Northeast Harbor, ME The Asticou, an iconic Maine hotel dating back to 1884, will reopen its doors to guests in June following a year-long $28 million renovation. Under the leadership of Maine-based hotelier and entrepreneur Tim Harrington, the celebrated property on Mount Desert Island will debut a fresh new look and feel, while preserving the original structure and paying homage to its historic roots. Upon reopening, The Asticou will unveil a total of 82 rooms, including 50 renovated guest rooms and suites inside the original inn, as well as the addition of 15 harborside cottages and 17 harbor-view spa suites with terraces.

“We’re thrilled to bring The Asticou into a new chapter while honoring the rich history and heritage that has made it such a beloved landmark in Maine,” said Harrington, chairman of Atlantic Hospitality. “This renovation is not just about enhancing the guest experience; it’s about preserving the essence of what has made The Asticou special for over a century. We’ve blended timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating a space where guests can experience the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island in a setting that feels both grand and intimate. We can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests to this extraordinary destination.”

 Built in 1884 and reconstructed in 1901, The Asticou is a historic landmark that has captivated locals and visitors for over a century, from hosting prominent figures to serving as the preferred summer getaway for social and political leaders visiting the destination. The tradition of lodging at The Asticou (formerly Asticou Inn) dates back to 1870 when the Savage family began housing boarders. After being operated by the Savage family for three generations, the hotel was purchased in 1965 by the Asti-Kim Corp., a group of local businesspeople and summer residents who wished to see the property preserved for the future.

The newly transformed property will boast a range of amenities, including a heated pool with a poolside bar and grille, a spa, fitness center, and more. The reimagined dining experience features Dahlia’s, a refined fine dining restaurant, paired with the cozy elegance of Moss Bar and the cabana bar by the pool, perfect for sipping cocktails under the sun. 

Guests will enjoy a variety of programming that combines wellness and adventure, including activities such as yoga, art classes, stargazing, guided hikes, and exclusive boat charters offered through The Asticou’s sister property, The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor. EV charging stations will also be available.

 The Asticou is located on 25 acres overlooking the water, offering views of coastal Maine with Acadia National Park to its back. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with areas to bike, hike, boat, and explore. The Asticou Azalea Garden, which was also established by the Savage family, sits just across the street and is home to sprawling gardens that combine the natural features of Mount Desert Island with inspiration from Japanese gardens, featuring colorful blooms like cherry trees, rhododendrons, and azaleas in the spring and summer. Only a mile from the property, the vibrant downtown of Northeast Harbor offers a variety of restaurants, shops, museums, galleries, and more. 

Led by Atlantic Hospitality’s talented team of designers, Krista Stokes and Mark Cotto, The Asticou will be revitalized for a new generation of guests. The pair have drawn inspiration from the enduring beauty of the landscape, striving to honor the legacy of the eras that have shaped the property while also delivering a modern experience. The Asticou’s design is rooted in nature, with colors – like bark, moss, slate, oyster, and lady slipper pink – and textures – soft, layered, and diverse – reflecting the property’s surroundings. The public spaces will showcase a custom toile wallpaper featuring artwork by David Allen, drawing inspiration from Martha Stewart’s Skylands estate and gardens. This custom wallpaper design celebrates the history, beauty, and significance of Mount Desert Island. Other brands used include Antoinette Poisson, Devine Savages, and MINDTHEGAP, while most of the furniture and fixtures at the property are being custom-designed or will be vintage-sourced finds from along the Eastern seaboard.

“The design blends old European elegance with early American charm, creating a unique tension between aristocratic society and the lively spirit of Acadia,” said Krista Stokes, director of design & brand at Atlantic Hospitality. “The newly reimagined Asticou will allow guests to immerse themselves in both raw nature and refined comfort with a balance between the grandeur of a historic hotel and the intimate, cozy feel of old Maine.”

The Asticou is now accepting reservations. The Asticou is located just over an hour from Bangor International Airport and about three hours from Portland.