Balance Rock Inn operates from early May until the end of October, the finest time to enjoy Bar Harbor and the Maine coast. We divide this period into four different rate categories, as shown on our Rates page.

Do you accept pets?

Pets are allowed with certain limits, with a $40 per day per pet lodging fee. We have a pet etiquette letter to help guide our guests. Please inquire when making your reservation.

Do you allow smoking?

We are a non-smoking facility. Smoking is permitted outdoors, on the private and semi-private decks and at the Veranda Bar deck.

Which room is the most popular?

#408 The Acadia Suite features a living room with fantastic ocean views, stereo, king size bed, fireplace, deck with wicker furniture, two-person whirlpool with ocean views, making it a most requested accommodation.

Where do I park?

The Inn has private free onsite parking for its guests. Many guests never return to their cars until departure day, taking full advantage of the close proximity of downtown Bar Harbor and the many water activities. There's even a shuttle bus (equipped to carry bicycles) which picks up visitors in town headed to nearby Acadia National Park, dropping off at various points inside the park.

How old is the Inn?

Balance Rock Inn was built in 1903 for the Scottish railroad tycoon Alexander Maitland and his family. Renovations and expansion from the original footprint have lovingly preserved the atmosphere of the "Gilded Age," when wealthy city families escaped to their "cottages" on the Maine coast for the summer season.

What is the "balance rock?"

The balancing rock from which the Inn gets its name is located along our shoreline. It is a huge boulder seemingly defying gravity by standing on a narrow end, most likely deposited during the last ice age when much of Maine's rocky coasts and islands were formed. The rock was made famous in a children's book.

Of course! Our nearby favorite local lobster pounds get the catch right off the boats and serve steamed lobster in traditional outdoor picnic-like settings. Other fine Bar Harbor restaurants feature lobster prepared in many different delicious ways. We'll be happy to set you in the right direction.

If I arrive by air or ferry how can I get to the Inn?

Airport and ferry livery services are available to arriving and departing guests with advance arrangement with the Inn's front desk staff.

Innkeeper Sherry says "An hour to do the Chevy Chase routine, two hours to get the overview and a lifetime to explore."

How can we tour Acadia National Park?

Drive, hike, bike on your own. In fact the free shuttle bus can drop you off for a hike or even transport you and your bike to a particular place on their route. When you are ready to return, simply smile and flag down the next shuttle bus to take you back to Bar Harbor. Or take one of the guided bus tours or better even still there are several ways to arrange private guide.

What is the closest airport?

Hancock County Airport which is also known as the Bar Harbor Airport is in Trenton and only about 12 miles way. Colgan Air flys a lovely shuttle from Boston into there under the auspices of US Air. There are several car rental agencies at the airport, taxis (which the Inn can arrange for you) and the free Islander shuttle bus in season. The next closest is Bangor International Airport, which is about 60-90 mnutes away. There is an airport shuttle van which is independent from the Inn, and, of course, rental cars and taxis to provide transportation to Ba Ha Ba. The next closest airports are Portland, Maine (3 1/2 hours), Manchester, New Hampshire (4 hours), and Boston (5+hours).

Do you have a beach?

Maine is known for our beautiful rocky seacoast, which is what we have down in front of us along the historic Shore Path. A few brave souls have gone swimming there the last few years, but any one local prefers the local freshwater swimming holes. There is a small beach by the Town pier, Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, Hinkley's Point, Seal Cove and a few other smaller places to explore.