Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

For those seeking an elevated and luxurious experience in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina stands as a quintessential choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category. Located at 55 West St, this upscale resort offers a unique blend of sophisticated comfort, extensive amenities, and an unbeatable waterfront location, making it a prime destination for a memorable coastal Maine getaway.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina boasts an enviable oceanfront setting, nestled directly on picturesque Frenchman's Bay. This allows for "great views" of the bay and the ocean beyond, with guests frequently reporting "spectacular" vistas from their rooms and common areas, including beautiful sunrises. The changing tides behind the hotel are also noted as a "cool experience," adding to the dynamic waterfront environment.

Its location is truly a significant advantage: it's "right in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor" and offers a "quick walk to town." This means guests are just steps away from the vibrant array of shops, diverse restaurants, and the scenic wharf. Being able to easily access the town's attractions on foot eliminates the need for constant driving and parking, enhancing the relaxation of a vacation.

While offering prime downtown access, the Harborside also serves as an excellent gateway to Acadia National Park, which is just minutes away by car. This strategic positioning allows guests to seamlessly transition from exploring the bustling town to immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the park's hiking trails, carriage roads, and scenic drives. The property itself is expansive, providing a resort-like feel with beautifully maintained grounds, including access to the adjacent Bar Harbor Club facilities.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina prides itself on delivering a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to cater to every aspect of a luxury vacation. Customer reviews consistently highlight the "outstanding" and "exceptional" staff, who are described as "smiling, friendly, courteous and prompt," going above and beyond to make stays memorable. Key offerings include:

• Luxurious Accommodations: The hotel features 193 newly renovated (as of 2019) guest rooms and suites, designed with a sophisticated nautical style that reflects coastal Maine. Rooms offer amenities like comfortable beds, large bathrooms, marble bathrooms, flat-panel TVs, coffee makers, luxury linens, and often semi-private or private balconies with stunning views of Frenchman's Bay, Bar Island, or the pool. Some premium accommodations include desirable features like private hot tubs on balconies, fireplaces, or full kitchens in suites, catering to diverse preferences.

• Full-Service Spa: The on-site Opal Spa at Bar Harbor Club offers an extensive menu of head-to-toe treatments, including customized massages, signature facials using natural ingredients, body scrubs, and touchless therapies like Mind Sync treatment loungers and oxygen therapy. Guests praise the quality of services and the professionalism of the spa staff.

• Diverse Dining Options: The hotel boasts several acclaimed on-site restaurants and bars. These include:

  • La Bella Vita: An Italian restaurant offering authentic Italian fare.

  • Stewman's Lobster Pound: Provides an authentic "Down East" Maine lobster experience with fresh seafood, located oceanside.

  • Enoteca Wine Bar: Features inventive tapas-style small plates and a selection of wines.

  • Splash Pool Bar: A seasonal poolside bar serving light lunches, cocktails, and refreshing beverages.

  • In-Room Dining: Available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room or suite.

• Marina Access: As the name suggests, the hotel includes a marina, allowing guests to embark directly on activities like whale watching tours (with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company operating from the pier), sailing trips, or even lobstering excursions.

• Multiple Pools & Fitness Facilities: Guests have access to an oceanfront outdoor heated pool with expansive deck loungers, offering 180-degree harbor views. Additionally, guests can utilize the facilities at the adjacent Bar Harbor Club, which includes another pool, regulation clay tennis courts, and a well-equipped fitness center.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is available throughout the property.

• Parking: The hotel offers complimentary self-parking, a significant benefit in downtown Bar Harbor. Valet parking is also an option.

• 24-Hour Front Desk & Concierge Service: The professional and welcoming staff are available around the clock to assist with any needs, provide local recommendations, and help plan activities.

• Event and Meeting Spaces: With over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including ballrooms and outdoor lawns, the Harborside is well-equipped for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings, accommodating groups of various sizes.

• Pet-Friendly: The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions (with potential charges and restrictions, typically for well-mannered dogs 30 lbs or less, with a non-refundable fee of $100 per night per dog, maximum two dogs per room. Dog-friendly rooms and location restrictions may apply, including in restaurants and by pools).

• Other Amenities: Include a welcoming lobby with a fireplace, complimentary laundry facilities, room service, a business center, and gift shops.

What truly sets the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina apart in the "Hotels Near Of Me" landscape of Bar Harbor is its comprehensive luxury resort experience:

• Oceanfront Grandeur: Few hotels in Bar Harbor offer such direct and expansive ocean views combined with a full-service marina, making it a unique waterfront destination.

• Integrated Resort Concept: The seamless access to the Bar Harbor Club's facilities (pools, tennis, spa) effectively extends the hotel's amenities, offering a holistic resort experience that goes beyond typical hotel offerings.

• "Destination Within a Destination": With multiple dining options, a full spa, a marina, and event spaces, guests could easily spend their entire vacation enjoying the hotel's offerings without needing to leave the property, though its prime location encourages exploration.

• Unwavering Hospitality: The consistently positive reviews regarding the staff's friendliness, courtesy, and attentiveness underscore a commitment to service excellence that enhances the overall luxury experience.

• Variety of High-End Accommodations: The availability of rooms with private hot tubs, fireplaces, or full kitchens caters to a discerning clientele seeking specific comforts and elevated stays.

The Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina leverages its premium offerings and sterling reputation in its promotional efforts:

• "Breathtaking Views & Unbeatable Location": This is a primary selling point, emphasizing the hotel's direct waterfront access and its proximity to downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Imagery of ocean views and the marina are central to its branding.

• "Luxury & Relaxation Combined": Highlighting the full-service spa, heated outdoor pool, and comfortable, elegant rooms positions the hotel as an ideal retreat for relaxation and indulgence.

• "Dine with a View": Promoting its diverse on-site restaurants, particularly those with oceanfront settings, appeals to food enthusiasts and those seeking convenient, high-quality dining experiences.

• "Your Gateway to Coastal Adventures": Leveraging its marina, the hotel promotes direct access to whale watching tours, sailing, and other marine activities, appealing to adventure-seeking guests.

• "Exceptional Service, Unforgettable Memories": Consistent positive guest feedback on staff friendliness and attentiveness is used to assure prospective guests of a welcoming and memorable stay, often stating it's a "top 5 Hotel Choice."

• Special Offers & Packages: The hotel frequently advertises promotions like "Rise, Shine, & Dine" (including breakfast for two), "Stay Three and Save" (offering up to 20% off for stays of three or more nights), and "Harborside Holiday Savings," encouraging bookings during various seasons and providing added value.

• Event Destination: Strong emphasis is placed on its capabilities as a premier venue for weddings, conferences, and other events, showcasing its versatile meeting spaces and catering services for groups of various sizes.

In conclusion, for those searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in Bar Harbor and desiring a comprehensive luxury resort experience, the Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina offers an outstanding choice. Its stunning location, extensive amenities, diverse dining, pampering spa, and dedication to exceptional service ensure a truly memorable and indulgent stay in coastal Maine.