Where to stay on the budget

Question

Planning to visit Bar Harbour last minute trip, in September.

There are 3 of us, so ideally we need 2 bedrooms( or 2 hotel rooms).

Looked everywhere, and prices seemed unreasonable. Am I doing anything wrong? Can I stay somewhere within 20 min drive to downtown ( or park), and didn't spend fortune! Any advice is appreciated.

Answer

Visiting Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island in September is a beautiful choice, with the tail end of summer crowds and great weather. However, this is still peak season for lodging, and last-minute bookings often face high prices, especially for multiple rooms or units that can accommodate three people.

There are a few strategies to find budget-friendly accommodations within a 20-minute drive of downtown Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park:

Look in nearby towns: Consider Rockport, Southwest Harbor, Trenton, and Ellsworth. These towns are within 10–20 minutes by car and often have lower rates than downtown Bar Harbor.
Check vacation rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo, and local vacation rental sites may offer 2-bedroom apartments or cottages that are cheaper than booking two separate hotel rooms.
Motels and inns: Smaller inns, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts slightly off the main tourist routes can be significantly less expensive than the major hotels in Bar Harbor.
Book weekday stays: If your trip can include weekdays, prices may be lower than weekends, which attract more visitors.

Additional tips for saving money:

Check for last-minute cancellations on booking platforms; sometimes properties release rooms at a discount a few days ahead.
Consider lodging that doesn’t require staying in the heart of Bar Harbor; a short drive (even 10–15 minutes) can reduce costs dramatically.
Look for package deals or accommodations with kitchen facilities so you can save on meals.
Reach out directly to smaller inns or motels—sometimes they have rates not listed online.

In summary, while last-minute bookings in Bar Harbor proper tend to be expensive in September, nearby towns, vacation rentals, motels, and smaller inns offer more affordable options within a short drive. Expanding your search radius and considering rentals with kitchens or multi-bedroom units can help your group of three stay comfortably without breaking the bank.

Where to stay on the budget

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