Ivy Manor Inn & Michelle's Fine Dining

The owner of the Ivy Manor Inn, Judi, could not have been nicer. When she found out it was our honeymoon, she bumped us up into the honeymoon suite because she had a cancellation. The building and rooms are something out of a romance novel: en suite bathtub, sunlight streaking through ivy covered windows and gas fireplace-so lovely. The only issue we had was the noise from the street-if you have a street-view room, expect to stay up late and wake up early. Also, if you like to have a cup of tea at night, you have to track down the owner. There is no public access to a kitchen. If you're looking for a romantic place to stay in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor that serves great coffee and a yummy breakfast, this is your place. If you want to sleep in, request a room at the back of the building. And my husband says the bar was wonderful, except that it closed at 8:30/9:00pm. I will never regret our honeymoon there. Thanks, Judi!

Overall our stay was awesome! We only dined at the Inn one night for dinner an we were a bit dissappointed. The price was very high and the food was not that great. We had better food at at several less expensive resteraunts in Bar Harbor during our stay. Breakfast was awesome at the Inn! We were only disappointed with the dinner.

The owner is a really nice lady. Breakfast and dinner were outstanding. The room was nice and clean. This hotel is in the downtown and we could forget our car for some days. A very pleasant experience our stay here! We will definitely recommend this hotel!

We stayed for 3 nights in a beautiful king. Judith the owner was friendly and welcoming as were her staff and nothing was too much trouble. Breakfast was included and there was a wide choice of entrees which is unusual in breakfast in inns. The location is in the middle of Bar Harbor and so convenient. The small quaint bar was well stocked with superb service. We ate at Michelles on the Saturday night which was pleasantly busy. The foie gras and lobster thermidore were delicious and the creme brûlée superb. The whole experience was lovely without being pretentious.

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We thank you for the review, but, most importanly, we thank you for being great guests at the Ivy Manor Inn!

- Judith Stanley (innkeeper)

The Moulon Rough room was spacious, but noisy from the room above. The bathroom lighting was dim and hard to see well. The claw foot tub was hard to shower in. Michelle's was awesome, the food fresh and pleasing to the palate and eye. Service there and in the small intimate bar was superb!

My wife and I just came back from the Ivy Manor Inn and we can not wait to return! From the moment we drove up we knew we were in for a very special treat. The Inn looks just like the pictures on their website. The rooms are so beautilful and romantic it made us feel like honeymooners again. The entire staff are so friendly and helpful, making your stay problem free. Michelle's Fine Dining is a understatement the food and service was perfect. If you are looking for a romantic get-a-way this is the place. To the staff ... THANK YOU for wonderful stay !!!!! Jose' and Gladys

This is a cute cottage, with excellent food and a great location. It is in the middle of downtown and a few block walk to the bay and the ocean walk. It was a few mile drive to Acadia NP also. We loved the place, would recommend to our friends and thought it was a good value.

Very nice Inn, but a little disappointing when compared with other B&B's in the area. Located in a noisy section of town, but very convenient. Breakfast waiter was a bit snobbish. Also, it seems way out of line to require a $5 up charge on some breakfast items when guests are plunking down $250/night.

We stayed in the Royality Suite which was outstanding. Our room was decorated very nicely, and made you feel right at home. Judi and her staff were very kind and helpful. Breakfast was outstanding and yes the praline bacon was the best! I also recommend to dine at Michelle's Fine Dining it was also outstanding. The Inn is in a perfect spot, you just walk out the front door and you are walking distance to the downtown shops and the waterfront where you can book sightseeing tours on the water. I highly recommend this place to stay. Thank you so much Judi , you do a great job keeping the Ivy Manor a perfect place to stay! Hope to return next year.

Room was very lovely and quaint. The staff made you feel right at home and met all our needs. Excellent location for visiting Bar Harbor. Would highly recommend to anyone travelling to Bar Harbor for a one day or week long visit.

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The entire staff "thanks you" for being our guests and looks forward to your return! Judi

- Judi Stanley (innkeeper)

This is the second time we have stayed at the Ivy Manor Inn, and once again, it did not disappoint. Judi the innkeeper, is on top of everyhting. There to greet you with her wonderful personality, give a tour of the place, and offer any suggestions for fun, shopping, and any other destination or event you're looking for. The food at Michelle's, the in-house, restaurant, was just great. The people are very professional, courteous and willing to make your dining experience as "fine" as possible. The rooms are beautiful and well maintained. And one of the best things about this B&B is the location. You step out the front door, take a right, and you are 50 feet from the first shop in the heart of Bar Harbor. You do not hear any distracting sounds being so close to downtown. We think it's just the best location for anyone to stay and we HIGHLY recommend the Ivy Manor to anyone staying in Bar Harbor.

