Lodging

Acadia Gateway Motel

Lodging★ 4
Exterior of a motel near Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park with American, Canadian and other flags displayed near the entrance.

This Acadia gateway motel is a budget-friendly base just outside Acadia National Park. It sits on 66 wooded acres with parking at your doorstep and free WiFi. Coffee and donuts start the morning, and back-building rooms offer quieter nights. It’s not luxury, but it’s a solid, value-first launchpad for park adventures.

Quick facts

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
153
Price High Season
264

Stay details

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
153
Price High Season
264
Peak Season Dates
July
Off Season Dates
October 23 – May 1 (property closed)
Minimum Stay
1
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms depend on room type and booking channel. Fully refundable rates can be canceled up to a few days before arrival; other rate options may be nonrefundable. The exact deadline is shown at the time of booking.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available
  • Basic Cabin, 1 Double Bed
  • Standard Cottage, 2 Double Beds
  • Small Double Room, 1 full bed
  • Double Room with Two Double Beds
  • Queen Room with Kitchen
  • Standard Twin Room
  • Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed
  • Double Room with Two Double Beds
  • Twin queen room
  • Double beds
Max Occupancy
4
Bed Configurations
  • 1 Double Bed
  • 2 Double Beds
  • 1 Full Bed
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • 2 Queen Beds
Square Footage
Varies
In Room Amenities
  • Free WiFi
  • 50-inch cable TV
  • Coffee maker (in most rooms)
  • Microwave on request
  • Refrigerator on request
  • In-room climate control (AC/heat)
Property Amenities
  • Vending machine
  • Ice available at nearby gas station deli
  • Breakfast coffee and donuts in reception 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
  • Picnic tables and grills upon request
  • No on-site restaurant; Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. across street
Pool Details
Not listed
Restaurant Details
No on-site restaurant; Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. across the street
Family Amenities
  • Picnic areas
  • Grills upon request

Location & access

Park Area
Acadia National Park
Distance To Park
Approximately 16.5 miles to Acadia National Park entrance (about 20 minutes).
Distance To Town
About 8 minutes to Bar Harbor town center.
Distance To Visitor Center
Approximately 23 minutes to Acadia National Park Visitor Center.
Parking Details
Free self-parking; parking in front of doors.
Shuttle Service
Island Explorer Bus stop 2 minutes away by car.
Walkable Amenities
  • Wild Acadia Fun Park & Water Slides
  • Trenton Health Center
  • Kisma Preserve
Accessibility
No elevators. ADA rooms and roll-in showers: Unknown

Policies & fit

Pet Policy
Not allowed.
Seasonal Operation
Open May 1–Oct 23; closed Oct 23–May 1.
Winter Access
Not available during winter; seasonal operation governs access.
Best For
✅ BOOK IF: You’re a budget-conscious traveler, family, or couple seeking a practical base near Acadia. ❌ SKIP IF: You demand luxury, a modern interior, or silence from road traffic.
Who Should Skip This
If you need luxury, elevator access, or a high-end spa vibe, this one isn’t for you.

Planning advice

Review Summary
Solid budget base near Acadia with easy park access. Some road noise; back rooms are quieter. Free morning coffee/donuts and a convenient central spot for exploring the area.
The Honest Truth
Look, it's a basic motel near Acadia. It's not luxury, but the location is killer for hikers and families on a budget. Rooms are simple and clean; back-building units stay quieter, but road noise can creep in from the front. Donuts and coffee in the morning help you fuel up before the trails, and the 66-acre setting gives you room to breathe.
Room Insider Tips
Request a back-building room for quiet nights. If you want a kitchenette, pick Queen Room with Kitchen. Avoid the front row if road noise bothers you; confirm room numbers with reception for best view and quiet.
Pro Tip Booking
  • Direct booking via acadiagateway.com for best rate.
  • Peak season requires booking ~6 months ahead.
  • For dinner, Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. is across the street; no on-site restaurant.
  • Use back-building rooms to avoid road noise; check with front desk for availability.
Your Morning Game Plan
Coffee is free in reception 7–10 AM. You're ~20 minutes from the park entrance (16.5 miles) and about 23 minutes to the Visitor Center. Leave by 6:45 AM to beat the crowds and hit the trails before the rush.
Best Time To Visit
Open May 1–Oct 23. Peak in July. Sweet spots: May–June and Sept 1–Oct 15 for calmer days and better rates.
Pro Tips
  • Parking is free and right in front of your door.
  • Back-building rooms are quieter; request one if you hate road noise.
  • Donuts and coffee are available 7:00 AM–10:00 AM in the reception.
  • Book 6 months in advance for peak season; Direct booking via acadiagateway.com is strongest.
  • No on-site restaurant; Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. is across the street for easy dinners.
  • Check-in 3:00 PM–10:00 PM; late checkout costs $25.
  • WiFi is free but booster's handy for weak spots in far rooms.

More details

Is Valid Lodging
1
Accessibility Features
  • No elevators
  • Roll-in showers: Unknown
  • ADA accommodations: Unknown
Hours
  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Not Recommended For
Those chasing upscale vibes or a hotel-like experience with elevators.
Cell Service Wi-Fi
WiFi free and generally reliable for email and browsing; a booster helps in farther rooms.
Local Hazards
Wildlife common in Acadia; road noise from some rooms.
Year Built
0
Year Renovated
0
Notable Views
  • Backyard views
  • Wooded landscape
Awards
4-star rating from 281 reviews
Recent Updates
No major renovations noted; seasonal operations highlighted; book early for peak July demand.
Family Friendly Notes
Budget-friendly for families; simple rooms, easy access to park and nearby eateries.
Babysitting Available
0
Nearby Facilities
Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. (across street), Smokey's (Trenton), Mainely Meats (BBQ), McDonald's (7 min drive), Circle K (8 min drive), Aroma Joe's (7 min drive), Wendy's (7 min drive), Hilltop On The Run (4 min drive), Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro (7 km).
Book If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget-friendly base near Acadia for hiking and family trips. ❌ SKIP IF: You crave luxury, a spa vibe, or elevators.

Location

Interior motel room in Acadia National Park featuring wood paneling, a double bed, and a small desk.Motel bathroom vanity in Acadia National Park, cluttered counter with toiletries and sink.Acadia Gateway Motel porch in Acadia National Park, flags fluttering beside a flower-filled deck.Two-door lodging unit on a sunlit porch in Acadia National Park, with orange siding and Adirondack chairs.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an on-site restaurant?

No. The Acadia Lobster & BBQ Co. is across the street for easy dinners.

What is the check-in policy?

Check-in is 3:00 PM–10:00 PM; late checkout costs $25.

Is parking free?

Yes. Free self-parking with spaces right in front of rooms.

How close is it to Acadia Park?

About 16.5 miles to the park entrance; roughly a 20-minute drive to the gate.

Can I reserve a back-building room for quieter nights?

Yes—back-building rooms are described as quieter; request one when you book.

Highbrook Motel

Vintage 1950s motel near Acadia. Quiet, spotless, breakfast delivered to your door.

Primrose Inn

Historic Bar Harbor inn. $109 off-peak, breakfast included, prime park access.

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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.