The Northeast of the United States is one of the most famous, culturally-packed places in the entire United States. Every year, countless millions of visitors from both within the United States as well as abroad come to tour the area.

New York, Rochester, Hartford, Boston, Philadelphia – there’s a lot to see and do, so much so that the whole state of Maine, tucked up in the topmost corner of the country, often gets overlooked.

That’s unfortunate, considering what a unique place Maine really is within the broader context of its history and geography.

Acadia National Park stands as both highly characteristic of Maine’s natural beauty while simultaneously being unique among other national parks in the country. For one thing, not only is it the only national park to be located in the Northeastern United States, it was also the first to be founded east of the Mississippi River, being founded by Woodrow Wilson more than a century ago. For another, Acadia National Park boasts such unique areas as Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the Eastern Seaboard, as well as numerous different ponds, lakes, and other waterways.

Like Maine itself, it’s a truly unique place. As such, when searching for a place to stay in Acadia National Park, you’re bound to come across some pretty unique results, as indeed you should. Below is a list of some of the best places to stay when visiting this special area.

Acadia Hotel

One of the most important things when searching for a place to stay in or around any national park is, of course, the proximity to the park itself.

Ideally, you want to find a place that is as close to the park as possible.

And this is where the Acadia Hotel succeeds magnificently.

 It is located just over five miles from the park itself, making it a great option for those who want to stay close to the park during their stay.

What’s more, the whole area has a peaceful, tranquil feel to it, making this one of the best options for anyone looking for a restful, laid back vacation in the Acadia area.

The hotel itself is located within the Mount Desert region of the park, one of the most geographically prominent landmarks on the site. It is also one of the most culturally significant, having been a major hub of Native American activity in the past.

Some of the better selling points for the Acadia Hotel include:

  • Free Internet
  • Free Parking
  • Classy Suites
  • Private Balconies
  • Hot Tubs
  • Spacious interiors
  • Large fireplaces

The Inn on Mount Desert

As the name would imply, this resort is also located in the Mount Desert area. It’s also one of the more affordable sites on this list, making it a great place to stay for those looking to see Acadia National Park on a budget.

This inn is on the smaller, more intimate side, and has a boutique feeling to match.

Compared to other options on this list, this is a far newer inn, with a fresh interior and crisp room designs to match.

The Inn has also has also proved noteworthy among guests for its menu in general and continental breakfast in particular.

Among the other amenities offered by the Inn on Mount Desert are:

  • Free Internet
  • Free parking
  • Self-serve laundry
  • A nice bocce ball court

Woodland Park Cottages

Located just three and a half miles away from the entrance to Bar Harbor, Woodland Park Cottages is a great way to experience the waterfront and wildlife which characterize Acadia National Park.

Rather than one single hotel or resort, these are – in keeping with Maine’s penchant for uniqueness – actually a series of individual cottages.

This means you can tour the area and find the cottage that’s situated in just the right spot for you.

It is worth noting that these cottages are only available for a limited time during the year, from May through the middle of October, so you’ll want to bear that in mind when booking.

Among the amenities offered by these cottages area:

  • Authentic rustic interiors
  • Gas stoves
  • Free Internet

Quimby House Inn & Spa

For as unique as Maine is, you may find yourself wanting to stay somewhere a bit more on the cozy and conventional side.

If so, the Quimby House Inn & Spa might be the perfect choice.

It is located close to Acadia National Park and offers a traditional inn experience.

What’s more, where other options on this list are a bit more secluded, the Quimby House Inn & Spa offers easy access to nearby outlets, including a grocery store.

Among the other upsides to staying here include:

  • Free Internet
  • Free Parking
  • Spacious suites
  • Pet-friendly rooms

 Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center

Like I said earlier, bays, ponds, and waterways are part of what characterize Maine’s climate in general and Acadia National Park in particular.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that goes all-in on the all-consuming beauty of such places, you’ll want to give the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center a look.

Not only is this hotel flanked by a lovely forest, but it sits right on the edge of Frenchman’s Bay, a part of Acadia National Park named for French explorers who came to the region in the early 1600s.

Among the other upsides to staying here include:

  • Free Internet
  • Free parking
  • An indoor pool area
  • Easy access to a nearby nature cruise
  • Private balconies

Discover what makes Acadia National Park one of Maine’s biggest attractions with some of the best and most unique cottages, inns, and hotels in the area.