The Bluenose Inn sits on a hillside along Eden Street, the main road north out of Bar Harbor, and part of its appeal is the view across Frenchman Bay toward the Porcupine Islands. It is one of the Bar Harbor Collection of properties, a group of hotels along this stretch of Route 3, and it positions itself as a full-service resort-style stay with spacious rooms, suites, pools and a spa. Many rooms have balconies or patios facing the water, and the suites with kitchenettes or whirlpool tubs make it a good choice for longer stays or for couples who want a special room. The location is about a mile or so from the village center, close enough to drive or take the shuttle in minutes and far enough that the evenings are quieter. The hillside setting gives the grounds a resort feel, with landscaped paths, seating areas and a sense of space that downtown hotels cannot match.
What stands out
Guests tend to mention the water views from the upper rooms, the pools and hot tub areas that give children and adults something to do after a day of hiking, and the on-site spa and dining facilities. The inn is large enough to have multiple room types, from standard rooms to larger suites, so you can match the room to the group.
Expect modern comforts such as air conditioning, cable television and wifi, and check whether breakfast is included at your rate. Hotels in this collection often share some services, so ask about access to facilities at neighboring properties.
Getting around
Eden Street is served by the Island Explorer shuttle in season, which makes it easy to reach the village and the park without a car, and the road to Cadillac Mountain, Hulls Cove and the Park Loop Road is a short drive north. Parking is on site and generally ample, which is a real advantage in a busy town. Walking to downtown takes roughly twenty to thirty minutes along a sidewalk, often downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back, so many guests ride or drive for dinner.
Who it suits
Couples, families and groups who want views and amenities without paying downtown waterfront prices, and travelers who plan to drive to the park. If you want to walk to everything, a downtown property is better. Book early for July, August and October, when rooms with ocean views sell out, and check seasonal opening dates, since some Eden Street hotels close in winter.
Ask about packages that combine rooms with tours or meals, and compare the rate for a bay-view room with the standard rooms, because the price difference is often modest for the view you get.
Why stay here
- ✓Frenchman Bay views
- ✓Pool and hot tub areas
- ✓On-site spa
- ✓Balconies and patios in many rooms
- ✓Suites with kitchenettes
- ✓Island Explorer shuttle on Eden Street
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Short drive to downtown and the park
Good questions
Where is the Bluenose Inn?+
On Eden Street, about a mile from downtown Bar Harbor, with views over Frenchman Bay.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, the property offers pool facilities, though seasonal schedules vary. Check when you book.
Can I get to the park without a car?+
The Island Explorer shuttle serves Eden Street in season and connects with park destinations.