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October 2023 by Elise Masters
Our stay in the Spindrift Suite was an absolute DREAM that I never wanted to wake up from! The view from the bed was straight out of a painting, and the private balcony was magnificent for stargazing with a glass of wine. Southwest Harbor is a hidden gem that is convenient to all attractions in Acadia/Bar Harbor, but much quieter and less touristy. Room was clean and comfortable, and service was extremely kind and welcoming. This place truly felt like home. My only complaint is that I wish I could stay longer! I will definitely be back.
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October 2023 by Lexa Sommers
This is a very quaint and eclectic inn with lots of antiques and fun things to look at in the parlor as well as fun decor in the rooms. The room was clean. The sheets were blue which made me wonder if they were able to be bleached between guests or not. Our view from the Friendship room was absolutely stunning and the grounds had lots of waterfront seating for watching the sunrise as well as a little dock/pier you could walk out on. It is listed as being a few minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park, which is kind of deceiving as it's not near the entrance most people are looking for. To check out Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, or a majority of the popular trails at Acadia it's actually a 35 minute drive, however it's only 10 minutes from Bass Head Lighthouse. If we had known this we would have found somewhere closer to Bar Harbor to stay. The staff recommended a restaurant just a few blocks away called Peter Trouts, however they have a very small menu so I'd recommend Upper Deck. Lastly they said they have donuts for breakfast, but be aware they are prepackaged individual donuts which weren't appetizing.Nearby activities: Bass Head Lighthouse is the only nearby activity.Food & drinks: Plan to get breakfast elsewhere. Avoid Peter Trouts for dinner and instead go just a few minutes further to the Upper Deck.
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September 2023 by Sara Li
This place was incredible! It truly felt like a home away from home. The joint living rooms and the backyard by the water were such nice places to just enjoy some coffee (which they provide every morning!) or hang out and relax after a day of hiking. I’ve never stayed at a place before where I just enjoyed sitting in the common spaces and saying hello to the lovely folks that keep this place running. Nancy was such a lovely host, and I miss her and Lola already.We stayed in the Osprey which was a lovely suite with tons of space. Even without AC and 80 degree days, it got very nice and cool in the evenings and I had no trouble sleeping. I also want to add that this was probably the cleanest hotel/inn I’ve ever stayed at! Just all around loved my stay here and am excited to come back.Also, as they say on their website, they do have wifi but it’s rather slow, so don’t plan for anything more than sending emails if needed.Southwest harbor was an amazing place to stay while visiting MDI, and I can’t wait to come back!
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September 2023 by Chris Avery Bennet
What a dream location! AND DOG FRIENDLY!!! (HUGE PLUS) Stayed in Pilot house (SRONGLY RECOMMEND) the bathroom was in need of repair and the beds (specifically the twin) could afford to be upgraded in quality but everything else was absolutely spectacular. The lot next door is a little noisy but it's fun to watch the ships and yachts be lifted in and out of the water. The views are beyond breathtaking and someone even saw a seal from the firepit. HIGHLY RECOMMENDNoteworthy details: The view is a multi million dollar harbor and mountain view that takes your breath away every time
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September 2023 by Brittany Herrmann
I want to go back! Moorings Inn is the perfect spot to sit back with a glass of wine and look. I don’t know when the last time I just sat and enjoyed my surroundings. The views from their backyard… breathtaking. Southwest Harbor is the place to be if you want a quiet, quaint place to enjoy your travels. We stayed 2 nights to explore our surroundings. It was a close and easy ride to Acadia National Park and local foods (MDI Lobster ?)Nancy our inn keeper on duty! You’re kind and the most helpful soul out there!! Thank you! Tell Lola I said hi. I miss our morning coffee greetings. I will be back!Rooms: Perfect and cleanNearby activities: Acadia National Park… Bar HarborSafety: Never felt unsafeFood & drinks: Quick travels to food and drinks
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August 2023 by Ronald MacDonald
Absolutely excellent. We have had a wonderful week and will be back as soon as we can.
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August 2023 by Walter Krupka
Had a wonderful and restful vacation. A warm thank you to Nancy who made us feel truly welcomed. This is our 5th summer vacation we’ve stayed at the Moorings Inn.
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August 2023 by Jenna Folchert
An absolutely gorgeous location with clean, well decorated rooms. Nancy was the most welcoming and the entire atmosphere was relaxing and a picturesque version of Maine.
