Asticou Inn

Thank God that the new owners of this hotel have saved this historic building with so many of these Victorian hotels have been bulldozed into rubble. They deserve a huge huge thank you from everyone interested in historic preservation. We unfortunately went the first week they were opened and they probably should’ve waited our room with a terrace was unavailable so we had another room which was lovely Bright and had a great view of the harbor. The staff was charming. The new layout of the main floor is a bit awkward. I know the owners are hotel professionals and very well respected on the island, but the food was absolutely awful. They have forgo the traditions of the hotel by eliminating popovers and the lobster stew from the menu And what they’ve replaced it with is less than adequate. A lot of multigenerational Northeast Harbor residence are very disappointed with the food and main floor layout. I’m sure everything will get much much better over time. It is wonderful that they have saved this building and we all should turn out to support them even if they haven’t got it 100% right yet. They need to get some good Internet and obviously they need to finish the hotel And they need to get the food right but God bless them for doing God’s work and saving this historic building.

This hotel is in a lovely location and has so much potential, however this year, it just seemed seedy and sad, understaffed and neglected. At the price we paid per night, we expected the experience we had the first time we visited at the same time of year. The prices had gone up, the service, quality and appearance down. Hopefully the upcoming renovation will restore the grandeur of the property, but I will think twice before staying again depending on future pricing.

The property is an amazing location on the East Harbor, close to Acadia and Bar Harbor. Great potential as a big old lodge. Very comfortable beds but generally uncomfortable rooms and bathrooms. Needs some “heart”. And definitely needs an emergency generator for at least the water pump and the kitchen for times like the one we just experienced after a bad storm. Generally no prep for safety or comfort of guests.