The Moorings Inn: Historic Inn with 12 Rooms and 7 Cottages (Built 1765)

Q: Is air conditioning available in all rooms?

Most Main House rooms lack A/C; some cottages have A/C.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations three days before arrival incur one night’s charge. Cancellations 24 hours prior to arrival are nonrefundable. For weeklong or longer stays, 30 days notice is required or half the total cost is charged. Timely cancellations for longer stays receive a full refund minus a $50 service fee. Cancellations 4–7 days prior are fully refunded minus a $50 service fee.

Q: Is the inn pet-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed with a $50 per night per dog fee; cats are not allowed and pets cannot be left unattended.

Q: How far is the park entrance?

Approximately a 20-minute drive to Acadia National Park entrance.

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Overview

About This Property

Step onto the harbor at The Moorings Inn. A 1765-built lodge with private beach and on-site Mansell Boat Rentals. Some cottages have A/C; Main House rooms keep to fans. It’s calm, waterfront, and exactly the kind of getaway you crave when you’re chasing quiet and sea air.

Your Morning Game Plan

Coffee from the on-site cafe is decent; it’s about 20 minutes by car to the park entrance. Leave by 7:45 AM to beat crowds. If you’re chasing sunset views, time your trailhead start to hit Somes Sound viewpoints before the crowds arrive.

Highlights

Book If

✅ BOOK IF: You want a historic waterfront retreat with easy park access and are okay with limited modern comforts. ❌ SKIP IF: You need air conditioning in every room or crave a modern hotel vibe.

Notable Views

Ocean and harbor views, Somes Sound views, Acadian mountains, Sunrises and sunsets

Architecture

Historic colonial-era inn

Awards

None listed

Family Friendly

Well suited for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet waterfront stay. Some rooms lack air conditioning; verify AC in the specific room before booking. The surrounding area is peaceful with limited nightlife.

Best Time to Visit

Open May–October; the quieter shoulder periods are May–June and September; peak warmth and crowds peak in July–August.

Pro Tips

Call to reserve by phone at (207) 244-5523; advance booking is crucial in peak season.
Peak season minimums include 3 nights on weekends/holidays; some cottages require 2–3 nights.
Free on-site parking; cancellations may incur a $50 service fee.
Some rooms lack A/C; fans are provided and some cottages have cooling.
Private beach access and Mansell Boat Rentals enhance the waterfront experience.

Property History

Recent Updates: Renovations ongoing; some cottages updated with kitchens and baths.

The Honest Truth

This is a centuries‑old inn with waterfront charm. It delivers a peaceful retreat and charming cottage options, but it isn’t a modern hotel—air conditioning isn’t universal and peak-season rules (minimum stays, cancellation fees) require advance planning.

Who Should Skip This

❌ SKIP IF: You need air conditioning in every room or crave a modern hotel vibe.

Booking Insider Tip

Direct booking at mooringsinn.com; call (207) 244-5523 to reserve by phone; peak-season cottages require advance booking.

What Guests Say

Historic waterfront inn with serene harbor views and cottage charm. Quiet atmosphere and easy park access, but limited modern amenities and a structured cancellation policy affect value. Great for romance and peaceful getaways; plan ahead for peak season.

Details

Rooms

Max Occupancy: 4 guests

Square Footage: Varies sq ft

Amenities

In-Room Amenities

WiFi (signal strongest in living room)
TVs in cottages; requested in Main House rooms
Refrigerator in some rooms and cottages
Microwave in some rooms and cottages
Fans
Heat
A/C in some cottages

Property Amenities

Private beach access with lawn furniture, grills, and fire pits
Complimentary wine and cheese nights in-season
Mansell Boat Rentals on-site
Free on-site parking

Facilities

Pool

Not available

Restaurant

On-site cafe serves breakfast; room service is not available.

Policies & Check-in

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made three days before arrival will incur a charge for one night's stay. Cancellations made 24 hours prior to arrival result in no refund. For reservations of one week or longer, 30 days' notice is required, or half the total reservation cost will be charged. Timely cancellations for longer stays receive a full refund minus a $50.00 service fee. Other cancellations (4–7 days prior) are fully refunded minus a $50.00 service fee.

Pet Policy

Pet-friendly, with a fee of $50 extra per night, per dog. Cats are not allowed. Pets cannot be left unattended.

Parking

Free on-site parking for guests.

Accessibility

General

Location

Address & Directions

Address

133 Shore Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA

Get Directions Apple Maps

Proximity

To Park Center

Approximately 20 minutes by car to Acadia National Park entrance

To Nearest Town

The Moorings Inn sits in Southwest Harbor, Maine; there is no publicly published driving distance to the town center.

Access & Transportation

Shuttle Service

Islander Explorer Shuttle Bus (free) stops at various Mount Desert Island locations

Walkable Amenities

Waterfront access within 5 minutes walk, Nearby local shops and dining in Southwest Harbor within a short stroll

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.6 /5

Based on 107 Google reviews

Based on 107 guest reviews

" Historic waterfront inn with serene harbor views and cottage charm. Quiet atmosphere and easy park access, but limited modern amenities and a structured cancellation policy affect value. Great for romance and peaceful getaways; plan ahead for peak season."

Reviews from Google

Showing 1 of 107 reviews

FAQs

Is there on-site dining?

There is a breakfast cafe on-site; no full-service restaurant.

Is air conditioning available in all rooms?

What is the cancellation policy?

Is the inn pet-friendly?

How far is the park entrance?

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