Tag Archives: harborside hotel

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The Five Priceless Hotel Amenities…

… and where to find them on Mount Desert Island

amenities are not just toiletries

When someone mentions amenities, we usually think of coffee machines, shampoo, refrigerators and microwaves. These things are wonderful, and necessary. However, there are amenities that come with a particular room or a specific hotel. They will add quality to your stay on Mount Desert Island, far more than any kitchen appliance can bring.

I list five most priceless hotel amenities below, in order of importance. Before you choose a hotel to stay on Mount Desert Island, decide which of these are most important. Then do the math, and figure out whether the difference in price is worth it.

#1: Special Consideration for those traveling with you

Before anything else, choose amenities which will help meet your special needs, and the needs of your traveling companions.

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Bar Harbor Monopoly: find the best hotel for your visit

A bird’s eye view of how they all fit together

There are so many places to stay on Mount Desert Island. Some of them share parking lots. Others are at three levels up a hill, one on top of the other. To a new arrival, it can be confusing to try to figure out how all these hotel choices fit together.

The Bar Harbor Inn, the hotel by the Bay (photo by David Faris)

However, for the insider, a hotel map of Bar Harbor looks like a big game of Monopoly! Around this table, there are three major players: the Walsh family, families like the Costons, and the Witham family.

Each one brings a unique set of strengths to their guests. By knowing what each one has to offer, you will be able to:

  1. choose the best option to meet your needs for your stay on the Island, and
  2. take full advantage of the option you choose, by knowing how they work and what they offer.

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