Harbor View Motel & Cottages – 14 Rooms & Cottages in Southwest

Cliffside cottages with red roofs overlook a grassy yard at Harbor View area in Acadia National Park.

The game plan: Harbor View sits on Acadia's quiet side with 14 cottages and 8 motel rooms. It feels calm, spacious, and convenient for exploration with free WiFi, in-room coffee, and kitchen options in select cottages. Peak-season pricing can hit $325 for a 2-bedroom cottage, but you still get a dependable base with parking and a nearby shuttle. This is your low-stress, harbor-tinged launch pad for Mount Desert Island.

Quick facts

Lodging Type: Motel
Price Low Season: 135
Price High Season: 325

Stay details

Lodging Type: Motel
Price Low Season: 135
Price High Season: 325
Peak Season Dates: Mid-June through mid-September
Off Season Dates: May 1–Mid-June; Mid-September–October 31
Minimum Stay: 2
Cancellation Policy: 14 days' notice required; cancellations less than 14 days prior to arrival are charged for the full stay

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available: Motel rooms (queen or king beds)
1-bedroom cottages
2-bedroom cottages
Max Occupancy: 6
Bed Configurations: Motel: Queen bed
Motel: King bed
Cottage: 1-bedroom
Cottage: 2-bedroom
Square Footage: Varies
In Room Amenities: Free WiFi
TV
Coffee maker
Microwave in select cottages
Refrigerator in select cottages
Air conditioning and heating
Property Amenities: Free on-site parking
No on-site pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, or spa
Island Explorer shuttle stop within 5 minutes' walk
Walkable to restaurants and shops in Southwest Harbor (0.2-0.3 miles)
Pool Details: No pool
Restaurant Details: No on-site restaurant; nearby options within 0.2-0.3 miles include The Docksider, McKay's Public House, Quietside Cafe
Family Amenities: Cottages with kitchens
Walkable to dining options
Quiet, low-key setting

Location & access

Park Area: Acadia National Park (Southwest Harbor area)
Distance To Park: 9 miles (15-20 minutes) to the Acadia Entrance Station
Distance To Town: Located in Southwest Harbor; walkable to town amenities (~0 miles)
Distance To Visitor Center: 9 miles (15-20 minutes) to the Visitor Center
Parking Details: Free on-site parking; spaces may be limited
Shuttle Service: Island Explorer stop is within a 5-minute walk
Walkable Amenities: Docksider 0.2 miles
McKay's Public House 0.3 miles
Quietside Cafe 0.2 miles
Grocery store nearby in Southwest Harbor 0.2-0.3 miles
Accessibility: Limited information; ADA-accessible rooms not confirmed

Policies & fit

Pet Policy: Pets allowed in select cottages; $25 per pet per night; pets cannot be left unattended in rooms or cottages
Seasonal Operation: Seasonal operation: May 1–October 31
Winter Access: Seasonal closure; winter access not available
Best For: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a quiet, space-friendly base near Acadia exploration. ❌ SKIP IF: You need ADA-accessible rooms or on-site dining
Who Should Skip This: Skip if you require fully ADA-compliant spaces or on-site dining and luxury perks

Planning advice

Review Summary: Quiet harbor-side base on Acadia’s quieter flank. Not luxury, but space and location work for a relaxed visit. Peak season requires planning; great for exploration and independence.
The Honest Truth: Harbor View Motel & Cottages sits in Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island, with 28 units: 3 efficiencies, 7 cottages, and motel rooms in the main building plus the North and South buildings. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The site lists Seasonal Hours but does not publish exact dates for peak or off-peak times. On-site dining and a pool are not listed. Pets are allowed in select units with a nominal fee. Parking details aren’t published for this property. It suits families, couples, and travelers seeking a quieter base near Acadia National Park, with cottages offering multiple bedrooms and full kitchens for longer stays.
Room Insider Tips: Request harbor-view units if possible; motel rooms away from the road minimize traffic noise; Island Explorer stop nearby; cottages with kitchens suit longer stays
Pro Tip Booking: Book 6–9 months ahead for peak season; request harbor view; cottages offer kitchen options for longer stays
Your Morning Game Plan: Coffee in-room; you're 15–20 minutes from the park entrance (9 miles). Leave by 6:45 AM to beat crowds.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June through mid-September for peak activity; May and October offer quieter stays with lower rates
Pro Tips: Parking is free on-site; space may be limited.
Island Explorer shuttle stop is a 5-minute walk.
Book 6-9 months in advance for peak season.
Some cottages include full kitchens—great for longer stays.
Harbor-view units are worth requesting; motel rooms closer to the road can have some traffic noise.

More details

Is Valid Lodging: 1
Accessibility Features: Limited information
Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Not Recommended For: Those seeking luxury amenities or fully accessible layouts
Cell Service Wi-Fi: Cell service generally good for Verizon and AT&T; Free WiFi is reliable for basic use; streaming may vary
Local Hazards: Deer are common in the area; stay aware in wooded zones
Year Built: 1960
Year Renovated: 0
Notable Views: Harbor views
Southwest Harbor landscape
Architecture Style: Motel with separate cottages; cottage-style architecture
Recent Updates: Renovated for modern comfort; no exact dates provided
Family Friendly Notes: Quiet setting suitable for couples and small families; accessibility may be limited for mobility-challenged travelers
Babysitting Available: 0
Nearby Facilities: Restaurants, shops, and a grocery within a short walk in Southwest Harbor
Book If: ✅ BOOK IF: you’re chasing a quiet, space-friendly base near Acadia; ❌ SKIP IF: you need luxury perks or ADA-compliant rooms

Location

Photos

Two-queen bed room in Acadia National Park, a light-blue-walled lodging interior with a dresser and mounted TV.

Harbor view along Acadia National Park's coast with sunlight reflecting on calm water near Bar Harbor

Harborfront cottages line the Bar Harbor shoreline in Acadia National Park during autumn.

Sunset over a calm harbor with cottages lining the shore in Acadia National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is not included; in-room coffee makers are standard and nearby dining options are within easy reach.

Is parking free?

Yes, free on-site parking; space may be limited during peak times.

Are ADA-accessible rooms available?

Accessibility details aren’t published; plan accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation requires 14 days' notice; cancellations within 14 days incur full-stay charges.

Is there a shuttle to the park?

The Island Explorer shuttle stop is within a 5-minute walk from the property.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.