Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor

Opened in 2015, this Hampton pays homage to its New England seaside location with thoughtful touches like white walls with wavy patterns and nautical-themed photos and maps. The laminate floors resemble weathered wood planks, and white wood paneling evokes images of a Maine cottage. It’s a bright and cheerful place with outstanding ocean views from its quiet hillside setting. This seasonal hotel stays busy when it’s open, and it attracts a diverse mix of tourists ready to experience Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The spacious breakfast room just off the lobby is built to handle the morning rush, with dozens of seats including high-back stools along a long communal table. Like its bucolic setting, the hotel is quiet, as people don’t tend to linger in the lobby or breakfast room after registering or eating. 

The Hampton is located on a quiet hilltop near downtown Bar Harbor, a five-minute drive or free shuttle ride aboard the Island Explorer Shuttle. The shuttle runs from mid-June to early October and stops at the hotel. It also takes guests to Acadia National Park, which is only four minutes away by car. The hotel is surrounded by woods, with terrific views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. However, there aren't any restaurants or attractions within reasonable walking distance. Approximate driving times to Bangor International Airport and Boston-Logan International Airport are 75 minutes and four and a half hours, respectively. 

Rooms reflect the same bright and airy atmosphere as the rest of the hotel, amplified by ocean or mountain views. Light, fresh decor includes matching blond-wood furniture, soft-beige walls, aqua-blue accent walls, and carpets in a wavy pattern. Colorful photos of seaside scenes add to the pleasant, New England ambiance. Rooms are large across categories, though seating in Standard Double Queens is limited to office chairs and benches. Rooms with sleeper sofas are significantly larger, including nine Double-Queens, which come with covered balconies and ocean views. These suite-like rooms add microwaves, and all rooms have coffeemakers, mini-fridges, desks, and 42-inch flat screen TVs. Like the rooms, bathrooms are large and bright, with big marble vanities and shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with frosted glass doors. Throughout the hotel, the rooms are quiet. 

This Hampton in Bar Harbor offers all of the chain's typical amenities, including a free hot breakfast buffet with eggs and breakfast meats; to-go bags are also available. Free coffee, tea, and ice water are provided 24/7 in the lobby, and the hotel gives out free hot cookies in the afternoon. The lobby's 24-hour Suite Shop sells sundries and various food and drinks including frozen TV dinners that guests can microwave in their rooms, handy given the lack of an on-site restaurant. 

Other features include indoor and outdoor pools (though both are on the small side), plus an indoor whirlpool. The fitness center has plenty of space for several cardio and weight-training machines as well as a rack of free weights. Business amenities are also well-covered and include a 24-hour business center with two computers and a printer plus a meeting space for up to 37 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Coin-operated laundry facilities is another helpful extra, especially for guests on longer stays. Parking is free in the outdoor lot.