Bar Harbor in October - Anniversary trip - Where to Stay?

Just want to begin and say how much we love Bar Harbor!!!

We used to head there from Chicago every year. Used to stay in the Golden Anchor 25 years ago. We haven%26#39;t been back in the last 6 or 7 years. Is mid October still good time to go? Where is a really nice place to stay? One time we stayed at a B%26amp;B in town and really didn%26#39;t like it...but, we%26#39;re open to doing it again if there are some great suggestions. We love Acadia and hiking and hitting Jordan Pond, etc., sounds so wonderful. Love the ocean and Park Loop.

Thanks much.

ps. I%26#39;m actually thinking about surprising my husband and flying into Portland and renting a car. I%26#39;d love to fly into Bangor, but it tends to cost alot.

Bar Harbor in October - Anniversary trip - Where to Stay?

First off, the Golden Anchor is no more. That entire area, including the old Bar Harbor Club, which has been rehabilitated, is now the Harborside Hotel and Marina. (Yes, times change.)

The Acadia Hotel on Mt. Desert St. is a favorite of one of the forum regulars. If you want to try B%26amp;Bs again, look in

%26lt;www.sleepbarharbor.com%26gt;

which provides descriptions, rates, and availability of many of Bar Harbor%26#39;s B%26amp;Bs.

A wider selection of lodging alternatives is at %26lt;www.acadiamagic.com%26gt;

Mid October has become a popular time here---we have been discovered by the leaf-peepers.

Bar Harbor in October - Anniversary trip - Where to Stay?

Thanks, CW. We used to come in Sept. (smaller crowds) before we had kids...then in the late summer once they started school. Now that we don%26#39;t have to worry about that, we really want to come back and smell the ocean and see familiar spots and enjoy Acadia.

Do you recommend a nice B%26amp;B that is roomy and really nice?

Saltair and The Tides on West Street are two very nice B%26amp;Bs. Each has only four rooms, waterfront, luxury.

I%26#39;d be the person who likes The Acadia Hotel. As someone here on T.A. described it, it is a little like a B%26amp;B without the breakfast or a small Inn like you might find in the countryside.

There are a number of reasons I like the place but #1 is probably the location right off of the Village Green. It is close to everything including just a minute walk from the Island Explorer bus hub at the Green.

Rate are reasonable. Rather than repeat myself, I would direct you to the reviews which can be found along the left side.

Good luck and enjoy.

www.theharborsidehotel.com

We just returned from BH yesterday and LOVED the Harborside Hotel. The rooms are beautiful with down comforters and yummy sheets, location is great, and service was outstanding. It felt brand new (read: CLEAN).

We stopped in to see the Balance Rock Inn www.balancerockinn.com and my fiance and I almost grabbed a justice of the Peace for a spur of the moment wedding!! it was beautiful and the view is spectacular. The rooms are cozy and, at least this past weekend, seemed very reasonably priced (not high season yet though so I don%26#39;t know what the rates are in Oct). Great location too, also right off the square down a side road so easy to miss, we just happened to wonder down the little street it%26#39;s on.

Depending on what you like -- hotel vs. Inn -- either one is perfect for a romantic getaway.

If you want to splurge stay at the Bar Harbor Inn. We stayed here for the first time in early May. The rates were very reasonable and it%26#39;s a wonderful place. The rooms are very comfortable and you can%26#39;t beat the location. The Harborside Hotel and Marina is about the same price but we think the Bar Harbor Inn is nicer. Construction was still going on at the Harborside when we were there. October is a great time to go...beautiful and no crowds.