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The entire staff "thanks you" for being our guests and looks forward to your return! Judi

- Judi Stanley (innkeeper)

Three day stay first time with my girlfriend in Bar Harbor and on a motorcycle

We had a great stay at the Ivy Manor Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine! Everything was what it was described on the website. The staff working for the innkeeper were friendly and very helpful The central location in the downtown Bar Harbor area couldn't be beat! We were within walking distance to EVERYTHING including the bus service to Acadia National Park. The only drawback--and it was minor because our stay was so pleasant in every other way, was that the innkeeper seemed to be tired of running the business and we heard in town that she would consider selling the B & B if she got the right price.

We recently spent our Honeymoon in the Romeo and Juliet Suite and ABSOLUTELY loved it! Judy and Robin run an amazing establishment and the food is AMAZING! It was peaceful and a home away from home. We HIGHLY recommend this bed and breakfast to EVERYONE!

The room was lovely - spacious, clean, well decorated - but the airconditioner wasn't working as well as it should have - it barely cooled the room down. Everyone we met was very gracious and helpful. The dining was fantastic. I would definitly stay there again! Loved the convienent location of the Inn to downtown and the water!

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Called the air conditioner service and found the guest had somehow set the program to "timer" and therefore, the system was workinging only as time set. The air conditioner was perfect . Was immediately fixed. Hope to have you return to a wonderful "cooled" room.

- Judi (innkeeper)

The Ivy Manor Inn was a perfect place for my new husband and me to spend our honeymoon. The room was a perfect size with a nice bathroom for a B&B, and the staff was very friendly. Also, we loved having the restaurant in the facility. The food was excellent at both breakfast and dinner. The Inn is right in town, but still feels tucked away. We would definitely stay there again.

...and not the last, for we are going back to the ivy Manor Inn. We just got married and were looking to have an intimate and low key honey moon with a classy spin. Well, the Ivy manor was the perfect lodging choice. The owner and staff are very genuine and friendly as well as professional. We enjoyed our privacy in a beautiful setting with exquisite food every morning. It was a perfect getaway. Thank you Judy, Tony, Robin, Betty and Chef and kitchen staff.

My husband and I went to Bar Harbor this weekend to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We made an unexpected visit to the Ivy Manor at 10pm. We found the owner at her desk in the lobby. We explained that we were looking for a room to celebrate our anniversary and, due to a cancellation the Honeymoon Suite was available. Even at this late hour she offered to show us the room. Wow, if her attention and sincere, welcoming demeanor were not enough to make us ecstatic, the room certainly did. The entire Inn is beautifully appointed, warm and comfortable, welcoming and calm. Judi has perfected the art of being unobtrusively available to dispense with any need or want that arose, from providing a cup of coffee early in the morning to accommodating us with hot tea and dessert in the Fleur de Lis Tavern when we returned late one night (more like a library in a manor). Our suite was so beautiful and comfortable we were always enthralled each time we walked back in the door. The entire staff definitely has their heart in their jobs and it shows with every little contact they make with the guests. The breakfast included in the room rate…beyond superb. Everything was fresh and innovative from the spinach, mozzarella and basil omelet to the crème Brule French toast with blueberry compote. I can’t even find the words to describe their signature “praline bacon” but I will remember the taste of it forever. We dined the first evening of our stay at the Inn’s four diamond restaurant. Exquisite is the only word that would describe this experience. The setting is elegant, the service was impeccable, the food incredible. After experiencing this meal we would have expected it to cost a fortune but the price was comparable to other, insignificant, restaurants in town. We plan on returning every year for our anniversary, if not before. Thank you, Judi, for providing us an anniversary we could only imagine. You and your Inn created a lovely memory for us both.

This place was wonderful, perfectly located -- walking distance to all the restaurants and shops in Bar Harbor, but had the feel of being secluded in the country. The staff couldn't have been friendlier, and the breakfasts were excellent.

