Anywhere on Mount Desert Island would be fine, distance-wise.

~Liz

For what you're describing, you might check the Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency. It's a short drive to town, as well as Acadia National Park. We didn't stay there, but we ate dinner at the onsite restaurant Stewman's Lobster Pound which was very good. We thought it looked like a nice place to stay, well landscaped and with an active lobby and pool. http://www.barharborregency.com/

travelerfromtx, I was a little suprised when you mentioned the Holiday Inn because it showed up in my initial search, but I rejected it because the tripadvisor revies were pretty bad, saying the location is great ,but the staff are horrible and the rooms are worn out and dirty, Maybe the public areas have been better maintained than the rooms?

When I saw the link you posted, I was sure this must be a different place because it looks great and it doesn't say Holiday Inn anywhere! But when you click through and get to the reservation link, it is the same. Too bad, it did seem like a good choice. Thanks.

You might try Ellsworth as an alternative if you don't mind a slightly longer drive. Lots of motels as you describe and you can still do all the Acadia/Mount Desert stuff during the day.

Ellsworth is a small Maine town with lots going on, picturesque, excellent restaurants, great vibe and good shopping without the prices of Bar Harbour.