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August 2023 by Doug Robinson
My favorite place to stay in MaineRooms: I recommend the cabins
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July 2023 by Abbey McLaughlin
This place is straight out of my dreams. I want this place to prosper but also to stay my quiet little Eden forever. I'll be back every year if I don't just up and move to MDI :)I love a place with unique character, history, and design—and it over-delivered. Everything felt so one-of-a-kind and coordinated, like I was living in a maritime art gallery (which is a huge passion of mine and my friend's!).I love a place with personable, "real," and kind staff—and they over-delivered (love u Scarlett, Nancy, and Leslie!!). Wish I'd had a longer stay to just hang out with them!I love a place with privacy and views where just being there is a vacation—and their little pocket in Southwest Harbor over-delivered. Even on rainy days, it's incredible (and it's Maine, so plan on rain).I love a room that's clean and accommodating—and this place met all my expectations. They were very upfront that a historic inn would not have some of the modern luxuries like A/C or strong wi-fi, and neither of those were an issue anyway! There were fans in the room, windows that opened, and the wi-fi did fine for the most part and the common area had strong internet if needed.This inn was about 8 minutes from the Southwest Harbor bakeries and shops, 12 minutes from the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, which was perfect! There were beautiful little vistas nearby too!I'm also amazed that I could afford to stay here. Their prices were so manageable for my budget and for an AMAZING place no matter what room. My friend and I stayed in the Dauntless Suite.If I HAD to have a "complaint," I'd perhaps say they could communicate more on their website about what they offer. I bought paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. but they actually have those and wine glasses available in a little kitchenette! I also didn't know if they had laundry on-site. When I made the reservation, it was a little antiquated in terms of confirmation and receipts. They're super responsive to questions in email or call, though!I don't know that this would be a good stay for little kiddos because there are lots of antiques and fragile aspects of the common areas and in our room, and TV/internet are not up to what they're probably used to, but it'd be hard not to enjoy this paradise.Rooms: PASTED FROM FULL REVIEW: I love a room that's clean and accommodating—and this place met all my expectations. They were very upfront that a historic inn would not have some of the modern luxuries like A/C or strong wi-fi, and neither of those were an issue anyway! There were fans in the room, windows that opened, and the wi-fi did fine for the most part and the common area had strong internet if needed.Nearby activities: PASTED FROM FULL REVIEW: This inn was about 8 minutes from the Southwest Harbor bakeries and shops, 12 minutes from the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and 30 minutes from Bar Harbor, which was perfect! There were beautiful little vistas nearby too!Noteworthy details: PASTED FROM FULL REVIEW: If I HAD to have a "complaint," I'd perhaps say they could communicate more on their website about what they offer. I bought paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. but they actually have those and wine glasses available in a little kitchenette! I also didn't know if they had laundry on-site. When I made the reservation, it was a little antiquated in terms of confirmation and receipts. They're super responsive to questions in email or call, though!I don't know that this would be a good stay for little kiddos because there are lots of antiques and fragile aspects of the common areas and in our room, and TV/internet are not up to what they're probably used to, but it'd be hard not to enjoy this paradise.
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July 2023 by Jessica Child
I was looking for accommodations in the area when I saw the review about this place and spirits. I had to know more!What I found was all these pictures of somewhere I really, really wanted to stay. I found availability if I room hopped over my week stay, so I wound up getting to see all 3 wings, though no cottages.There aren't any pools, dry cleaning service, food room service, or fuzzy robes here. If that's where you are in your travel planning, that's something to consider.Noise does carry, but I have definitely experienced worse even in nice hotels. But they do expect everyone to try to be hush hush after 9, which is actually a huge bonus. I experienced no rambunctious people running through the halls screaming at 2 AM.On that note, here are some things I noticed The Moorings Inn has:It feels SAFE here. I was traveling alone as a short woman. I only ever felt comfortable everywhere I went in Maine, and when I came back to the Inn at night, it actually felt "home" levels of safe. The staff are happy to hear where you're going, give you any tips they know of, and they know who you are and where you're staying. It's "I might've left my room unlocked, I'm two hours away, and I just couldn't care less" safe.ANTIQUES. If you love antiques, seriously consider this place. The main building is OLD, and all the rooms I stayed in had their own unique decor. The oldest wing was well decorated with all sorts of beautiful antiques. It was cozy in the most sincere sense. I hated leaving.People in Maine are so friendly that it'll have you making conversation with ALL the strangers. I have never used a hotel/inn lobby except for necessity, so when they said to visit the lobby when you need reliable internet, I didn't expect to. But the lobby is comfortable, with beautiful views, and there's almost always fun conversation happening in this place. I wound