Bayview Inn Bar Harbor, Maine

As soon as you enter the lobby of the Bayview Inn, in Bar Harbor, Maine, you will understand why they are rated #1 in Bar Harbor by Trip Advisor users. The lobby area is charming and the welcome warm. The dining room and the stunning view of Frenchman's Bay unfold before you. Did I forget to mention, this is a waterfront hotel? On the right of the lobby is the staircase that will take you up or down to your room. If mobility is an issue, there are some rooms on the main floor.

After our friendly check-in and some fresh baked cookies, yes every afternoon at 2 p.m. fresh cookies come out and you are encouraged to indulge, we headed to our room. Coffee and hot water for tea are available in the dining room all day. You can take your cookies and drink and enjoy the views on the balcony off of the dining room or as we did, bring them to your room. There is also a bar area where drinks are offered.

We were located on the third floor and had a king room with a private balcony overlooking the water. While the weather was not cooperative while we were visiting, we did get to enjoy the chairs one afternoon while the sun was shining.

Al, the doorman and general all around helpful guy, carried our very heavy suitcase up the stairs for us. There is a hint in this, try not to bring a huge suitcase, there is no elevator.

Breakfast is served from 7-10 a.m. and is complimentary. It is an expansive continental plus. You can expect to find oatmeal and cold cereal, a large selection of fresh pastries, bread, bagels and muffins, juice, coffee, fresh fruit, yogurt and a hot dish. It might be scrambled eggs and sausage, a croissant breakfast sandwich or mini quiches. All of them were delicious. Needless to say, you won’t walk away hungry unless you choose to.

Our king room was spacious with a very comfortable king bed with white bedding and plenty of pillows. Seating is provided by a recliner and two chairs and a table. Other similar rooms had a love seat instead of the recliner. The TV was in a credenza and had a wide selection of channels. A list of the available channels was included which we always appreciate. Robes for your use are provided in the closet.

A microwave, mini fridge and Keurig coffeemaker are offered. The bathroom has a bathtub and shower combo with great pressure and fluffy towels. We felt very well cared for.

The hotel has an outdoor pool which was not open when we visited in mid-May. In addition to the rooms in the main building, there are townhouses on the hill above the pool. Breakfast in the main building is also provided for these accommodations.

The hotel has a minivan that is available from early morning to late in the evening to take you anywhere in the area that you want to go. Not having to worry about finding parking when you want to go downtown is a big advantage. High speed Internet is provided at no charge and it was unfailingly strong and fast.

Located in the Eden section of Bar Harbor, the Bayview Inn is about a mile to the harbor but the location is perfect. Not only is it waterfront with a very good restaurant almost right across the street but the main entrance to Acadia National Park is just two miles down the road. The staff is so friendly that you will feel as if you have known them forever and we were greeted each and every time we came into the lobby area. I loved this hotel and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone visiting Bar Harbor and would certainly stay here again.