Mira Monte Inn

Entering the Mira Monte Inn feels a bit like stepping back into another time, or visiting an old aunt who resides in a large and quaint white clapboard house. The property is a classic New England inn, inside and out, and comprises three buildings situated on grassy lawns and gardens. The main building is a traditional white clapboard Victorian house with a porch skirted in flowering shrubs and plants and filled with white wicker furniture. The interiors are dominated by floral patterns, oriental rugs, and antique pieces. The dining room, parlor, and library are on the ground floor, and all are bedecked in traditional Victorian decor that includes floral-patterned wallpapers and armchairs, lace curtains and tablecloths, dark-wood antique and reproduction period furniture, richly patterned Persian rugs, gilt-framed paintings, and fireplaces. The result is a jumble of patterns and textures that can feel fussy and cluttered to some, but overall gives off a quaint and charmingly homey impression. 

The buildings are surrounded by lovely and lush grounds, filled with green lawns, flowers, and blooming bushes. Garden furniture and lawn chairs are scattered throughout the property, with lots of lovely outdoor spaces to sit in, including a patio, terrace, and front porch. The common rooms in the main building include a dining room, parlor, library with piano and books, and a small enclosed sun porch with several tables and board games. The atmosphere is friendly and quiet, though some guests complain of occasional traffic noise as the inn is located off of a main street.

The Mira Monte Inn is located in downtown Bar Harbor, in a quiet and tree-lined area surrounded by other inns, hotels, and private homes. Main Street is only three blocks away, or a six-minute walk from the inn. There are several restaurant, cafes, and shops in the area, most of which can be found on or around Main Street. There's a supermarket a five-minute walk away, as well as a bicycle shop. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia National Park is a seven minute-drive, and guests can also use the free (seasonal) Island Explorer Shuttle to reach Acadia; the nearest stop is right on Main Street.

The Mira Monte Inn has rooms and suites bedecked in the same floral-heavy Victorian decor that saturates the entire house. Though the design style harkens back to another time -- with a medley of patterns, lace details, and antique furniture -- the air-conditioned rooms are outfitted with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, DVD players, telephones, CD player/clock radios, and irons. The main building has three different room options: Quality, Premium, and Whirlpool (with whirlpool tubs), each with queen or king beds (and some with additional single beds). Most rooms have fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the green grounds. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or whirlpool tubs, along with hairdryers. There are built-in shampoo and soap dispensers in the showers, though they aren't always stocked.

Four suites are located in separate buildings on the property and accommodate up to six people. All but the Mt Desert Suite come with kitchenettes or full kitchens equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, toaster ovens, two-burner stoves, mini-fridges, and cookware; the Mt Desert Suite has only a fridge and coffeemaker. All suites have private porches or decks overlooking the gardens. Most have fireplaces and small parlors.

For those traveling with a group or family and requiring more space, there is also a cottage on the property with two rooms and a suite. The rooms both have private balconies. The suite takes up the entire ground floor of the cottage and includes a kitchenette and private deck.

Guests rave about the free and extensive homemade breakfast buffet, which includes Belgian waffles, granola, blueberry muffins, a traditional Anadama bread, and breakfast pastries as well as hardboiled eggs, mini-bagels, fruit salad, juice, and organic coffee. Breakfast can be taken family-style around the communal table in the dining room, in one of the many outdoor spaces, or in guests' rooms. The inn has a friendly and sociable atmosphere, which is encouraged through such traditions as the afternoon refreshments served in the parlor, free to all guests. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as parking out front.