up relaxing in it every day. And it seemed like pretty much every one who stays here is kind and friendly.The actual people working the inn are AMAZING. They really care about if you're having a good stay, and it shows in everything. They start making free coffee at 6AM and keep it going until the guests are done, so you're caffeinated wherever and whenever your adventures take you. And while there is great coffee in the area, ready coffee you walked across the house for while you watch the ocean is a legitimately luxury experience.I, personally, loved that room cleaning erred toward opt-in with the door card, and they respected DND.There's common fridges and firepits and outdoor seating galore, if you've worn yourself out wandering on the beach and you're ready to watch the ships roll across the ocean.And I think the main attraction here: THE OCEAN. It felt like a treat hitting a few foggy days and getting to see the ships going through the fog. This is a real harbor area, and there's something soothing about watching ships start at dawn and work all day. And in the ocean facing rooms, you really do wake up to unadulterated views of the ocean, this isn't over promised at all.And you will be waking up cause you SLEPT. I recently stayed in an outdated inn and couldn't sleep because of how awfully uncomfortable everything was. I was expecting that based on all the outdated comments, but NOPE. I was VERY comfortable. I would crawl into bed and once I was out, I was OUT.But do keep in mind that there are rooms like the one right over the office that can hear talking pretty clearly as people start moving in the morning. I didn't mind because I couldn't stop falling asleep at 8 PM, so I was already up. But if that type of thing concerns you, reach out and find out what they recommend for your preferences, cause they do want you to have a good stay and every room is different.Also, the wild seagulls were lovely company while I was outside. Not pushy at all.So, at the end of it, I'd say that I don't think this inn has spirits. But if it does, they're
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July 2023 by VietCitron T.
This charming little Inn is the most peaceful hideaway. Very reasonably priced and super dog friendly. Amazing Southwest Harbor view with boating dock, beach bond fire, grill, and viewing balcony. You won't need AC with the cool breeze, actually a bit cold at night in the middle of July. The room is spotlessly clean. The amenities are a bit older. A few minor things that need to be addressed are the broken arm of the patio chair, cracked wood wall, and the bathroom sink doesn't drain well. Other than that, this place is amazing and we'll come back and recomend it to friends and families. P.S. Bonus to the front row seat to the Harbor's 4th of July firework! The sunset and sunrise views are magical here.
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June 2023 by virginia rankins
Lovely people, lovely room, exquisite setting and Southwest Harbour is a beautifully quiet setting vs the chaos of Bar Harbour. A complete joy. We will be back.
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April 2023 by Nancy Floyd
My experience, long ago, was the most beautiful time of my life. My father flew us up in a Cessna 310. We arrived at the Moorings Inn in the afternoon of July 23, 1970. My brother and I were on an adventure with Daddy. Our room was facing the water, on the second floor. We had two rooms, a suite, with twin beds for my father and brother and I had a single bed in the adjoining bathroom. I loved it, we all did. The cool evening air was so fresh and salty, the Bear Island Lighthouse beamed softly thru the fog…every 15 seconds. We had dinner there and I had fresh swordfish for the first time. Dinner was wonderful and we were so happy to be with Daddy. The decor fit our love of history and the nautical life.The Hinkley operation, next door promised sailing opportunities and the fellow guests introduced us to new friendships. Over the next few days, we sailed the harbors, visited Great and Little Cranberry Isles and Islesford. We flew our new friends up the coast and over Campobello Island, just over the Canadian Border, and to Moncton, New Brunswick. We had huge lobsters for lunch and watched the tidal bore. The next day we rode horseback in Seal Cove and had breakfast of oatmeal with butter and cream. We walked along the shore, picked wild blueberries and met a family who were related to our father’s grandmother. Each evening, we slept soundly, counting the pass of each beam from Bear Island, I never made it past five rotations…and we fell in love with the Moorings Inn. Flying home, Daddy promised that we would return again someday. I still dream of it. We loved him beyond words.He was killed in a car accident two days after we returned to South Carolina.Yet, whenever I close my eyes, I see him sitting on his bed in the room at the Moorings Inn, striding ahead of me along the shore, remarking on the history, the courtesy of the staff and interesting guests that we met. Some day, I will return.
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March 2023 by Chelsea Quinn
If your sensitive to spirits & energies then I wouldn't recommend this inn. If you arnt then go ahead, it's a good deal since your close to Acadia, great view on the harbor. A little history about this place is online, it has sooo much history it definitely feels dark and sad in the room we were in. Unfortunately we got put in a room above the garage where they work on boats so early in the AM our alarm hadn't even gone off, they woke us up. The room was so outdated the fridge/stove combo from the 70s had a piercing non stop sound, so as I said with me feeling awful in the room like others had stated feeling anxious. I would not be returning ever again. There is other options where you can actually feel comfortable like inns are meant to do.
