Open Hearth Inn is a value-minded base in Trenton, the small town on the mainland side of the bridge to Mount Desert Island. That location is the key to understanding it. Trenton sits on Route 3 a short drive from Ellsworth and about twenty minutes or so from Bar Harbor, depending on traffic, and it offers some of the lowest lodging rates in the area. For visitors who plan to spend their days exploring Acadia National Park, taking boats or hiking, and who only need a clean place to sleep, an inn like this can save a substantial sum compared with the Bar Harbor waterfront, especially in July, August and October. The trade-off is distance. You will drive into Acadia every day, and on summer afternoons the traffic on Route 3 and into the village can be heavy, so build in extra time for park entrances, boat departures and dinner reservations. Parking at the inn is usually easy, which is a relief after the squeeze downtown. Trenton is also close to the well-known lobster pounds near the bridge, and the drive onto the island takes you past the Thompson Island visitor information area. Confirm room types, bed configurations and what is included when you book, since amenities at inns of this kind vary.
What to expect
A motel-style inn generally offers straightforward rooms, parking at the door, a private bathroom and a simple, practical atmosphere. Some properties of this kind include a breakfast, a small pool or a seasonal outdoor area, but this varies, so check when you book rather than assuming. Rooms near the road can be noisy, so ask for a quieter location if you are a light sleeper.
Who it suits
Budget-minded couples, families, groups traveling by car, hikers and anyone who plans to spend little time in the room. It is a smart choice if Bar Harbor is sold out or too expensive on your dates, or if you are combining Acadia with other Maine stops such as Ellsworth, Blue Hill or the Schoodic Peninsula. It is less suited to travelers who want to walk to restaurants and the harbor in Bar Harbor, or who rely on the Island Explorer shuttle, since the shuttle stops are mostly on the island.
Timing and cost
Peak season runs from late June through mid October, and lodging on the mainland also fills up on weekends, so reserve early. Shoulder seasons offer lower rates. Check the cancellation terms and any seasonal opening dates, since some mainland inns reduce services in winter.
Local tips
Leave early for Cadillac Mountain sunrise or sunset, since vehicle reservations and parking are limited. Fill your tank and buy groceries in Ellsworth, where choices are wider, and plan your dinner before you head into the park. If you want a lobster dinner, eat early, since the pounds near the bridge close in the evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Mainland gateway location in Trenton
- ✓Short drive to Bar Harbor and Acadia
- ✓Guest rooms with private baths
- ✓Easy parking
- ✓Near lobster pounds by the bridge
- ✓Lower rates than the waterfront
- ✓Handy for Ellsworth and Schoodic
- ✓Check breakfast and facilities when you book
Good questions
Is Open Hearth Inn in Bar Harbor?+
No. It is in Trenton on the mainland side of the bridge to Mount Desert Island, so you will drive into Bar Harbor and Acadia. Check drive times when you book.
Is it a good budget choice?+
It is positioned as a value option compared with Bar Harbor lodging, though rates rise in July, August and October.
Does it have a pool or breakfast?+
Facilities at inns of this kind vary by season, so check when you book.
