FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Our desire at Bar Harbor Cottages and Suites is to provide our prospective and many returning guests with an accurate and complete picture of our establishment based on the most commonly asked questions. If you do not find the answers you're looking for please contact us for further assistance.

Q: What makes Bar Harbor Cottages and Suites unique, and why should I stay here? A: We are a small family owned and operated business, with on site residential manager. Our emphasis is on guest comfort and customer service, with friendly well trained staff who have been part of our team year after year. We are committed to our effort to continually improve and upgrade our property and service to our guests. If you are looking for a big chain hotel or resort atmosphere, this is not it. However, if you are looking for a comfortable, clean, cozy place to call "home" while you are away, this is it!

Q: What is a cottage, and what size is it? A: The word cottage conjures up different images to different people from different parts of the country and world. In Bar Harbor, generally speaking, cottages are smaller versions of a home. They are not as large as your house, apartment, or condo, etc. We have three different styles: studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom cottages.

Q: What are your amenities? A: We are a seasonal (mid May to late October) lodging business. We have 12 redecorated individual and unattached, self catering cottages with window boxes on two landscaped park like acres with garden or water views. Each cottage has its own outdoor picnic table, and most have screened porches and kitchenettes. The studio cottage will accommodate up to 2, the one bedroom will accommodate up to 4, and the two bedroom will accommodate up to 6 people. All have one bathroom with shower. Please refer to site plan.

Q: How far are you to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (ANP)? A: We are located on Mount Desert Island in the peaceful, picturesque Salisbury Cove section of Bar Harbor which is approximately 2 miles to the main entrance to ANP, and 4.5 miles to our downtown business district. So we are located in Bar Harbor, but not in the business district. We are not on the main road.

Q: Are you located directly on the water? A: Although we aren't located directly on the water, our property is across the lane and our cottages have either water or garden views.

Q: What is a self catering cottage? A: Upon your arrival, our highly trained staff has set up your cottage with linens, towels, etc. Additional towels and supplies are available daily in the barn. For your convenience, complimentary housekeeping is available mid stay for 4 days or longer. For further details, please contact us.

Q: What is included? A: Air conditioning, heat, adequate free parking, cable television, free WIFI, linens, towels, pots, dinnerware, utensils. All cottages have table and chairs, 1/2 sized refrigerator, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, and 2 burner stove top except for Cottage #5 which has everything except the 2 burner stove top. Most cottages have screened porches except for Cottage #12, our newest two bedroom cottage, which has an outdoor seating area. All have outdoor picnic tables and grills are available upon request.

Q: Do you have WIFI? A: We have free WIFI, and reception is available throughout our property...if you cannot receive it inside your cottage, you can generally get it on your screened porch or at your individual picnic table outside your cottage. You can also get reception inside our guest office reception area which is open for your convenience 24 hours daily. For a fun experience, we also recommend The Opera House Internet Café in our downtown Bar Harbor business district.

Q: Do you have cell phone reception? A: Most people can get cell phone reception on our property. However, cell phone reception is dependant on the individual carrier, and we advise guests to check with their service provider for coverage in the area. For your convenience we do have a guest office reception area with hard wired courtesy phone which is open 24 hours daily.

Q: What is the difference between the guest cottages and
" Victorian Cottage Suite"? A: Each unit, including "Victorian Cottage Suite" (#9), is a free standing, unattached cottage. "Victorian Cottage Suite" (#9), has a partial water view, a queen bed, a new bathroom with shower, living room with couch that sleeps 2, and with antique wicker furniture and a free standing gas fireplace, a kitchenette and a dining alcove with French door leading to a screened porch. Although "Victorian Cottage Suite" (#9) will accommodate up to 4 people, we recommend it for up to 2 people Our Guest Suite.

Q: How far in advance should I make reservations? A: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are a point of destination. Frequently people arrive for a day or two, and find there's so much to see and do that they have not allotted enough time. We do have many guests who return year after year, so we suggest making reservations as early as possible to help insure you get the dates and cottage you desire. It is sometimes possible to arrive and be accommodated without a reservation, but you have more options booking early.

Q: How can I make a reservation? A: You may call our toll free # daily and guarantee your deposit by Visa or MC. For late night calls, please leave a message, and we'll return the call as soon as possible the next day. You may also send the deposit by postal mail.

Q: Is tax included? A: In addition to the rate for your accommodation, there is a 7% tax.

Q: What is your cancellation policy and deposit policy? A: There is a 50% deposit and 14 day cancellation policy per cottage. For full details please refer to our rates and reservations page.

Q: Is smoking and pets permitted? A: Due to the fact that many people have allergies, we are a smoke and pet free establishment. Smoking is restricted to your individual picnic table outside your cottage.

Q: What are your check in and check out times? A: Check in is between 3:30 and 6 p.m., however, if you are running late, please call and we will arrange for your late arrival. Check out is by 10:30 a.m.

Q: Do you offer discounts? A: Yes. We have both daily and weekly rates, and a discount is offered if you rent by the week. We also offer value season rates in the spring and fall, as well as other special offers. Please check our "Special Offers" page.

Q: Do you have someone on duty in the office 24 hours daily? A: Since we are a small business, we don't have a late night person on the desk. We do however, have a residential on site manager who lives in the office building, and may be contacted in the rare case of a late night/early morning emergency. For your convenience, the guest office reception area has a courtesy guest phone, and is open 24 hours daily.

Q: Do you need to take a ferry to get to Bar Harbor? A: No. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are located on Mount Desert Island, which is connected to the mainland by driving over a short bridge.

Q: Do I need a car? A: A car is recommended, however, we are a short 3-5 minute walk from the free Island Explorer shuttle which runs from approximately June 23rd till after Columbus Day weekend. Also rental car agencies are located at the local airport off Mount Desert Island.

Q: Where are the airports? A: We have a local airport that services Bar Harbor just off Mount Desert Island (about 15 minutes away). We also have a regional airport in Bangor (1 hour), and one in Portland (3 hours).

Q: What is the weather like? A: Weather is much like all New England coastline communities. For your convenience, we recommend that you don't over pack, but bring layers of clothing for warm days and cooler evenings.

Q: Is there a supermarket/grocery and place to buy beer, wine and liquor on the island? A: Yes. There are many stores throughout the island. Beer, wine and liquor can either be purchased in the supermarket/grocery, or in the liquor stores. We are conveniently located near several.

Q: How late do retail stores and restaurants stay open in Bar Harbor? A: Although each proprietor has their own schedule, in general, in peak season, restaurants stay open daily till 9:30 or 10 p.m. Retails stores stay open till at least 10 p.m. As a general rule, downtown bars stay open past midnight.