Balance Rock Inn

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Maria Mentesana
7 months ago
My boyfriend and I only stayed here for one night but we will definitely be back. The service was amazing right away. Thank you Clinton for showing us around the hotel and making us feel at home. There was complementary chocolate in the room when we arrived as well as complementary breakfast, coffee and pastries to go. The view is incredible! Despite being in the heart of busy Bar Harbor, you feel like you re tucked away at a private beach resort. There is free parking and restaurants and shops are very walkable from the property. Thank you for such a special experience, Balanced Rock!

  Leah Shaw
9 months ago
Balance Rock Inn has raised the bar for what I expect from the hospitality industry. A warm welcome as soon as you enter the Inn. You are given a brief introduction to the Inn and you are shown to your room ( thank you Clinton!) Our first evening was in the Queen Superior 201 room, what a charming room! Our second evening was in ocean view 303. Nice room but not the same warm feeling as the queen superior 201. FYI The balcony in 303 is not a private balcony. The breakfast in the restaurant was delicious. Besides the free breakfast the Inn still provides free coffee, pastries, fruit and bottled water for guest. Thank you Balance Rock Inn for the lovely stay.Walkability: Steps away from shops and restaurants.

  Faith Goddard
5 months ago
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  Paolo Petrosso
8 months ago
The place is an experience in its own right.Beautiful structure, perfectly located in Bar Harbor.Our room was fantastic with a big private balcony.The pool is warm, breakfast is great and everybody was nice and friendly.This is not the typical hotel, is a journey for the guests.Really special! Thank you

  Bob Witmer
8 months ago
the Inn is beautiful, in the public areas, service and food were perfect. we stayed in room 205 . whjich looked nice in the photos, however the wallpaper was old and coming off at the seems, the air conditioner was a portable unit that blocked one of the ocean front windows views from the bed and was noisy. the bath room was beat up and had mold around the tub and on the marble. the entire space need a make over. since it was fully booked we made the best of it , but it was not worth $850.00 a night. if we choose to stay here again, i will ask when the room was last renovated. Dinner in the dinning room made us forget about the room. we will definately come back to the dining room.Nearby activities: very close to downtown

  Victor Kazanjian
a year ago
Absolutely perfect location in Bar Harbor, about a 5 minute walk directly into the heart of the downtown shops. The service from everyone - front desk, bell staff, restaurant and bar - was superb. The building and grounds are beautiful, with a large lawn and chairs leading down to the shore walk and bay. Our room was gorgeous with direct views of the water and the beautiful grounds on the property. Super comfortable bed, and a huge bathroom with a sauna (which we did not use, but it was cool anyway.) This room was the definition of comfortable, and both my wife and I are eager to come back and stay here again. We also ate at the Verandah restaurant twice, which was beautiful but had a very limited menu. The food was very good and it was convenient, but I don't think we will eat there again based on the limited food choices.

  Connie Kaplan
7 months ago
Very disappointed. I ve been there many times throughout the years. Our room looked like someone s unfinished attic. It appeared that every piece of furniture, regardless of color or fabric that they didn t know what to do with, was stuffed into our room. Wallpaper was bubbling all over and the ocean view required neck manipulation. The common rooms are done in dark furniture and paint which was unappealing for a summer stay which is when they are open. I would not go back.

  Madison Young
9 months ago
This stay changed my expectations of hotels forever. From the second we walked in the door, the service and attentiveness at balance rock inn was phenomenal.We were given a tour of the property, handed water and chocolate chip cookies, and shown to our room - room 210.The decor in room 210 was fabulous and modern with exquisite furnishings.I will continue to dream about the amazing bedding on the sleepnumber mattress and the coziest robes that engulfed me after my time in the jacuzzi.Breakfast was a treat with a rotating frittata and pastry each morning and we were lucky to have Errol assist us everyday.We happily used one of our evenings to sit in the parlor and drink champagne while listening to the piano player. (Make sure you check out their wine cellar)The location to bar harbor is perfect - incredibly close while not feeling too busy or in the middle of the touristy hub. A quick walk in either direction on the shore path will bring you right into either end of town.All in all this was a phenomenal experience and I truly hope that I can return to this inn again soon.

