Hanscom's Motel & Cottages – Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park

Row of white cottages with porches along a paved drive in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Hanscom's Motel and Cottages is a 12-unit, forest-edge base near Acadia. Built in 1959 with newly-renovated cottages, it packs practical comforts: kitchenettes, Wi‑Fi, A/C, and quiet grounds. Parking is free, pets are welcome, and the vibe is low-key, family-run reliability. It’s a solid, budget-friendly hub for exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia without luxury splurges.

Quick facts

Lodging Type: Motel and Cottages
Price Low Season: 113.4
Price High Season: 186

Stay details

Lodging Type: Motel and Cottages
Price Low Season: 113.4
Price High Season: 186
Peak Season Dates: Dates vary by year; peak season dates not published.
Off Season Dates: Dates vary; pricing not published.
Minimum Stay: 1
Cancellation Policy: Standard 24-48 hour window. Call to confirm.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available: Motel Units (4-7)
Cottages (1-3)
Units 8-9
Cottage 10
Units 11-12
Queen Studio
Deluxe Queen Studio
Max Occupancy: 3
Bed Configurations: Queen bed
Queen bed + sofa bed
Square Footage: Varies
In Room Amenities: Free WiFi
Color cable TV
Air conditioning
Heater
Microwave
Refrigerator
Coffee maker with complimentary Green Mountain coffee
Property Amenities: Picnic area with tables
Propane grills
Sun terrace
Garden
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor seating
Recreational patio
Fire pit
Playground
Pool Details: No pool confirmed.
Restaurant Details: On-site dining is not listed at Hanscom's. Bar Harbor has a range of dining options about four miles away, reachable by car, including casual eateries and sit-down restaurants in downtown Bar Harbor.
Family Amenities: Playground
Picnic area
Garden

Location & access

Park Area: Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor area)
Distance To Park: 2 miles (about 7 minutes by car) to the main entrance
Distance To Town: 4 miles to downtown Bar Harbor
Distance To Visitor Center: 1.8 miles to Acadia National Park Visitors Center
Parking Details: Free on-site self-parking.
Shuttle Service: Shuttle service: Not publicly listed by Hanscom's Motel and Cottages.
Walkable Amenities: Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf (9-11 minute walk)
Private rocky beach (5 minute walk)
Accessibility: No elevators; ADA room details not listed.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy: Pets allowed (cats and dogs) up to 3 total. $25 per pet per day. Service animals exempt. Pets cannot be left unattended.
Winter Access: Winter access: Not specified.
Best For: Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a quiet, well-equipped base near Acadia
Who Should Skip This: ❌ SKIP IF you need luxury perks, a pool, or elevator access.

Planning advice

Review Summary: Tree-lined, peaceful setting with practical units and kitchens. Prices move with the season; dogs welcome and parking is effortless. Not a luxury destination, but a dependable base for Acadia exploration.
The Honest Truth: Hanscom's is a classic, budget-friendly foothold near Acadia. Twelve units spread across cottages and motel spaces keep things simple and practical. Renovations modernize the interiors, but it remains a modest, non-luxury option with free parking and pet-friendly policy. Rates swing by season—low off-peak prices are approachable, peak times push higher; one fridge noise note hints at imperfect appliance reliability but nothing that breaks the experience.
Room Insider Tips: Ask for Cottage 1–3 for shower preference; Rooms 11–12 have tub/shower; back-building units tend to be quieter; Unit 9 includes a kitchenette with a 2-burner stove and under-counter fridge.
Pro Tip Booking: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a quiet, woodsy base with kitchens. ❌ SKIP IF: You need a pool or luxury treatment.
Your Morning Game Plan: In-room coffee is solid—skip the lobby line. You're about 7 minutes from the park entrance, so plan to leave by 6:45 AM. Early departure helps you beat the park crowds and start your day strong.
Best Time To Visit: Seasonal rates vary widely; peak dates not published.
Pro Tips: Free on-site parking. Park close to your unit.
Check-in 3:00 PM–midnight; plan to arrive before midnight.
Rollaway beds available for $10/day.
Cottage 1–3 have showers; Cottage 10 has a tub/shower; Units 11–12 have tub/shower.
Direct booking via hanscomsmotel.com for best rates; call (207) 288-3744 for specifics.

More details

Is Valid Lodging: 1
Accessibility Features: No elevators
Not Recommended For: Luxury seekers who want a resort vibe, spa, or elevator accessibility
Cell Service Wi-Fi: Free WiFi; color cable TV
Local Hazards: Hazards not listed; follow park safety guidelines.
Year Built: 1959
Year Renovated: 0
Notable Views: Inner courtyard views
Architecture Style: Mid-20th century motel and cottages
Recent Updates: Newly-renovated cottages and nicely updated rooms.
Family Friendly Notes: Best for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a quiet, well-equipped base for exploring Acadia and Bar Harbor.
Babysitting Available: 0
Nearby Facilities: Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf; private rocky beach; Bar Harbor shops and services within a short drive.
Book If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget-friendly, family-friendly base with kitchens near Acadia. ❌ SKIP IF: You demand luxury, a pool, or elevator access.