Spring is in the air and the first thing that comes to my mind is to rebook my first getaway of spring for my wife and me to the Ivy Manor Inn! We have stayed at the Ivy Manor Inn for many years and like fine wine, it gets better with age. All the employees of the Ivy Manor are professional and pleasant willing to help you immediately with your needs. Contrary to other reviews, the Inn serves the most delicious food in town, is quiet and extremely comfortable. It is rare to have the luxury of being mere steps away from downtown yet be able to retire to a beautiful and serene environment. I would highly recommend the Ivy Manor Inn and Michelle's Fine Dining to those who have a thirst for high quality getaways and dining at reasonable prices. Perhaps those who have written negative reviews should visit the local retail chain hotels and motels outside of Bar Harbor which can provide you with their continental breakfasts and the ability to meet all the other tourists in the area.

The Ivy Manor in Bar Harbor, Maine, is an absolutely wonderful establishment. The proprietess is as kind as you could ask for, and was warm and welcoming. We stayed in the Royalty Suite, which was spacious with a large four-poster bed, a nice bathroom, and a sitting area with a fireplace. The complimentary breakfast was incredible. My girlfriend had Maine Blueberry French toast on one day, and blueberry crepes the next. I had a salmon omlet and then a lobster omlet. Both were very tasty. I would recommend Ivy Manor to any looking for a lovely stay in Bar Harbor.

Ivy Manor has a great location for exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia. The Inn is cozy and comfortable with a first-rate restaurant (don't miss the praline bacon!) where you feel pampered and experience excellent dining and service. Judi is very helpful and works hard to make your visit pleasant. Our only recommendation is for a bathroom shelf convenient to the claw-footed tub and shower in the room where we stayed. We hope to back soon!

A well laid out space – there is good access to the rooms and to the dining areas. Rooms were well decorated and in character with the overall theme. We only had breakfast, but it was quite good. The staff was all above average and helpful.

Warm greetings by Innkeeper Judy, instantaneously falling in ove with this roma ntic Inn, room#4. we were sad to leave and hope to return later this year. Antje C. Dollen from NH P.S Everyone looking for beauty, quietness and absolute elegance should rest here without hesitation!!

I promise you that you wont be dissappointed if you decide to eat at this Restuarant. My Husband and I had been travelling for 2 weeks and were ready for a dining experience to remember. We found it here. The waitress was professional informal and charming, I ordered the seafood cocktail, followed by the rack of lamb..both were superb. I finished with a souffle...the thought of which will linger in my memory for a long time.

The inn was more than we expected. The room was lovely and very clean. Judy and the staff were warm and friendly. Loved the veggie quiche for breakfast, had it two days in a row. The inn is just steps away from the shops and a pleasant walk to the harbor. This is just a wonderful retreat. If you are looking for the perfect get-a-way this is THE place. Dave and Dorothy Cincinnati

We spent 2 nights at the Ivy Manor this summer and had mixed reviews. The Inn itself is very pretty and in a great location. The room was a great size but the lampshades on both nightstands were completely shredding on the inside, the remote for the A/C was not working and they only had plastic cups in the room. I was expecting a bit more attention to detail for the $250+/night. My other disappointment was that they said that breakfast was included (as it should be for a Bed and Breakfast) but when we got to the dining room, there were only a few items that were included (the rest of the menu you had to pay for) and gratuity was not included. I have stayed in a lot of B&Bs and I have never come across additional charges for food or gratuity for breakfast.

Our server was friendly and helpful. Even called and helped arrange a tour for us. All staff were pleasant and made our stay special.

My wife and I had a wonderful time. The Ivy Manor and town of Bar Harbor was like something one would read in a book. The surrounding National Park was breathtaking.

Over the years we have stayed in many B&B's. Ivy Manor, beautifully furnished, romantic getaway, far exceeded our expectations. A fresh rose on every table, comfortable, gracious staff. highly recommend.

