Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Ellsworth / Bar Harbor

This hotel is a popular choice for its spacious suite rooms and well-equipped kitchenettes, making it an ideal base for families, extended-stay guests, and road trippers exploring the Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor area. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable accommodations and the generally friendly staff. While the property is undergoing significant ongoing renovations, the updated rooms are often praised. For those planning a visit, it is advisable to inquire about the current status of the pool and be prepared for the absence of an elevator if assigned an upper-floor room, as stairs are the only access.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities, though some are affected by the ongoing renovations. Many guests appreciate the convenience of the in-room kitchenettes, which typically include a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave, making meal preparation easy. A large indoor pool is available, though reviews indicate it is sometimes closed for maintenance or the season, and some guests noted it could be cleaner or colder than expected. A fitness center is on-site, though some find it outdated. Free Wi-Fi is provided, with varying reports on its speed and reliability. Other conveniences include a coin laundry, a business center, a BBQ stand in the backyard, and readily available ice machines and vending machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is generally positive, with many praising the newly renovated and modern decor of the rooms. The spacious rooms and comfortable beds contribute to a pleasant stay, and the kitchenette is a highly valued feature. Water pressure in the bathroom is typically good. However, some guests reported specific cleanliness issues, including blood spots on bedding, chips on the floor, or an unpleasant odor in the bathroom. Recurring concerns include ceiling cracks in some rooms, thin walls leading to noise from neighbors or hallways, soft beds lacking support, and issues with loud HVAC units or difficulty regulating room temperature.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives mixed reviews, often described as basic or continental. While it includes options like waffles, pastries, fruits, frozen breakfast items (such as sandwiches and burritos), cereal, yogurt, and coffee, some guests expressed a desire for more hot food choices. The scones and cookies offered in the lobby are frequently mentioned as positive highlights. Despite some wishing for greater variety, the breakfast is generally considered sufficient to start the day, and staff are often commended for keeping the area stocked and clean.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for guests. It is situated near a large grocery store (Hannaford), various shopping areas, and restaurants, with a Walmart also nearby. Its proximity makes it an excellent base for visiting Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, typically a 30-minute drive away. Free parking is available on-site. A significant point of feedback regarding accessibility is the complete absence of an elevator, meaning guests staying on upper floors must use stairs to access their rooms, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, with many guests highlighting their courteous and efficient check-in process. Reviewers often commend the staff for being accommodating, particularly towards families and children, sometimes going "above and beyond" to assist guests. However, there were isolated instances of negative experiences, such as a rude night staff member or housekeeping entering a room without knocking. Despite these few exceptions, the overall sentiment is that the staff provides attentive and positive service, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing ongoing renovations, which can impact the exterior appearance, parking lot conditions, and some public areas, though the rooms themselves are largely updated. Guests should be aware of this before booking, as some felt it was not adequately disclosed. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for many travelers. Some guests noted an unusual tipping policy with QR codes for housekeepers. There were also recurring mentions of hallway odors and occasional unpleasant smells outside the property, which some attributed to the surrounding commercial area. Additionally, a few guests raised security concerns regarding certain exterior doors that could be opened from the inside but not re-entered without a key, posing a potential lockout risk.