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3-star hotel Check-out 10:00

The Sanctuary Inn

The Sanctuary Inn offers homey rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and parking. Located near Woodlawn Museum and Downeast Scenic Railroad in Ellsworth, ME.

33 Birch Ave, Ellsworth, ME 04605 View on map
8.2/10
Very Good Based on 83 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort in a homey setting

Visitors appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and welcoming service, though the inn's older building and simple style may not suit those seeking luxury. Its location is convenient for exploring Acadia without premium prices.

Guests often praise

  • Clean, spacious rooms with comfortable beds and modern bathrooms
  • Friendly, attentive, and personable owners and staff engaging warmly with guests
  • Quiet, homey atmosphere enhanced by unique artwork and common areas
  • Good value for the price, especially considering proximity to Acadia National Park
  • Simple but satisfying breakfast options and reliable amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking

Worth knowing

  • The inn is a converted older building, originally a nursing home, with modest curb appeal
  • No on-site restaurant or fitness center; dining room is limited to breakfast
  • The shower may take some time to warm up, but has good water pressure when ready
  • Location is about 20 miles from Acadia Park entrance, requiring a drive for main attractions
  • The property suits those who prefer a quieter, low-key experience over luxury accommodations

Best for

  • Travelers seeking affordable, clean lodging near Acadia on a budget
  • Visitors who value friendly personal service and a home-like environment
  • Guests wanting quiet nights and a peaceful neighborhood setting
  • Families and groups who appreciate kid-friendly, accessible accommodations with kitchenettes
  • Those looking for a straightforward place to rest and explore nearby museums and parks
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About this property

Welcome to The Sanctuary Inn

Situated on a quiet, leafy street in Ellsworth, The Sanctuary Inn offers a low-key, homey atmosphere typical of a small bed-and-breakfast. The property features simple, clean rooms, some equipped with kitchenettes, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking comfort without unnecessary frills. Guests appreciate the spacious bathrooms and air-conditioned rooms, along with common areas furnished with games, seating, and dining options.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and accessibility features, though there is no on-site restaurant, pool, or fitness center. The inn maintains a smoke-free environment and welcomes families, offering a relaxed setting suitable for those who prioritize quiet and convenience. Guest reviews frequently mention the friendly and personable staff, especially the owner, who contributes to the property’s welcoming vibe.

Located about a mile from the Woodlawn Museum and close to train rides on the Downeast Scenic Railroad, this inn appeals to visitors interested in local history and outdoor activities. It also serves as a budget-friendly base for day trips to Acadia National Park, despite being roughly 20 miles away. Nearby options for dining and additional accommodations are available within a short drive.

While some guests note that the building’s origins as a nursing home influence its appearance and layout, most find the rooms comfortable and well-maintained. The property offers good value and practical amenities, making it suited for travelers looking for a straightforward, quiet place to stay rather than luxury accommodations.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

LK
Larry Kollenberg Mar 24, 2026
10

Checking in and out simple. Very clean. Breakfast too many carbs, great coffee! Room clean, bed comfortable. Barb, the owner and artist is very sweet lady who works too hard!! Can't beat the price, 20 miles to Acadia is the biggest drawback when it's dark outside.

LB
Levi B Feb 23, 2026
8.0

Another post said it perfectly, “charming in its’ own way”. The property is converted from a nursing home; that takes some getting used to. The curb appeal might not be too inviting, but the manager on site certainly is. I slept really good all 3 nights of my stay, and loved conversing with the 1 staff member. Good value to come back to after a day at Acadia!

BL
Bu Lu Feb 07, 2026
10

I was on my way to Arcadia National park and stayed here for a night. Love this sweet and comfortable inn! Everything is very clean and Barb is such a nice and sweet lady makes me feel safe living there. In a quiet neighborhood so a very good place to take a rest after a long drive. Highly recommend!

EMG
Ellen M. Goldsmith Jan 23, 2026
8.0

Stayed one night with my wife. Room 204 -- Queen bed, A/C, separate toilet and shower. Shower was fantastic. Bed very good. There's an elevator to get to 2nd floor. Simple nice breakfast from 7 - 9am. We were exhausted from the drive and went to bed at 8 pm - very quiet.

HP1
Human person 1230 alien Jan 21, 2026
10

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you're in its very different. It's an older building transformed. The rooms aware very spacious, new bathroom and shower appliances, comfortable large clean beds. Three agree are beautiful paintings throughout that I was told the owners wife did. A common area on each floor with games, seating, dining areas, and cooking appliances. The price is the best I've seen. The owner had great people skills and is very nice. A good place to be for whatever your reason.

BK
Bonita Kiser Jan 13, 2026
10

The little B&B was charming in its own way. The owner and staff were super friendly and the continental plus breakfast was good. I say plus because it offered more options than breads/muffins and drinks. The room was clean. It took a bit for the shower to warm up but it did get hot and had good pressure. It's not a modern fancy place so if you are looking for luxury, this isn't the place. BUT if you are looking for comfort, cleanliness, and super customer service this is the place to come. It's located not too far from Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park.

SM
Sarah M. Jan 11, 2026
10

The staff is amazing ! So close to Acadia without having to pay the Acadia prices. The rooms where perfect for what we needed. A place to sleep and a shower. The atmosphere is delightful with the owners paintings and also from the awesome woman that checked us in (I forget her name. I think Courtney). Great place !! Will be back!

EV
Ethan Vose Dec 27, 2025
10

Loved the bed and breakfast. The owners were super nice, gave good information and talked to us like normal people not just a customer. The rooms were great with and well kept. The bathrooms were spacious with great products not just small hotel sized ones.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Sanctuary Inn

Ellsworth, Maine

On a leafy residential street, this homey family-owned bed-and-breakfast is 1 mile from local history at the Woodlawn Museum. It's less than 1 mile from both the US-1 and train rides at the Downeast Scenic Railroad.

  • Ellsworth 13 min Walk
  • Ellsworth 7 min Walk
  • Bangor International Airport 42 min Car · 1 hr 3 Transit
  • Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport 16 min Car
  • Knox County Regional Airport 1 hr 36 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Maine. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

The Black House Museum at Woodlawn 129 reviews

The Black House Museum at Woodlawn

19 Black House Dr, Ellsworth, ME 04605, United States

4.6 · Heritage Museum
Downeast Scenic Railroad 446 reviews

Downeast Scenic Railroad

8 Railroad Siding Rd, Hancock, ME 04640, United States

4.3 · Tourist Attraction
Lamoine State Park 486 reviews

Lamoine State Park

23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, United States

4.6 · State Park
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