Between 2 options

Question

My husband and I will be visiting Bar Harbor in August and are last minute looking for hotel options. Because we waited last minute, our top 2 choices, Bar Harbor Inn and West Street hotel are unavailable. I’m now looking at Harborside Inn or the Holiday Inn. I know those are quite different options, but that is where I would like guidance. From the pictures the Holiday Inn looks very nice and is on the shuttle route, is it really worth almost double the price for Harborside Hotel?

Answer

Choosing between the Harborside Inn and the Holiday Inn in Bar Harbor really depends on what kind of experience you want and how much you value certain amenities. Both are well-rated, but they cater to different priorities.

The Harborside Inn offers a quintessential Bar Harbor experience. It is right on the waterfront, with easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and the pier. Many rooms have direct views of Frenchman Bay, which can be particularly beautiful at sunrise. This hotel tends to have a cozier, more intimate feel, with a strong local character and access to a small pool and hot tub. However, the building is older, and while charming, the rooms may be more basic and slightly dated compared to modern hotels.

The Holiday Inn Bar Harbor is a newer, more modern hotel. It is larger, with contemporary rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, and other standard chain-hotel amenities. One advantage is that it is on the shuttle route, which is convenient if you prefer not to drive or park downtown. The rooms tend to be spacious, and overall comfort and consistency are higher than smaller, independent properties. However, it lacks the direct waterfront charm and immediate downtown walking access that the Harborside Inn offers.

Considerations when comparing the two:

Location: Harborside is more central and waterfront; Holiday Inn is slightly off-center but on the shuttle route.
Price: Holiday Inn is almost double the cost, which may be justified if you value modern amenities, a pool, and shuttle convenience.
Atmosphere: Harborside offers a classic Bar Harbor feel, smaller scale, and potentially more charm; Holiday Inn is more standardized and corporate-feeling.
Parking: Both have parking, but Holiday Inn is easier if you plan to use a car frequently for exploring.

In summary, if your priority is walking distance to downtown, waterfront views, and local character, the Harborside Inn is a solid choice and likely more memorable. If comfort, modern amenities, indoor pool, and shuttle convenience are more important—and you don’t mind spending more—the Holiday Inn could be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between charm and convenience versus modern comfort and amenities.