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Balance Rock Inn On The Ocean

Overview Rooms & Rates Reviews Location Amenities Meals
  • Enjoy our lovely gardens of fragrant flowers.
    Gaze from the veranda past the glistening swimming pool, beautiful flower gardens and sweeping lawns framed with stately trees, to where the property connects with the historic Shore Path walk along the water's edge.
    One of many breathtaking Frenchman's Bay views from our property.
    Enjoy good conversation in a stimulating setting.
    Room 114 has a romantic queen sized canopy bed facing the working fireplace, two inviting easy chairs and a writing desk waiting for you to do up those postcards. The private bath with hardwood floors has two separate vanity sink areas, a single necessaire, a 2-person whirlpool tub set under an oil painting of a schooner at high seas just off the coast. Or indulge yourself in the separate marble tiled shower with multiple shower heads - rainfall, massage and handheld.
    Room 203 is a one room suite that is very romantic and largely popular with its hardwood floors and dark bayberry green decor. The king sized bed lies parallel to the wall on your right side. There are several large windows that offer a lovely view of the ocean. A handsome writing desk sits beside the single French door that leads out to a large deck that is bordered and shared with Room 202. A wonderfully sheltered and sunny place to enjoy a great view of the ocean! When you are reclining in bed, to your left there is a large sitting area with couch and easy chairs in front of the working fireplace. The private bath features a twin vanity sink with a smaller window view of the ocean, a shower and a separate whirlpool tub.
    Room 105: This first floor mini suite is just off of the main lobby. With its king sized canopy bed, dark blue decor and chandelier, it is one of the most romantic and the most popular rooms we offer. When you are reclining in bed, to your right there is a sitting area with couch and chairs facing the fireplace. To your left there is a second sitting area with two winged backed chairs and large windows with a wonderful view of the ocean. This large room (21' by 17') has a private deck overlooking that superb ocean view, which you can step off and wander down our rolling lawns to the historic shore path for a leisurely stroll along the ocean while also enjoying a peek at other "summer cottages." Your private bathroom with hardwood floors has an oversized whirlpool tub/shower combination, necessaire, sink and dry sauna.
    Early risers can get their coffee fix and morning news before the lavish full breakfast of popular selections is served daily from 8 to 10am. Our energizing breakfast includes a selection of cold cereal including our own homemade Acadia granola, fresh seasonal fruit, yogurt. Hot entrees change daily. An example for one day Aunt Doris' Downeast Quiche, Parmesan Tomatoes, Sausage and Wild Maine Blueberry Pancakes. Fresh blueberry muffins are made daily, as well as other various bakery creations, such as tea breads, scones, coffee cakes, etc., and always home-style bread and New York bagels for toasting. Some guests like to have their breakfast on the porch overlooking the ocean.
    Join us for an elegant afternoon tea.
    Set on a secluded tree-covered property with expansive views of Frenchman's Bay, this luxurious bed and breakfast Inn's name celebrates the "balance rock," a precariously positioned boulder on the nearby ocean shore, a huge remnant from an ice age.
    • Address 21 Albert Meadow
      Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1701
      USA
    • Phone+1-207-288-2610
    • Toll free+1-800-753-0494
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Oceanfront bed and breakfast inn, an easy walk from downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, with impeccably decorated rooms and elegant suites, expansive ocean views, balconies, fireplaces, saunas, whirlpools, luxurious amenities. Set on a secluded tree-covered property with expansive views of Frenchman's Bay, this luxurious bed and breakfast Inn's name celebrates the "balance rock," a precariously positioned boulder on the nearby ocean shore, a huge remnant from an ice age. The Inn offers a tremendous sense of privacy and serenity, yet steps away lies downtown Bar Harbor with its village green and many fine shops and restaurants. Built as a family "cottage" in 1903, when wealthy tycoons selected the most desirable locations along the rocky, island-studded Maine coast for their summer season mansions, Balance Rock Inn today presents romantic ambiance and luxury amenities to make your vacation relaxing and unforgettable. Gaze from the veranda past the glistening swimming pool, beautiful flower gardens and sweeping lawns framed with stately trees, to where the property connects with the historic Shore Path walk along the water's edge. Delight your senses in the comfortably appointed guest rooms and suites, each unique with features such as ocean views, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, saunas and private porches. Indulge in the incomparable breakfast, elegant afternoon tea, music of the grand piano, cocktails at Veranda Bar, and the lazy comfort of a lounge chair by the pool.

