Reviews for Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor, ME
Exceptional. Exquisite. Excellent. This is a hidden treasure in Bar Harbor, we're so glad our host told us about this place! The... view was remarkable, the food was delicious, the front desk was super friendly and the ambience was elegant. We had the MapleCrusted Salmon, the Tomato bisque and the popovers. It was a party in our mouths. We were sharing and the server actually hadthe fish plated individually for us, which we thought was a special touch. The flavors of the Salmon were so unique, andwonderful. The popovers were THE BEST (much better than Jordan pond) and served with fresh blueberry and strawberry jam. Werecommend this place if you are in the area, everything was so delicious and the service was amazing. Read more
This little place has so much potential but just falls short. First, it has a great view, but the view is for restaurant goers... and not guests. There's nowhere to relax as a guest and enjoy the view unless you're in the restaurant. So much for relaxing andreading a book while looking out at the harbor. Second, the rooms are cute and old, which is as advertised. However, the singlefloor fan provided for two rooms was inadequate to provide sufficient cooling. We had to leave the windows open at night, whichthen meant the noise from restaurant goers heading to their cars, along with the loud fan itself, disrupted our sleep until lateat night. Worst sleep of the trip! I'd come back for the food but not the rooms. As a side note, there was also very limitedplugs for phone charging. We either had to unplug things or move the bed to find one not in use. Recommend adding a power stripfor guest use. Read more
We ate lunch, with reservations of course, on the deck. Beautiful setting with views of the water and overlooking the grounds of... the Inn. Our lunch was relaxed and leisurely and our Server was attentive. The lobster stew and popovers were served at theproper temperature and both servings were delicious. Our table also had a dessert popover, consisting of a warm popover servedwith vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, it was a meal in itself! Read more
Enjoy a very spacious historical building overlooking a harbor with a variety of settings for dining. We sat on the back porch... and as it started to get cold and foggy they immediately brought a heater over and closed the wind shades without us asking.Excellent service and cuisine. This was the first time I tried a popover and wow, it’s a must. I believe this is the sight ofthe original popover. Regardless, an order of popovers with blueberry jam or whatever may be seasonal to go with it is a must.Expect a wonderful meal and carefully designed cocktails in a country club like setting with character and a little grass fieldfor kids to run around on below deck. Read more
My review is for the restaurant only, the hotel itself is very charming. I booked a reservation for 15 people for a birthday... lunch months prior to the reservation date. On two occasions I called and confirmed the party size as well as confirming thereservation was for outdoor dining. I have done this 5 years in a row, never a problem with sitting a party that size outside.The only draw to this restaurant is the view because the food isn't worth the price they charge. When I arrived for myreservation we was ushered into the dining room instead of the deck and when I made a comment about sitting outside the hostlooked for his manager. She said "unfortunately we won't be able to seat you outside because we have a large party on the deck,we only have inside available" I made her aware that these reservations had been booked months in advance and I was assured Iwould get outside seating. She replied "well I don't know who you talked to but it's not available" I asked if we could breakthe party up and she replied "no those tables are all reserved" funny, I remember having a reservation for outside. I was sodisappointed because this is something that this group looks forward to every year and no accommodation, or sincere apology wasmade. The only thing that made up for this was our server, I wish I remembered her name because she was such a joy and pleasantto deal with unlike the manager/supervisor on. Needless to say, birthday tradition ended this year. Read more
The charm and history of the inn is amazing. The service, amenities (lack of) and lack of skilled management is disappointing to... say the least. We booked a week stay months in advance. When we first arrived, all seemed well. Wake up the first morningexpecting to be able to get a cup of coffee and that was not happening. Who has ever heard of an inn that doesn't have coffeeavailable first thing in the morning? Speak to the front desk and ask if it's possible to have coffee available the nextmorning. Was assured it wouldn't be a problem. It was. Second morning had to wait to get coffee once the continental breakfastwas available. Then the wedding party on the weekend. Whooping, hollering, drunks stumbling about the parking lot. It was"interesting". Then the day the hotel loses water. Everyone had to be moved to other accommodations. Mind you we paid for aharbor view room. We're moved to a cottage next to the hotel. Shared it with loud, obnoxiously stomping neighbors. You couldliterally hear people having just casual conversation in the room next door. This cottage room is half the size of the suite wehad. So, the water is restored to the hotel, but we're never offered our original room back. Extremely poor management. I cannotbelieve Asticou charges world class prices, but provides back alley accommodations. The owners should rethink their managementhires. Read more
If you are looking for a stay in an authentic Victorian Inn, the Asticou ticks all the boxes. All too often hotels feel... compelled to "update" the charm out of a historic property. Personally, I love the old wooden floors that creak a bit and thefact that every room is a little different from the next. So what if you can hear other guests down the hall? Keep the thinwooden walls.... be open to experience the life our ancestors lived! We loved room 101. Spectacular view of the water both fromyour balcony, the queen bed and from the little window in the shower. It also has a desk with cell charger plug-ins in the lamp.The wifi was strong throughout the Inn. Lastly, the staff were exceptional. From the moment we arrived till the final wavegoodbye. Like so many places, they are understaffed. But that didn't stop one person from being utterly professional andgenuinely welcoming to us as guests. We look forward to when we can visit again. Read more
During our trip to Maine this was the one place we kind of splurged on and were looking forward to the most with its rich... history and reputation. We booked two nights originally. Upon arrival, the inn seemed pretty, historical, and had a great view.Everything went south when we stepped into our room. Floors were absolutely disgusting, it had definitely not been vacuumedsince the previous guests. I didn’t notice until I took a shower and walked around barefoot afterwards. My feet were coveredin dust, hair, and crumbs, yet we took our shoes off at the door. I took a picture of my dirty foot but decided not to post thathere (you’re welcome). I’ll be honest, I’m a dude and really could care less about how a room is decorated but this onewas definitely not in the advertised pictures online. White walls and ceilings (same color), one picture on the wall, and ametal bed frame without a bed skirt. Minor to me, but my wife pointed that out and it was embarrassing how little effort was putinto the room. The staff was understanding and allowed us to cancel the next night and give us a refund on the following night,which we were grateful for. I would definitely not return or recommend. Our next night at a different Inn was the same priceessentially and unbelievably better in every way. This may be jumping to conclusions but I feel like current management of theAsticou Inn is likely profiting off its reputation while compromising quality and comfort in several aspects, which is sad. Read more