  Derek Dube
7 months ago
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  m massey
a year ago
Balance Rock Inn is a beautiful place in a fabulous location. Dogs are tolerated, but I wouldn t say it was all that dog friendly. Rm 107.There are more places that dogs aren t welcome than where they are. Dogs are only allowed in the gazebo and the dog friendly rooms.Dogs are not welcome in the dining room, cocktails lounge, or at the outdoor fire pit area.It is a beautiful place but if you decide to bring a dog you are very limited on what you can do together. We didn t drive 10 hours to keep our dog in the room. Each of us got a free drink coupon when we checked in but we couldn t take our dog with us so it was never used.On our last day, Labor Day, there was work being done above our room with loud banging and hammering. We subsequently found 4 screws outside our room s patio along with several cigarette butts. The dog found one of the screws and was eating it.There was also a pile of trash that was out by a large tree between our room and the parking area our entire visit. I guess no one walks the property and the cigarette butts weren t ours.

  Patrick Muller
2 years ago
We were here back in Fall of 2019 and have to say this is one of, if not the best, hotels in which we have ever stayed.Tucked behind the main drag of Bar Harbor it s situated off of an alleyway that keeps this place hidden. It is a short stroll to the main attractions, not to mention the best antique shop in the area.The sprawling lawn with lounge chairs with an overlook of the water is simply amazing. The moon at dusk mirroring off of the water while sipping a cocktail is what dreams are made of. The morning offers an incredible buffet style breakfast and a coffee bar with homemade chocolate chip cookies. The best is waking up around dawn and pouring a hot cup and enjoying a cookie while enjoying the cool breeze of the wind off the water during the fall months. Staff is very accommodating and friendly. We didn t eat at the restaurant (gasp!) on site but it looked scrumptious and all guests seemed to be enjoying their meals.Private fence access at the end of the lawn allows guests to come and go as they please, which butts up to the waters edge. Dogs are welcome here and it was so nice to be able to pet some animals while relaxing on the lawn.Sometimes my wife and I will go out for dinner and drinks and just talk about how much we enjoyed this stay. In fact, it s July 2021 and I am just writing this review showing you how memorable this trip was.We will be back!

  Jennifer Vickers
2 years ago
Hands down, Balance Rock Inn, is fantastic! The room was amazing, especially the hide away stairs to the rooftop balcony. The sauna in the room was a great bonus. Breakfast, by the pool, each morning was perfect. We made sure to have dinner there one night and dinner did not disappoint. The drinks were made to perfection. The inn is older but that is what gives it character.thw attention to detail makes it a must stay while on the island. Richard and Justin made us feel very welcomed. All of the staff was great! I hope we will be back on the island soon.

  Jane Zelenko
3 years ago
A thank you to the team, especially Richard and Sara(h?) who were gracious hosts to my mother, grandmother, partner and myself when we needed a last minute place for drinks and snacks (I didn't plan well, the restaurant on property was fully booked for days!). Richard encouraged us to come in and sit by the fireplace (as it was cold outside and the restaurant was booked solid) and we were not disappointed! he was cheery, checked in on us, and we had a lovely time. My mom and gram loved the food, my partner and were both crazy about our great cocktails, and we all enjoyed the elevated decor (and comfortable seating)! Service was efficient and warm. Thanks again!

  Too Fast
9 months ago
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  Leah Weaver
7 months ago
Had a lovely time! Beautiful house and grounds, the pool side fires and complimentary drink tickets and breakfast! Felt very taken care of my the staff

  Jill Sasso
a year ago
This Inn is all about location. We loved the view from the main hotel restaurant and lounge. Since we had a dog, we were restricted to the rear carriage house which is not so charming. The room was cramped and an odd shape. It did have an outdoor area, but the cushions on the furniture were moldy and dirty. Overall, I would only stay here again if I were in the main building.

  Jeff & Dana Clary
4 years ago
We met our friends and did a little Maine travel and Balance Rock Inn was our first stay and that was a bad idea, because it was so wonderful it set the bar really high! Our room was huge with a couch, and plenty of windows overlooking beautiful grounds. We got so busy, sadly, we never used the in-room sauna... Our first night there, we had dinner on the back patio which was delicious and the service was impeccable (thanks Debbie!). Breakfasts were good with some nice options such as the french toast croissant offered each morning. We had several opportunities to sit and relax and enjoy drinks on the patio and we loved the amazing view of the ocean and the service every time. Finally, Balance Rock is right on the walking path out back so you can get out and enjoy the Bar Harbor area and a block off the main shopping downtown so you are right there but not overwhelmed by the hub-bub. This is a definite do-over for us!