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 14 Reviews

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    4.0 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  4
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  4
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Firstimer / honeymooners

    December 09, 2012

    Me and most of my family have worked at an Inn, in the White Mts. How ever this was a great way to spend some of our honeymoon. We truly enjoyed it, wish we would have stayed at the Inn longer. The caretakers and staff made our stay a five star. A special thanks to the very helpful, peaceful staff. From: Mr. and Mrs. Daniels

    1.2 out of 5
     

    Sadly disappointing

    August 18, 2012

    Location, decorating....absolutely PERFECT! STUNNING! Cleaniness of room, bathroom, bed sheets...failed MISERABLY! Oops, given wrong room, but once in correct room, fresh towels arranged beautifully, but that appeared to be the extent of cleanliness.....best to take your shower at your next destination. Oh, and flushing the toilet..... keep trying......Cookies upon arrival...not happining! Sadly disappointing.

    2.8 out of 5
     

    The inn is nice but not for kids

    October 20, 2011

    I recently vacationed here with my family and 15 month old toddler. I was surprised to find on the first day at breakfast that the inn does not have a highchair which made eating with my daughter very challenging. Our suite was very large but the bathroom needs updating, many of the tiles were cracked giving it a run down appearence (the toilet paper could be softer too). Most of the staff was pleasant, but again at breakfast they were not very accomodating to help us find a table for 5 adults. The bed was very comfortable though which certainly helped.

    3.0 out of 5
     

    Needs a face lift but charming

    September 18, 2010

    There were a lot of shortcuts taken, things not done. Mis-matched carpeting, sloppy paint jobs. The yard was not tended to. Breakfast sub par. An heirloom picture rested on the ground unhung our entire visit in a hallway. No closet for cleaning supplies which were piled into a corner in hallway. Our room (the penthouse) has no lights that work in upstairs and a hornet problem on the balcony. Staff was superb, like a 5 star hotel. The view is great. Give it a facelift and open up the restaurant for dinner. Would be so much better.

    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Aaron Miles

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $125 - $525

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3:00pm    Check Out: 11:00am

    • Deposit Amount Required: For stays of two nights or less, a total deposit is required. For three nights, a two-night deposit is taken and for four or more nights a 50 percent deposit is required.

    • Cancellations: Due to the short season and the limited number of rooms, Balance Rock Inn requires a minimum 14-day notice of cancellation prior to your reservation date. If you cancel prior to this time there is a $50 bookkeeping fee; if you cancel after this time, you are financially responsible for the entire reservation.

    • Open All Year Round: No

    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: Limited

    • Guest Pets Allowed: Limited

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinks Available: Yes

    • Suitable For Children: Yes

    • Childcare Provided: No

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 14 Reviews

    Write A Review
    4.0 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  4
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  4
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Firstimer / honeymooners

    December 09, 2012

    Me and most of my family have worked at an Inn, in the White Mts. How ever this was a great way to spend some of our honeymoon. We truly enjoyed it, wish we would have stayed at the Inn longer. The caretakers and staff made our stay a five star. A special thanks to the very helpful, peaceful staff. From: Mr. and Mrs. Daniels

    1.2 out of 5
     

    Sadly disappointing

    August 18, 2012

    Location, decorating....absolutely PERFECT! STUNNING! Cleaniness of room, bathroom, bed sheets...failed MISERABLY! Oops, given wrong room, but once in correct room, fresh towels arranged beautifully, but that appeared to be the extent of cleanliness.....best to take your shower at your next destination. Oh, and flushing the toilet..... keep trying......Cookies upon arrival...not happining! Sadly disappointing.

    2.8 out of 5
     

    The inn is nice but not for kids

    October 20, 2011

    I recently vacationed here with my family and 15 month old toddler. I was surprised to find on the first day at breakfast that the inn does not have a highchair which made eating with my daughter very challenging. Our suite was very large but the bathroom needs updating, many of the tiles were cracked giving it a run down appearence (the toilet paper could be softer too). Most of the staff was pleasant, but again at breakfast they were not very accomodating to help us find a table for 5 adults. The bed was very comfortable though which certainly helped.

    3.0 out of 5
     

    Needs a face lift but charming

    September 18, 2010

    There were a lot of shortcuts taken, things not done. Mis-matched carpeting, sloppy paint jobs. The yard was not tended to. Breakfast sub par. An heirloom picture rested on the ground unhung our entire visit in a hallway. No closet for cleaning supplies which were piled into a corner in hallway. Our room (the penthouse) has no lights that work in upstairs and a hornet problem on the balcony. Staff was superb, like a 5 star hotel. The view is great. Give it a facelift and open up the restaurant for dinner. Would be so much better.

    3.2 out of 5
     

    July, 2010 stay at the Balance Rock in!

