Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center

The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center is a resort comprising five buildings overlooking Frenchman Bay. Though located off of a main road, the hotel is set back and surrounded by plenty of green space (manicured lawns edged in woods, paths meandering through the property, even a small private beach), which creates a serene atmosphere. Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces make it a popular choice for weddings and conferences. The hotel is also popular with families, who enjoy the spacious grounds and playground for kids. 

Whereas the views over the shoreline are stunning, the interiors of the hotel fall short. Traditional decor looks dated and interiors are plain and functional. The front desk is located in the main building, in a simple lobby is cloaked in beige, with a handful of brown leather armchairs. Geared toward function and not design, the lobby is just a pit stop, with vending machines, brochures and maps, as well as computers and a printer for guest use.

The property is also home to the Willows Bed and Breakfast, a quaint and historic building that exhibits more of an eye for decor than the other structures. The ambience is cozy and inn-like, with traditional interiors that are charming and elegant. There are several sitting rooms on the ground floor. Some have fireplaces and all are full of wooden antique furniture, patterned armchairs and sofas, delicate wallpaper edged in white wood paneling, and lots of natural light from large windows imbuing the space with warmth and a seaside glow. The bed-and-breakfast has a lot more character compared to the other buildings, with atmospheric rooms that are a touch more luxurious.

The resort is located off of main road, Eden Street (Route 3), in Maine’s charming and picturesque town of Bar Harbor. The surrounding area is full of hotels, but the vast amount of space surrounding the hotel and its waterfront locale give it a sense of privacy. The hotel overlooks Frenchman Bay and has direct water access and a private dock where nature and sightseeing cruises stop daily (in season). Downtown Bar Harbor is about a five-minute drive (or 30-minute walk, along a road without sidewalks) away and entrances to Acadia National Park area a two- to three-minute drive away. There is a free seasonal shuttle bus that takes guests to the downtown area and to Acadia.

The variety of rooms and rates cater to different group sizes and suit varied budgets. Housed in several different buildings on the property, rooms range from King and Queen rooms, to two-bedroom suites, to the Seaview Cottage which sleeps up to seven people. The newest addition to the family of buildings is the Atlantic View Lodge, but renovated rooms can also be found in the two smaller Oceanside Buildings. The advantages of rooms in the Main Building are convenience and proximity to the indoor pool, hot tub, and breakfast room, though these rooms are in need of a refreshment. Rooms are traditionally decorated and dated, with carpets, patterned curtains, dark-wood furniture, and striped or floral armchairs – all very standard, bleak, and typical of hotels or motels in the area. Although rooms are devoid of character, they are comfortable enough, with amenities including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi.  Where decor falls short, views help compensate, as all rooms have private balconies overlooking the water.

For guests with more demanding tastes and decor desires, the Willows Bed and Breakfast might be a better fit. Also located on the grounds, this quaint and historic property has several elegant rooms and suites that are a touch more luxurious, with antique furniture, lovely wallpaper, oriental rugs covering hardwood floors, lots of natural light, and views over the bay. Some rooms have fireplaces and four-poster beds, and all have private balconies or patios overlooking the grounds and water.

This sprawling property is well equipped to host conferences, weddings, and other events, with several meeting and banquet rooms as well as picturesque outdoor spaces – manicured lawns, a small private pebble beach, and a charming wooden gazebo overlooking the water. The hotel has a large indoor pool and a hot tub, as well as a smaller outdoor pool that's open seasonally. There is a tiny fitness center located alongside the indoor pool, with two treadmills, an elliptical machine, and stationary bike crammed into a tight space. Yoga classes are offered seasonally. 

There is private dock on the property from which nature and sightseeing cruises depart daily (in season). The hotel is also equipped with laundry facilities, a business center with computers and a printer, and a gift shop stocked with local souvenirs. The free continental breakfast includes gluten-free options, and sit-down breakfasts with table service are available in season, for a fee. The Bistro on Eden restaurant is only open Wednesday through Saturday.