Ivy Manor Inn is one of the nicest bed and breakfast places that one can find. My wife and I discovered it five years ago, and we have since come back every year from the DC area to spend a long weekend and celebrate our wedding anniversary. The house is absolutely beautiful, with ivy covering the gorgeous tudor front. It is not unusual to see tourists to Bar Harbor stop and take pictures. Each room is different, but all are exquisitely appointed, with antique furniture, beautiful wooden floors, the most confortable 4-poster bed one could find, and marble bathrooms with all the amenities. The service is impeccable. Breakfast is a 4-star culinary treat, the praline bacon is the best we have found anywhere, and has to be tried to be believed. Breakfast is a sumptous affair, and has both staples and varied dishes, including lobster quiches, home-made jams, fresh-squeezed juice, and on and on. And each time I craved something in particular, the Chef was always accommodating. Breakfast on the deck on a cool Maine late-May morning is invariably a great experience for both of us, with birds chirping and soft classical music playing in the background. Judy, the owner, goes out of her way to make sure all her guests have absolutely everything they need. Dinner service at Michelle's Restaurant is exceptional both in taste and quality, and my wife and I are foodies who have been to many of the nation's best restaurants. Ivy Manor is in a great location, just a few blocks from the Bar Harbor waterfront, and very close to all the shopping. Yet it is set aside, and provides privacy and verdant beauty. Overall, both the Ivy Manor and Michelle's restaurant fully deserve their four-star ratings, and will provide a superior relaxing, luxurious experience. Even though we are not locals (we live in the DC area), my wife and I will continue to celebrate and spend our wedding anniversary weekend in Bar Harbor at the Ivy Manor Inn. Truly recommended. Andre and Michelle Detommaso.

We went to the Ivy Manor to have dinner and loved it so much we checked out of our other hotel to spend our last night there. The food at Michelle's Fine Dining was out of this world. The filet of beef melted in your mouth. You MUST get the bag of chocolate for dessert! Liam and Vance made our dinner so special! Judy, the Innkeeper was so pleasant and accommodating. We loved our room, so charming and the fireplace was very romantic. Breakfast was outstanding. The blueberry French Toast and praline bacon was to die for! The location is perfect for shopping or anywhere else you might want to go. We will definately be going back next year. Dan and Patti Kallal Elverson, PA

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU FROM THE ENTIRE STAFF AT THE IVY MANOR AND WE CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR RETURN! GUESTS LIKE YOU MAKE IT SPECIAL FOR US!!!

- Judith Stanley (innkeeper)

My husband and I stayed at this property recently for a weeklong vacation. The onsite restaurant is excellent and the location on Main St. is perfect. Unfortunately, everything else is a great disappointment. First, our room smelled like animal urine. There was a large stain on one of the rugs. The canopy bed seemed like it might fall apart with every slight movement. Beware of the "special" deal, which is promoted on the Web site -- Two nights, plus a fine dining dinner at a rate of $475. Sounds great, right? Actually, the room night was $179 per night and the menu options were limited to the least expensive items. Our dinner bill totaled only $100, which meant we would have saved $17 if we didn't book the special. Finally, it was supposed to be a full breakfast every morning, but most days it was only fruit and eggs. The full breakfast menu is only available to paying customers. Inn guests are limited to only a few of the least expensive options -- and that's only when they offer a full breakfast. Apparently, the owner wasn't interested in whether we enjoyed our stay. She didn't ask when we handed her our key upon checkout -- maybe she knew she put us in the urine room.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
The inn has had excellent reviews and as the innkeeper, we to get surprises, unfortunely, after a guest leaves. The housekeeper informed me about the rug which is apparent that someone had a dog in the room without our knowledge and we then of course, removed and totally sanitized the room. The room has an outside balcony which would permit someone to bring a dog in. Referencing the breakfast: Our guests are greeted with a server, asked their juice and coffee choices and what the inn is offering each morining. We also put out a fresh bowl of fruit on each table. Coffee's are refilled without question. They can dine inside or outside and they have a choice of items such as blueberry french toast, omelets, waffles or egg's their way. Which is served with or famous Praline bacon, potatoes and a croisant, blueberry butter. We feel that this is more than a full breakfast and other guest comments are always positive. This is all included with their stay. What is the sad, is that our guests didn't say a word during their stay about any of the aforementioned comments, as we would have immediately responded to any or all of their needs and they would then have truly enjoyed their stay. Dinner and the package offered and NOT our least expensive menu items. Rack of lamb, filet of the finest beef, Halibut etc and all of the entree's include the starch and vegetables. Meaning nothing is al a carte! In closing: Communication is Key in all situations!

- Judith Stanley (innkeeper)

I have worked in two bed and breakfasts and stayed in several, so I know what I'm talking about when I say this place was amazing. Every staff member I had contact with, from the front desk to the bartender to the lady playing piano was friendly and welcoming. The rooms were gorgeous and the breakfast delicious. I highly recommend staying here and I will definitely do it again soon.