Every visit to Maine is better than the last, which is why it’s one of my very favorite states in the USA. It’s such a beautiful, wild place, and spending time here feels like a getaway in every sense of the word. Our stay at Balance Rock Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine, was picturesque, tranquil, and rejuvenating. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the rocky shore, sea birds crying out overhead, and the uninhibited beauty of Bar Harbor was nothing short of a dream come true. Read on to learn more about this luxurious boutique hotel and why it’s well worth the drive to the northeastern edge of the United States.
Balance Rock Inn
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Address: 21 Albert Meadow
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 USA
Rating: AAA Four Diamond Award, 7 Years in a Row
Number of Rooms: 27
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Room and Bed Comfort: 5/5
Valet Parking: No
Pool & Hot Tubs: Yes
Spa: N/A
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 5/5
Arrival at Balance Rock Inn
Parking was self-park in the inn’s oceanfront parking lot. The views were gorgeous, even from the parking lot, so we immediately knew we were in for a treat! Staff quickly checked us in and brought our bags to our room, then informed us of the hotel’s amenities like a breakfast buffet, evening drinks, use of the grounds, and so much more. Then, all we had to do was explore the hotel, relax, walk the grounds, and enjoy a beautiful dinner at The Veranda.
Ambience of Balance Rock Inn
Built in 1903 as a vacation home for a Scottish railroad tycoon named Alexander Maitland, the inn was acquired in the 1980s by a private owner who remodeled it and turned it into the breathtaking inn we see today. The inn evokes memories of staying in my family’s cottage in Northern Michigan, not least of all because of the incredible vistas. Hand crafted wood work, coffered ceilings, arched doorways, and leaded stained glass windows are still just as they were, though a few modifications have been made to the inn to make it more conducive to hosting guests.
Dark woods, verdant plants, exquisite, native landscaping, and sweeping views of Frenchman Bay paired with the peaceful atmosphere, world-class fine dining, and proximity to other splendid things to do like hiking in nearby Acadia National Park, make this the perfect place to stay when exploring the coast of Maine.
Pool Deck
Balance Rock Inn’s pool deck is one of the prettiest we’ve ever seen thanks to the bay in the distance and the islands dotting the horizon. It felt like our own private swimming pool, because there was hardly anyone else around during our stay, and we didn’t see anyone else relaxing poolside while we were here. One of the things I love to do when I travel is swim in pretty or unique pools, and this one definitely makes the top 10 best pools list!
Dining at The Veranda at Balance Rock Inn
We had a positively splendid meal our first night in Bar Harbor at The Veranda. I’ve written a full review here, which I hope you’ll read. Even if you don’t, trust me when I say to this day this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Everything was ultra-fresh, expertly handmade, and the intention of the meal was to demonstrate the textures, flavors, and seasonal offerings of Maine’s coast. It was true artistry, a story told through food, and every bite was beautiful. If you’re looking for a romantic, memorable, or simply perfect meal, look no further than The Veranda at Balance Rock Inn.
Final Thoughts
Everything about our stay was exquisite. We could walk into town if we wished, Acadia National Park was only 1.5 miles away by car, and the property itself had enough to entertain us endlessly. Robin and I joked that if the Balance Rock Inn ever goes up for sale, we’re buying it (I’m not joking, even if he thought I was!). This was one of the most exquisite hotels we’ve ever visited, and it’s a paradise every nature lover should visit at least once in their lives. This is where we’ll stay whenever we visit Bar Harbor.
Explore more of my adventures in Bar Harbor, Maine, and the United States.
Kim says
Such a pretty inn!
Sherry Young says
I’ve never been to Maine but if I ever get a chance to visit, Bar Harbor is where I’ll go! So pretty!