Balance Rock Inn

Q: Is there parking on-site?

Yes. There is free on-site parking.

Q: Is Balance Rock Inn accessible for guests with mobility issues?

Accessibility is limited. There is no elevator to the 4th floor; elevators serve the 2nd and 3rd floors; wheelchair access exists in public areas.

Q: What are the walking options around Bar Harbor?

The area is walkable with galleries, shops, dining, and the Shore Path nearby.

+2 more

Overview

About This Property

Balance Rock Inn is a harbor-front relic of Bar Harbor’s Gilded Age. Rates swing from $255 off-peak to $725 for a suite—luxury with a sense of place. The Veranda earns its AAA Four Diamond badge, serving New American with Nordic influences. Historic charm meets modern comfort in a quiet retreat by Acadia.

Your Morning Game Plan

Breakfast is hot and fresh—enjoy in The Veranda or via room service. You’re about 5 minutes from the park entrance, so plan to leave around 7:50 AM to dodge tour buses. If you need quiet, linger over coffee and depart with the harbor view in your rearview.

Highlights

Book If

BOOK IF: You want a historic romantic retreat with fine dining by the harbor. SKIP IF: You need complete accessibility or a modern resort vibe.

Notable Views

Oceanfront view, Harbor view

Architecture

Gilded Age mansion / historic inn

Awards

AAA Four Diamond recognition for The Veranda

Family Friendly

Not specifically targeted to families; couples and romance-focused travelers fit best

Best Time to Visit

Late May through October

Pro Tips

Free on-site parking; peak-season demand can be high, so plan for limited spaces if you’re driving.
Carriage House King Superior 111 sits apart from the Main Inn and includes a private deck and a whirlpool tub.
Breakfast is included, with hot selections and coffee pastries.
Ocean View Rooms on the upper floors deliver harbor views.
The Veranda, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant serving New American cuisine with Nordic influences, requires advance dinner reservations to secure a table.

Property History

Established: 1903

Recent Updates: Last renovated in 1995; no major renovations listed since

The Honest Truth

Balance Rock Inn is a historic harbor-front gem with refined dining and close proximity to Acadia. It isn’t a modern resort, but the quiet luxury and intimate setting deliver real value for the price. Expect stair access in some rooms and a couple of fees to note, including a $50 processing fee for cancellations and a $50-per-night pet fee.

Who Should Skip This

Not suitable for guests who require full accessibility across all areas or who want a modern, all-in-one resort experience. The property offers limited accessibility; an elevator serves the 2nd and 3rd floors, and some rooms may require stairs.

Booking Insider Tip

Book early for peak season. Request Carriage House 111 for private deck and whirlpool tub. Ask for harbor-facing rooms on upper floors for the best views. If stairs are an issue, avoid the 4th floor; Main Inn rooms are on lower levels.

What Guests Say

4.5 stars from 161 reviews

Details

Rooms

Max Occupancy: 4 guests

Square Footage: Varies sq ft

Amenities

In-Room Amenities

Complimentary WiFi
Flat Screen Cable TV
Individual AC/heat controls
Coffee maker on request
Refrigerator on request
Fireplace in select rooms
Whirlpool tub in select rooms

Property Amenities

Heated outdoor pool
Fitness Center
The Veranda restaurant
Complimentary breakfast

Facilities

Pool

Heated outdoor pool; seasonal use with unspecified hours

Restaurant

The Veranda, AAA Four Diamond, New American with Nordic influences; breakfast and dinner; room service available

Policies & Check-in

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations within 14 days of arrival are charged in full. A $50 processing fee applies to all cancellations.

Pet Policy

Allowed in a limited selection of pet-friendly accommodations. Fee of $50 per pet per night. Pets are prohibited from whirlpool tubs, the pool, common areas, and dining on the sundeck and Veranda.

Parking

Free on-site parking.

Accessibility

Elevator To 2nd And 3rd Floors
Wheelchair Access To Public Areas

Location

Address & Directions

Address

21 Albert Meadow, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA

Get Directions Apple Maps

Proximity

To Park Center

Approximately 1 mile from Acadia National Park entrance

To Nearest Town

Steps away from Bar Harbor's Village District

Access & Transportation

Shuttle Service

No on-site shuttle; no official park shuttle stop noted

Walkable Amenities

Art galleries, Shopping, Dining, Shore Path

FAQs

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is included and described as hot and fresh selections with coffee and pastries.

What is the cancellation policy?

Is there parking on-site?

Is Balance Rock Inn accessible for guests with mobility issues?

What are the walking options around Bar Harbor?

📖 frommers.com 📖 travelweekly.com 📖 businesstravelnews.com 📖 travelagewest.com 📖 thehotelguru.com 📖 anniewearsit.com 📖 selectregistry.com 📖 balancerockinn.com 📖 visitbarharbor.com 📖 aaa.com 📖 wheree.com 📖 yournpguide.com 📖 acadiainn.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website