. It's a few blocks from the harbor in a quiet residential neighborhood. Walking distance to the waterfront, not directly on it.

Is breakfast included? No. The unit has a full kitchen and coffee maker for your own breakfast. Local cafes are a short walk away.

Can I cook full meals here? Yes, though reviewers note the electric stove is older and heats slowly. It works for simple cooking, pasta, and boiling water, but may frustrate if you plan elaborate cooking.

How close is it to Acadia National Park? About 8 miles to the nearest park entrances and trails. Jordan Pond and Ship Harbor are both under 15 minutes by car.

Is parking included? Yes. Free on-site private parking is included. No street parking hassles.

Is the apartment pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed, though specific terms (fees, breed restrictions) should be confirmed at booking.

How far to restaurants and town? Walking distance - roughly 5 to 10 minutes on foot to downtown Southwest Harbor and the waterfront restaurants.