We recently enjoyed a midsummer stay at the newly renovated Asticou Maine. The Asticou Hotel is the latest project for hotelier Tim Harrington of Atlantic Hospitality. We are quite the admirers of this collection of hotels in Maine, and The Asticou is another fabulous addition. Situated on the water in the Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island, The Asticou Hotel immediately wows with a blend of design that honors the timeless history of the island mixed with the modern luxury and refined tastes of the most discerning traveler. It’s the perfect place to stay on the island with its close location to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

This historic property originally built in 1883 that once welcomed wealthy “rusticators” transformed this part of Maine into a social playground. After generations welcoming guests summer after summer, The Asticou has been lovingly reimagined and restored for its next chapter of warm Maine hospitality.

The Asticou Hotel is now booking for the summer 2025 season offering waterfront cottages, refined rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant and bar, pool and cabana bar, spa, and partner experiences with its sister property, The Claremont, just a few miles away on the Southeast Harbor of the island.

Here’s all the details of our first stay at this stunning property. You can see my Bar Harbor & Acadia Maine Guide to help plan your visit to Mount Desert Island.

the interiors

Upon entering The Parlor of The Asticou, you realize immediately you are in a very special place. The warm earth tones are the perfect welcome to your time on the Maine coast. A nod to the pines, rocky shores, and colors of Acadia National Park. The setting is warm and inviting with candles and soft music playing. The Parlor is where you check-in, and has two fireplaces and plenty of seating. It will be so lovely to enjoy in the cooler months too.

rooms & suites

We stayed in a king suite with a water view in the main inn. I loved the interiors, the bedding was sumptuous, and every amenity we could think of was at our fingertips. The king suites have marble bathrooms, a wet bar, Nespresso machines, a refrigerator, plush towels and robes, a clothing steamer, and luxury bath products.

the restaurant and bar

We loved our evenings at The Asticou, and the ritual of cocktails in The Moss Bar before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Dahlia’s. Dahlia’s serves a seasonal menu and is open to guests and visitors. I’d suggest making a reservation ahead of time to ensure a table. My husband and son loved the filet mignon and I enjoyed the scallops.

the grounds & pool

Every morning of our stay we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace. The view was just stunning, and Dahlia’s offers a full breakfast menu. We loved the frittata with a side of fresh lobster, the French toast, and the salmon eggs Benedict. At some point, I think we sampled everything on the menu, and it was all delicious.

The pool and Cabana Bar overlook the harbor. There is a hot tub and plenty of loungers to sunbathe or relax under an umbrella with a book. The Cabana Bar offers more casual fare for lunch and dinner.

We absolutely loved our stay at The Asticou Hotel. Everything from the interiors to the dining were so well done. This is a must visit when you are traveling up the coast of Maine to enjoy all Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia have to offer. We are looking forward to returning to this relaxing retreat to enjoy the spa and cottages.

For reservations and inquiries visit The Asticou Hotel.

Many thanks to The Asticou Hotel for the warm welcome and wonderful stay. All photography and opinions are mine.