  Maren
5 years ago
We wish we could give the Balance Rock Inn six stars! We had an incredible stay! The inn itself is gorgeous - everything from the quaint rooms to the beautiful patio and pool overlooking the ocean is just absolutely stunning - one of the best views in town! The staff is wonderfully friendly and oh so accommodating. We were also so pleased with the pet friendly policy and had a lovely stay with our pup!One of the most memorable aspects of the hotel for us was the food. The buffet breakfast is phenomenal - one of the best we've ever encountered.. but the dinner menu was just outstanding. We had the charcuterie board, the oysters, the mussels and the quail... each course more delicious than the next!We will most certainly be back (and we're sending anyone that will listening in the interim)! Thank you for a wonderful stay in Bar Harbor!

  Michelle M
2 years ago
We stayed in Room 110 in the Carriage House. Dog friendly room with a backyard! Sleep number bed was comfy. Rainfall shower. Full service breakfast included each morning was perfect, service was amazing. Justin at front desk was super! All staff were friendly & made us feel welcome.Location a short walk to Main St. where all the shops & restaurants are. We highly recommend & will stay here again!!

  Peter Rohr
3 years ago
We had a fantastic stay at Balance Rock for so many reasons! The hotel is beautiful and all of the staff were so warm and friendly. Richard at the front desk was incredibly helpful providing guidance for hiking and biking in Acadia. Our dinner at their restaurant Veranda was outstanding. We would highly recommend this - be sure to check in with Richard, he's the best!!

  Marcus Padilla
2 years ago
Absolutely wonderful Inn! They truly make you feel at home the moment you arrive. The service was outstanding, and staff was more than accommodating (thanks Richard!) the rooms are a bit pricey, but you can t beat the location and service. Breakfast is included everyday. Dinner reservations are a must! Book weeks or months in advance, they go quick!

  Eric McLain
4 years ago
Beautiful Inn. The location could not be more perfect. Walking distance to everything you would ever want to see in Bar Harbor and a gorgeous view with a path right on the water. The staff was amazing and made us feel very welcome. Rooms were clean and surprisingly modern given how old the building is. I would definitely stay here again!

  Justin Holmes
3 years ago
The wife and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary. We have traveled around North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Central America and stayed at many hotels which are considered luxury properties. Upon finding the Balance Rock, we called and were told that the Penthouse suite was an ideal choice and although it was being renovated currently, it would be an excellent choice. Going off of an outdated description and no photos, we booked anyway....the cost was just over $1,000 a night with taxes.We arrived and found the Balance Rock to be a well appointed and comfortable property. The front desk person told us that we were staying in the nicest room on the island. High Praise!! We were shown around and to our room.......it was..........ok. The biggest initial complaint? It wasn't finished. Paint on the floor, hastily thrown together furnishings and electric window blinds that didn't function were noticed immediately. NO TUB! A penthouse suite with a nice shower but no bathtub?We gave the doorman a $20 after explaining to him that it was my wife's birthday and the next day our tenth anniversary.....we never saw him again. Ghost.The first night, we woke up to find the room a crisp 60 degrees as the heat stopped working. Not a great start to our anniversary.No one checked to see if we needed anything, toiletries, towels, etc.....We called to find out that we were supposed to put our trash and dirty linens in a basket and leave in the hallway. When we told them we had no basket, they said, "throw them on the floor!" OK...............We voiced our complaints about the room, the heat (or lack thereof). No one seemed to care. Not wanting to ruin our anniversary, we focused on activities outside of the Inn.Capable restaurant staff and professional. Front end folks were far from welcoming. It felt like everything was an inconvenience.Very disappointing. While we understand that the year has been a challenge to hotels in particular, this was far below what we expected.

  om
10 months ago
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  HL Lowy
2 years ago
Quirky and beautiful Inn by the sea. Prime time Bar Harbor location. Great for walking, and pictures too. Outstanding food and beverages and excellent staff. Beautiful amenities. And adorable and charming rooms and grounds. Simply put - Stay here if you can.

  Matthew Patches
6 years ago
My wife and I stayed at the Balance Rock Inn during our honeymoon trip, and it was an exceptional experience. The staff were all pleasant, and very helpful and accommodating. The Inn offers a nice view of the ocean, and is a short walk from Bar Harbor. Breakfast was super good, and we enjoyed the food each morning. We would recommend this place to a friend!!

  Peter Brown
a year ago
Mt family has been coming here for over a decade each year. The staff and entire experience is amazing. Richard is a great storyteller and chalk full of great recommendations for everything from relaxation to treacherous hikes.