    July 26, 2010

    We recently flew up from Charleston, SC to Bar Harbor for a mid-July stay, and this place is breathtaking! The service from William, the bartender, was unmatched! Sipping on an afternoon cocktail while overlooking the ocean and before heading out to dinner was one of our favorite things to do. The views from our room were simply gorgeous, and we were able to catch the sunrise over the water from our bay window. Breakfast was completely different experience. It was subpar at best, and the "FRESH MADE BLUEBERRY MUFFINS MADE DAILY" (a DIRECT quote from the website) were MOLDY - and I didn't realize this until I had already bitten into one. How can a "daily made" muffin have mold?? Inns accross New England take a LOT of pride in breakfast and Balance Rock seemed to not care. I got an apology from the barley English speaking hostess, but that's it. The cook made NO appearance to explain, and the hostess simply said sorry and walked away. VERY few members of the staff could help us with questions we had (standard visitor questions - like, "can you recommend a good restaurant", or "how do you get to the Lobster Pound"), as the communication barrier was VERY unexpected. Only William and one other staff member (a local who worked at a local bike shop in the past) could speak fluent English - the rest spoke a variety of OTHER languages, and mainly just nodded at me when I tried to chat with them. If they staff it correctly and ONLY if they do a COMPLETE overhaul on the breakfast, will it be worth a return. A 5 star place with very poor food, and a TOUGH communication barrier (remember, it's IN NEW ENGLAND! That should NOT be the case), which only led to frustration on trying to get basic recommendations for the area.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    The best in Bar Harbor

    July 12, 2010

    My wife and I spent 5 days in Bar Harbor and spent all 5 days at the 24 room Balance Rock Inn. If we make it back up to Bar Harbor we will NOT stay anywhere else but the Balance Rock Inn. The breakfast was fantastic, the staff was fantastic, the view was fantastic and the facility was fantastic. Not to mention it is right in the middle of town. We spent evenings after dinner around the outdoor, propane fireplace talking with other guests.(and taking advantage of the bar until 11:00) I can't tell you enough that you should stop looking and spend the little bit extra and ENJOY yourself. There is so much room to be alone or enjoy the social aspect of being in a bigger B&B. You can thank me later. :-)

    3.4 out of 5
     

    Very pretty and comfy but ok bfst-june '10

    July 11, 2010

    We stayed 2 nts at this perfectly located quiet b/b. Gorgeous view of the water. Not what I expected of a b/b tho in that we were not greeted by owners, they werent even there. Was more like a hotel and we were services by employees. No personal interaction or local info. We stayed in the carriage house- marble tiled separate shower and whirlpool tub that jets didnt work on so I soaked. Breakfast was plain old bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, fried potatoes. They could step that up. But the homemade granola was the best!

    5 out of 5
     

    Just perfect!

    July 04, 2010

    My husband and I were visiting Maine from London, England for three weeks this June. we hadn't prebooked or planned our stops but fell in love with this Inn and were delighted tht they could accomodate us, we even stayed on for an extra night! The setting is just perfect, the staff helpful and friendly, breakfasts to die for, and we fell in love with Maddock the dog! We were so lucky to stay in the Inn, I'm sure if we'd been any later in the season we'd have had no chance. Experience the charm of the Balance Rock Inn for yourself. Denise

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  • Location

    Overview Points of Interest Restaurants

    Location Type

    • Island

    • Oceanside

    • Small town

    City - Bar Harbor

    • Distance to city: 1 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Driving: From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. Follow Route 3 into Bar Harbor. Take a left at the first stop sign, continuing on Route 3 (Mount Desert Street), and proceed straight to the stop sign at Main Street. Turn left on Main Street and take an immediate right onto Albert Meadow. Balance Rock Inn is on the right at the end of Albert Meadow. Please refer to the 3 maps on our website

    Airport

    • Bangor, ME (BGR) 12 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Airports: Bar Harbor is serviced by the local airport, Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), located just 12 miles from the Inn, and by national airlines flying into Bangor International Airport, 50 miles away. There are also direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport.

    Area Attractions

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Ocean

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bicycles

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Horseshoes

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Swimming pool

    • Table Tennis

    • Tennis courts

    • Water sports

     Nearby Cities

     Nearby States

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • [Resource Id: Other, Set: lookupdata]

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Country Inn

    • Historic Inn

    Property highlights

    • Antiques/decor

    • Excellent views

    • Fitness

    • Gourmet food

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    On-site

    • Computer

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Internet Service

    • Library

    • Piano

    • Washer/dryer

    • Wedding Facilities

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • DVD Player

    • In-room internet

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Hairdryer

    • Hot tub/whirlpool tub

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • Turndown Service

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8-10am

    • Serving Location: beautiful ocean view,veranda bar deck,Breakfast Room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    Signature Dish

    Traditional "summer cottage"
    "summer cottage" breakfast includes our homemade Acadia granola, fresh seasonal fruit, a varying hot entrees daily, fresh home-baked breakfast goodies, bagels, breads and juice, complemented by fresh brewed coffee and gormet teas.

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