I'll be in Portland in a few weeks and I'd finally like to make it up to Bar Harbor and Acadia for a couple days.

Mid range hotels like Marriott Courtyard would be fine for this trip since I expect to be outside a lot, but still want to come back to a standard (some may think boring) consistent hotel. I don't think there are any in the area, though. I'm not a fan of roadside motels, and I hate frilly b&bs. The resorts I've seen online are not in my budget unless there are some really good deals for midweek after Labor Day.

I don't know the area at all and I'm trying to figure out how far away from Bar Harbor can I stay and still be able to go into the town for dinners, shopping and strolling? Maybe up to 30 minutes away, a little more if a suitable place to stay is farther. I would probably go to Acadia just one day for some siteseeing and very light hiking . Maybe I'd go another day on my way back south. I'll also be stopping in Rockport and Camden on the way north.

Any suggestions for specific towns with good access to Acadia and especially specific hotels(independent or chain) that are reliable and not too expensive.?

Anywhere on Mount Desert Island would be fine, distance-wise.

~Liz

For what you're describing, you might check the Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency. It's a short drive to town, as well as Acadia National Park. We didn't stay there, but we ate dinner at the onsite restaurant Stewman's Lobster Pound which was very good. We thought it looked like a nice place to stay, well landscaped and with an active lobby and pool. http://www.barharborregency.com/

travelerfromtx, I was a little suprised when you mentioned the Holiday Inn because it showed up in my initial search, but I rejected it because the tripadvisor revies were pretty bad, saying the location is great ,but the staff are horrible and the rooms are worn out and dirty, Maybe the public areas have been better maintained than the rooms?

When I saw the link you posted, I was sure this must be a different place because it looks great and it doesn't say Holiday Inn anywhere! But when you click through and get to the reservation link, it is the same. Too bad, it did seem like a good choice. Thanks.

You might try Ellsworth as an alternative if you don't mind a slightly longer drive. Lots of motels as you describe and you can still do all the Acadia/Mount Desert stuff during the day.

Ellsworth is a small Maine town with lots going on, picturesque, excellent restaurants, great vibe and good shopping without the prices of Bar Harbour.

Atlantic Eyrie. Reasonable for the area, on free shuttle route, great views.