80%
This is the second time my sister and I have stayed in this hostel. It's bright, friendly, and VERY clean. It's beautifully maintained, albeit some slightly fussy rules keep it that way (i.e. no shoes in the house). The provided towels, linens, blankets, and bath mats (yes, you get your own clean bath mat every time you shower) are all clean. The location is great-- right in downtown Bar Harbor with two quirky movie theaters, shops, restaurants and the pier all within walking distance. Acadia National park (incredibly beautiful, by the way) is about 8 minutes away by car or you can pick up the free shuttle and get around that way. Bar Harbor is a safe, touristy little downtown which is perhaps why security is a little lax in the hostel. There is a midnight curfew and all doors are locked between 12:00a-8:00a. However there are no locked storage facilities in the hostel. We kept valuable things in our locked car or one of us stayed in the bunk while the other showered etc. It should be noted that we didn't ask about where to keep valuables, and just went with our own solution. Also there is a daytime lockout with all guests out of the hostel between 10:00a-5:00p. I imagine this is when most of the cleaning etc gets done because the place never seems to be anything but spotless. Finally, the men's bunk room is downstairs and the ladies stay upstairs so if you're a couple interested in snuggling...well, you may want to stay somewhere else. There is a family room available with bunk beds and a double, but I'm not sure how much extra it costs.
The staff member we met lives in the hostel and was friendly without being pushy, knowledgeable, and available to answer questions and make suggestions. She advised us on everything from hiking trails to where to go downtown and in general made our stay much more pleasant.
There were no planned activities while we were there (which suits us fine) but there was a nice sitting room with a VCR and DVD player and a few people gathered around to watch movies in the evening. The hostel also has the usual assortment of board games etc.
Overall, a nice place to stay and at $25/night, a price that can't be beat.
Lily, from USA ~ Jul 3 2006
86%
Nova , the woman who runs the Hostel , warmly welcomes all visitors, and is extremely helpful. SHe creates the lovely character and friendly atmosphere of a colorfully decorated and clean Hostel. She is wonderful!
donna, from USA ~ Jul 1 2006
100%
Go there! This is an excellent hostel, very familiar, clean, comfortable and the staff is ready to help you with anything. We love it!
Katerina, from Czech Republic ~ Oct 24 2005
100%
Thank you for being truly one of the best hostels that I have ever statyed. Everything was perfect. I felt as if I was staying in a small cottage. I am so very glad to have found your place. I especailly appreciated the on site laundry facility and Nora's helpfulness.
Should I ever re-visited Bar Harbor, I will for sure to come to the Hostel again.
Thank you and best wishes. Ellen
Ellen, from USA ~ Oct 21 2005
90%
Positive: Nice and clean!
Negative: People going in and out (and slamming doors) well past midnight.
Andrew, from USA ~ Oct 17 2005
94%
It's a little pitty that there is a curefew.
Michal, from Poland ~ Oct 17 2005
96%
Thank you sooooooo much! The hostel is great, and definitely cleaner than my own house has ever been. Nova was better than terrific, it's obvious that she really loves hosting so many interesting people and she creates a huge atmosphere of welcome. Worth $100 plus. Thanks again,
-David
David, from USA ~ Sep 26 2005
94%
the place was extremely clean. kitchen and laundry facilities came in handy. recommended place to stay in bar harbor if you don't mind sleeping in large dorms
Donna, from Australia ~ Sep 22 2005
100%
This is by far the best hostel I have ever stayed in in every respect. Guests are from all age groups, and the staff is fabulous. Highly recommended.
Anna, from USA ~ Aug 29 2005
80%
I thought it was a very nice hostel. Very clean and friendly. Nice price too. Location is good. It is a few blocks away from the central part of the town and in a very beautiful area. Couches would be a good touch but otherwise I was very happy. Thanks for a great vacation.
Connie, from South Africa ~ Aug 21 2005
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