The DownEast Acadia's largest clusters of hotels and motels are in the Bar Harbor and Ellsworth areas, representing thousands of rooms. But just about every town and village, and the highways and byways around them, have lodging options.

Hotels and motels range from ultra-elegant resorts to national chain hotels to spotless little family-owned establishments going back generations. Most have 24/ service, and many have restaurants on the premises. High-end establishments often have pools, luxury spas, tennis courts, and excellent meeting facilities. But even modest motels usually have indoor or outdoor pools as well as fitness centers and complimentary breakfasts.

For a spectacular high-end lodging, you might try Bar Harbor’s West Street Hotel or Bar Harbor Inn, both located on the shorefront and overlooking the town’s harbor and its iconic scenery of working lobster boats, schooners, and yachts from small to mega.

Budget finds are usually on a town’s outskirts; in addition to being less costly, it’s great to get out of the tourist hustle and bustle. At the same time, Acadia’s free Island Explorer shuttle bus makes it perfectly convenient to get back into town.

Hotels and motels are liberally sprinkled throughout the region, from Calais to Eastport and Lubec, from Bucksport to Machias , from Stonington to Ellsworth, and Southwest Harbor to Bar Harbor.

Daily cleaning service means you can just pop out the door and head to your vacation activities. Some are pet-friendly, too, but you should check ahead. And if you’re planning to visit during the high season, be sure to make your reservations early.