Castlemaine Inn

Castlemaine Inn is a nice historic B&B on a quite street with free off street parking. The Inn is a short walk from downtown Bar Harbor, Close to restaurants and the entrance to Acadia. Good breakfast served each morning with 2 choices. The Innkeeper was very helpful with suggestions and directions. We stayed in the “Romance Room” at the back of the Inn. Very quiet, king bed, couch and remodeled bathroom, plenty of space. Would definitely stay here again!

After the price we paid, I felt I had to lower the rating of this place. A 4.5 (at the time of this write up) is rating that a fine hotel and a GREAT B&B is deserving of receiving. This place is a 2.5-3, at best. We booked a last minute trip to Bar Harbor and this was one of the few places that had availability for our dates, so it was what it was, shame on us for lack of advanced planning. Their website listed the Victoria room rate for $337/night after taxes, we found it for $261 on Travelocity (yippee!). I get it, it’s peak season, a tourist town, the year after the pandemic, so you’re going to get gouged. But let’s just say you’d be happier at one of the two motels around the corner - more spacious, more modern. About the only thing the castle Maine had going for it was that it was very clean (kudos to the staff) and the staff were pleasant. Our room was cramped — a queen poster bed in a space too small for it, the bed was old and super squeaky to boot, awful pillows, a tiny bathroom with a toilet that leaned to one side and a sink/vanity suitable for a toddler. The Decor in the room and throughout was one that would make my great grandma feel proud, including the same vintage bed linens that she would’ve used. The breakfasts were decent but at the same time…lackluster. When I think B&B, I think bfasts that I couldn’t make myself, this was simply going through the motions. But they were good, and included with the rate so can’t complain too much. Look, this is place was fine for what it was - a clean space to lay my head. Would I have rather paid the same or slightly less at Motel around the corner? Yes - their rooms appear to have been updated in the last 50yrs and may be more spacious. I can guarantee their beds wouldn’t wake someone up with a loud squeak every time A person shifted. Despite the negativity I am not looking for a Ritz Carlton here, but when you pay similar prices, you should expect a certain level. The Holland Inn nextdoor delivers (stayed there a few years ago on a trip planned in advance), this place doesn’t.

This is a historic cottage, which is a 16 or so room B&B with a wonderful attitude. This is one of those places in the world where the staff makes the stay. We had a very nice suite. An older building has some irregularities, but quaint at times is just fine. In the morning the breakfast has two choices which were both good. It is located near the center of town (5 - 6 block walk) so we never had to drive to a restaurant. A large grocery store was a block away. The manager was very helpful with suggestions. Parking was on site.