The Primrose is a historic inn in Bar Harbor, Maine, originally constructed in 1878. It blends 19th-century stick style architecture with Gilded Age grandeur, offering classic cottage-style living updated for contemporary travelers. This property provides guests with a garden, terrace, and lounge area. Enjoy the convenience of air-conditioning and free parking during your stay. Daily housekeeping and concierge services are also available.
Should you book The Primrose?
Expect classic Maine cottage living within a historic inn, updated with modern amenities and services.
Best for
- Historic charm
- Central Bar Harbor location
- Comfortable rooms
- Free parking
Maybe not ideal for
- No on-site restaurant
Historic cottage charm
Built in 1878, this inn captures the essence of 19th-century stick style architecture and Gilded Age grandeur. Tastefully updated for contemporary travelers, it features custom furnishings and fine artwork.
Comfortable rooms
Rooms offer air-conditioning and garden views. Many rooms feature a relaxing spa tub and private en-suite baths, with amenities like luxurious linens and individual temperature controls.
Central Bar Harbor location
Located in downtown Bar Harbor, the inn is a 5-minute walk to The Abbe Museum and a 13-minute walk to Town Beach. Agamont Park is 1.6 km away, and Frenchman Bay is 2.4 km away.
On-site amenities
Guests can enjoy the property's garden and terrace. A lounge area is available, and complimentary American breakfast is prepared each morning. Homemade afternoon refreshments are also provided.
Rooms & rates
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
























Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Garden
- Cycling
- Free Wifi
- Express check-in/out
- Daily housekeeping
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Bath
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bath
Bedroom
- Linens
View
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Terrace
- Garden
Location
73 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States, Bar Harbor, Maine
The Primrose is located in Bar Harbor, Maine.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 0.1 mi; the nearest ferry pier, Cruise Ship Tender Terminal, is 0.4 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Holy Redeemer Catholic Churchplace of worship0.1 mi
- Saint Saviour's Episcopal Churchplace of worship0.2 mi
- Abbe Museummuseum0.3 mi
- Agamont Parkpark0.5 mi
- Beatrix Farrand Gardensgarden0.8 mi
Getting around
- Cruise Ship Tender Terminalferry pier0.4 mi
- Bar Harbor Ferry Terminalferry pier1.1 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
9.7 / 10 · Exceptional on Booking.com, from 193 guest reviews
The Primrose earns near-universal praise for its exceptional staff and outstanding breakfast, with guests repeatedly vowing to return. Minor practical niggles — a broken ice machine, a short breakfast window, and a small shared fridge — surface occasionally but are rarely deal-breakers, and staff are noted for going out of their way to resolve issues. Overall sentiment across these reviews is overwhelmingly enthusiastic, making complaints feel like footnotes rather than genuine concerns.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 30 · average 9.9
They wrote about: breakfast, staff, comfort
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
From 1:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
- Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
- Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Frequently asked questions
What is the category of The Primrose?
The Primrose is a hotel offering classic cottage-style living in a historic inn setting.
What type of breakfast is served?
An American breakfast is prepared each morning by talented chefs. Homemade afternoon refreshments are also provided.
Is parking available?
Yes, free on-site parking is available for guests.
Do rooms have air-conditioning?
Yes, all rooms are equipped with air-conditioning.
What are the check-in and check-out procedures?
The property offers private check-in and private check-out services.
What attractions are nearby?
The Primrose is within walking distance of The Abbe Museum, Town Beach, and Agamont Park. Acadia National Park is less than a mile away.
Do rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes, all rooms feature private bathrooms, complete with free toiletries, bathrobes, and hairdryers.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for guests.
What kind of views can I expect from the rooms?
Many rooms offer garden views. Some rooms also feature a private porch or balcony.