2 Best Hotels in Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island

This 6-acre seaside luxury resort boasts the flagship clapboard three-story 1884 inn with wondrous views of Somes Sound from the wide porch, two historic former summer residences with guest rooms and suites, L.L. Bean-vibe cottages and cabins (kitchens or kitchenettes), and two rental homes. Amenities abound including a sea-view heated pool, a dock, a croquet court, a swank game room, a "farm" garden, courtesy bikes, yoga and mixology classes, and with fees, a spa, cabanas, guided hikes, and private charters.

Originally an annex to Mount Desert Island's first summer hotel, the elegant 1870 main inn has nine tasteful guest rooms named after different kinds of boats; there’s also a wing with two modern accommodations, including a three-bedroom suite with a kitchen, and a one-bedroom cottage. Serving drinks and "shareable bites" to guests and the public, the inn's cozy Bowsprit Bar (open 4–8:30 pm) makes great use of the large porch and deck overlooking the sweeping front lawn.