  Heather L
4 years ago
My husband and I spent six nights at the Balance Rock Inn in what they refer to as a junior suite with an ocean view. We could see Frenchmans bay, the porcupine islands, and the pool and patio from our room. The view was really beautiful. The front of the property is a parking lot that leads to a small road that takes you to downtown Bar Harbor. The back of the home is lovely, the front is unremarkable. I would only stay in an ocean facing room if you stay here. I would also mention that staying in what I believe is the carriage house where the "gym" is located is on a dreadful piece of the property surrounded by parking lot and is absolutely not worth staying in. The gym consist of three machines.We scheduled a five night stay for late May four months in advance but about a month prior to our arrival date we had to reschedule because our daughter was having complications with her pregnancy and her baby was going to be born sooner than expected. We contacted the Balance Rock and explained the situation. We rescheduled for late September as that was also out of their prime summer season and we wanted to keep the price the same. We were told that $1000 was nonrefundable if we canceled the trip. We did not want to cancel anyway, we just wanted to reschedule. The five night stay was originally approximately $1700. When we rescheduled it the lowest price for the same room was just over $2,900. I was upset but was told by the man I spoke with that the hotel was worth it. Since we had no choice except a penalty cancellation, we went ahead with it but it left me feeling taken advantage of.Our suite consisted of one good sized room and a bathroom. The bathroom was dated. It had a tiny "pocket shower" with a rusty drain and a fixed shower head with really really weak pressure. There was also a jetted tub from the same era. The tub had wonderful pressure but no shower head. It was not very clean and had cigarette burns along the side. I had to wash in the shower and then get in the bathtub to rinse fully. This is not acceptable in a $600 a night room especially when it comes to something as basic as being able to get clean. The bathroom was in need of wallpaper removal, a new tub and shower and a general renovation.The main room had been updated with modern grey walls and white leather furniture in contrast to the peach and brown traditional bathroom. The main room was in better shape than the bathroom but still was not very clean. There was dust and cobwebs on the lampshades and silk flowers and the large rug covering half of the room needed shampooed. It appeared to have been furnished and decorated by about the quality of a bed bath and beyond. The faux wood mirror had a chunk out of the foam frame and the wall below it was scratched. The pictures above the couch had large ripples through them that were highlighted by well placed lights above each one. The sleep number bed was covered in your standard hotel white duvet white sheet combo and was reasonably comfortable. Still it had charm. The push button gas fireplace was on a timer and allowed you to fall asleep to firelight without waking up too hot. We loved the fireplace. Night time was magical. The moon rose directly over the bay and was visible from our room and the back of the property with it's connected ocean path. The patio was lit by torches and fire pits and felt cozy and accommodating. The proximity to Arcadia was great as we spent most of our time hiking.We ended up extending our stay by one night and the rate was $265 for that night. This was not discounted, it was the regular room rate which I verified online. This really bothered me as we had asked for the lowest room rate in September to try to keep our original price. I feel the price was increased because they knew we could not cancel without a large fee and nearly doubled our cost. There were things I enjoyed about the Balance Rock and some I did not but I can say without reservation that it was not worth $600 a night.

  Emily Steinkirchner
3 years ago
Wow. If you are looking for the perfect getaway or planning to visit Bar Harbor, Maine I highly recommend staying at The Balance Rock Inn. A stay at this cozy, classy Inn is a stay to remember. When we first arrived we ordered a bottle of Champagne and their charcuterie board, it was amazing. The view of the Harbor is breathtaking . I certainly enjoyed waking up every morning and having my coffee and breakfast on the poolside dinning deck .The ambiance was just perfect. Justin who is one of the front desk managers assisted us with our stay and his customer service was superb!! He definitely made sure our stay was as peaceful as possible and accommodated us before we arrived and until the moment we left. Justin went above and beyond, I can t say enough kind words about him! From morning dips in the pool to the evening pianist entertainment, we definitely enjoyed our stay at the Balance Rock Inn to the fullest and left very relaxed. We will hopefully be back sooner than later! #balancerockinn #barharbormaine #visitbarharbor

  Elizabeth Guarnieri
5 years ago
The Balance Rock Inn has been the most luxurious and comforting experience of my adult life. My husband and I went on our honeymoon and we were treated as visiting celebrities. Every need was attended to. Even ones that I didn't know I needed (chocolate covered strawberries). The location is perfect, right next to the ocean and the cute downtown shopping area (with book stores)!!! I can't wait to come back. The Veranda Bar has an incredible cheese selection. The amazing ocean view from the veranda while eating my delicious dinner made me want to dine there every night we could.