Culture55698396320
March 1, 2024
Bar Harbor during the summer months is expensive. It's expensive for two reasons: It's a popular tourist destination. And innkeepers and tourism-dependent businesses have a only four months to make money for the rest of the year. The hotel is about a 10-to-15-minute pleasant walk into town down Mt. Desert Street. When you get to the end of Mt. Desert, you'll find plenty of locally operated businesses and no shortage of restaurants at all price ranges and menus. On price ranges, Bar Harbor is expensive and anything with lobster will be even more expensive, whether it's for lunch, dinner or just a lobster roll. Keep in mind that this is a very old two-level motel that has been renovated. The renovation gives guests a somewhat modern room with good lighting, air-conditioning, a microwave and a refrigerator. There is no carpeting on the floor. It was not an issue for me in July, but it might be cold in non-summer months! No closet, but there is shelving for your possessions. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. Pricing for swanky inns in town will be in the $400 and up (like way up!) range. I booked this hotel in the $250 range, before taxes. Given the time of year, I felt it was a fair rate, but far from a deal or bargain. Again, it's Bar Harbor in the summer and even if you stay miles away, you'll be paying at least that! Nice, efficient people at check-in. The lobby also serves a very basic complimentary breakfast in the morning. Again, lower your expectations and you won't be disappointed. The seating area for breakfast in July was served outdoors, in what used to be the rain-covered driveway/dropoff/reception area! Branding for the hotel is a little odd. While the big sign outside indicates it's the Port Inn, I booked it through the Choice Hotels website. The hotel is part of the "Ascend Collection" at Choice, but there's no branding that would let you know you're in an Ascend or Choice property! Reminds me of the Holiday Inn Resort on Eden Street which wants to be known as the Bar Harbor Regency, downplaying its association with Holiday Inn, based on its signage both outside and on property. All in all, I recommend this hotel based on location and cost. But again, you're about a 10-minute walk outside of downtown Bar Harbor. And the cost, while high, is not inconsistent with other hotels in peak season in Bar Harbor. Older reviews indicate a pool. It has been removed and gone for a while. The website doesn't promise a pool, but if you've driven through Bar Harbor in the past, you might have remembered the pool up on stilts right at the corner. It's been pulled down, so don't have expectations of cooling off in a pool!