Moseley Cottage Inn & Town Motel – Bar Harbor, ME (1884)

Colorful flower garden along a stone-edged bed at a lodging property near Acadia National Park.

Step into a living piece of Bar Harbor history—an 1884 Victorian inn paired with a cozy town motel. Central Bar Harbor access, a garden vibe, and a piano-filled parlor give real character. Inn guests get a full breakfast; Motel breakfast is $15 per person with advance notice. If you crave location and atmosphere over modern luxury, this is your lane.

Quick facts

Lodging Type: Inn
Price Low Season: 170
Price High Season: 320

Stay details

Lodging Type: Inn
Price Low Season: 170
Price High Season: 320
Peak Season Dates: Spring and fall; exact dates vary by year.
Off Season Dates: Winter months; availability varies; some services may be limited.
Minimum Stay: 1
Cancellation Policy: 14-day cancellation with a $20 processing fee.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available: Norumbega Room
Sargent Room
Jordan Pond Room
Bubble Room
Dorr Room
Cadillac Room
Precipice Room
Bee Hive Room
Strath Eden Room
Deluxe King Room
King Room
Quadruple Room
Max Occupancy: 4
Bed Configurations: King bed
Two Queen beds
Two Double beds
Square Footage: Varies
In Room Amenities: Free WiFi
Flat-screen TV
Keurig/Tea/Coffee facilities
Refrigerator
Individually controlled electric heat and AC
Property Amenities: Garden area
Lobby fireplace
Piano and board games in parlor
Complimentary afternoon treats and beverages
Walkable to shops, Shore Path, and Island Explorer bus stop
Restaurant Details: Breakfast served; no on-site restaurant; Inn guests receive full breakfast; Motel breakfast available for $15 per person with advance notice; Room service available.
Family Amenities: Board games
Piano in parlor

Location & access

Park Area: Acadia National Park
Distance To Park: 5 minutes drive to Acadia park entrances
Distance To Town: Walkable to downtown Bar Harbor; within minutes' walk
Distance To Visitor Center: 3.2 miles (5.2 km) to Visitors Center
Parking Details: Free on-site parking; one space per room.
Shuttle Service: Island Explorer Bus stop 5 minutes away
Walkable Amenities: Shops within 0.5 miles
Restaurants within 0.5 miles
Shore Path
Island Explorer bus stop within 0.5 miles
Accessibility: No elevator; accessibility details not provided.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy: Not allowed. Smoking in a room incurs a $250 detoxification fee.
Seasonal Operation: Year-round
Winter Access: Stairs-only access; there is no elevator on site. The property does not publish winter-access specifics.
Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and families seeking central Bar Harbor charm
Who Should Skip This: Skip if you require an elevator, modern luxury, or pet-friendly options; if you want a sterile hotel environment, this isn’t your lane.

Planning advice

Review Summary: Historic, location-forward stay in Bar Harbor that trades modern luxuries for character and convenience. Inn breakfast adds value; quiet within a lively downtown. Pet-free and elevator-free; central but not fancy.
The Honest Truth: Historically rich and perfectly placed for Bar Harbor wanderers. It isn’t a glossy resort; it delivers location, character, and a quiet street vibe. Inn breakfast sets a hopeful tone; the lack of an elevator and other modern touches is real. For a price that echoes its age, the value lives in access and charm.
Room Insider Tips: Ask for an ocean-view or garden-facing room if available. Inn rooms (Norumbega, Sargent, Jordan Pond, Bubble, Dorr, Cadillac, Precipice, Bee Hive, Strath Eden) are preferred; back-building or interior-facing rooms tend to be quieter. For a guaranteed early breakfast seating, plan to arrive before 8:30 AM.
Pro Tip Booking: Book direct via moseleycottage.net; a 50% deposit is required for online reservations; peak season rooms fill quickly; call ahead for late check-in after 8 PM.
Your Morning Game Plan: Coffee on the front porch is real and free. It's a 5-minute drive to Acadia park entrances. Leave by 6:30–6:45 AM to beat the crowds and hit trails early.
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall; dates vary by year, and rooms fill quickly during these seasons.
Pro Tips: Book early; spring/fall fill fast.
Inn breakfast included; Motel breakfast is $15 per person with notice.
Free on-site parking; one space per room.
Island Explorer bus stop 5 minutes away; downtown Bar Harbor within a 5-minute walk.
Check-in 2:30 PM–8:00 PM; plan arrival.
No elevator; request ground-floor if needed.

More details

Is Valid Lodging: 1
Accessibility Features: No elevator
Stairs-only access
Not Recommended For: Guests needing an elevator, pet-friendly policy, or ultra-modern amenities
Cell Service Wi-Fi: Free WiFi; may be spotty in some areas
Local Hazards: Wildlife on property; quiet side street; not directly adjacent to highway
Year Built: 1884
Year Renovated: 0
Notable Views: Ocean view in some rooms
Architecture Style: Victorian
Recent Updates: No notable recent renovations documented
Family Friendly Notes: Bar Harbor location with 22 rooms: 9 Inn rooms have private baths and antique furnishings; about 13 Motel rooms offer individually controlled heat/AC, cable TV, small refrigerators, and private baths. There is no on-site restaurant; a coffee shop serves guests. Pets are not allowed. A $250 charge applies if someone smokes in a room. Free on-site parking with one space per room. The Island Explorer bus system is about a 5-minute shuttle from the property, and Hulls Cove Visitor Center is roughly a 10-minute drive for family trips to Acadia. Check-in is 2:30 PM–8:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM–11:30 AM.
Babysitting Available: 0
Nearby Facilities: Cafe This Way, Downeast Deli; Shops and Shore Path within a 5-minute walk
Book If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want historic charm, central Bar Harbor location, and Inn breakfast. ❌ SKIP IF: You need an elevator, pet-friendly options, or modern luxury.