Market Leaders
Bar Harbor
Mount Desert
Northeast Harbor
Southwest Harbor
4
& Above
3
& Above
2
& Above
4
& Above
3
& Above
2
& Above
4
& Above
3
& Above
2
& Above
4
& Above
3
& Above
2
& Above
Need help choosing? Schedule a free 15-minute call with a Comparent expert to find the best vacation rental managers for you.
Talk to an ExpertCreate a homeowner account
A Comparent account will let you:
Need help choosing?
Schedule a free 15-minute call with a Comparent expert to find the best vacation rental managers for you.
Talk To An AdvisorBar Harbor, Maine is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming coastal atmosphere. As a result, the short-term rental market in Bar Harbor is highly competitive, with vacation homeowners and investors seeking to capitalize on the influx of visitors to the area.
The peak season for vacation rentals in Bar Harbor typically runs from June through August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and visitors flock to the region to enjoy activities like hiking in Acadia National Park, whale watching, and exploring the quaint downtown area. The fall months of September and October are also popular, as tourists come to witness the area's spectacular foliage. During the winter and spring months, demand for vacation rentals tends to be lower, as fewer visitors travel to the region.
According to data from VRBO and Airbnb, the average daily rate for vacation rentals in Bar Harbor ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the size, location, and amenities of the property. Occupancy rates can vary significantly, with some properties achieving occupancy rates of 80% or higher during the peak season, while others may struggle to maintain consistent bookings.
One of the key factors that can impact the performance of a vacation rental in Bar Harbor is its proximity to popular attractions and amenities. Properties located within walking distance of Acadia National Park, the downtown area, or the waterfront tend to command higher nightly rates and enjoy higher occupancy rates. Vacation rentals with unique features, such as waterfront views, hot tubs, or outdoor living spaces, also tend to perform well in the market.
(Refer to the Market Overview section for more detailed information on the performance benchmarks for vacation rentals in Bar Harbor.)
The Bar Harbor vacation rental market is highly competitive, with a wide range of property management companies and individual owners vying for a share of the market. Some of the key players in the market include:
Salt Air Properties: A locally owned and operated property management company serving the Downeast Maine region, including Bar Harbor. Salt Air Properties offers a full range of vacation rental management services, including marketing, booking management, guest communication, and property maintenance.
Awning: A national vacation rental management company that provides services to property owners in Bar Harbor and throughout Maine. Awning offers a technology-driven approach to vacation rental management, with features like dynamic pricing, guest communication, and property maintenance.
Real Property Acadia: A property management company specializing in vacation rentals in the Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park region. Real Property Acadia offers a range of services, including marketing, booking management, and property maintenance.
In addition to these larger property management companies, there are also numerous individual owners and smaller management firms that operate in the Bar Harbor market. This level of competition can make it challenging for property owners to stand out and attract consistent bookings, particularly during the peak season.
To succeed in the Bar Harbor vacation rental market, property owners and managers need to focus on providing a high-quality guest experience, optimizing their pricing and marketing strategies, and leveraging the latest technology and tools to streamline their operations. By working with an experienced property management company, vacation rental owners can ensure that their properties are well-maintained, effectively marketed, and generating the maximum possible rental income.