ROCKPORT – Rockport Harbor Hotel’s rooftop Atrium Restaurant was opened to the public with a Business After Hours event hosted by the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, May 8.

The chamber’s event provided the opportunity for attendees to see the recently opened restaurant that features freshly tiled floors, marble statues, a fully stocked bar, and spectacular views of Rockport Harbor from the hotel’s fourth floor.

In the distance, Owls Head Lighthouse, and a vista over Penobscot Bay.

“It’s just a spectacular place for locals to come and hang out enjoying the view,” said hotel owner Stuart Smith.

The hotel, he said: “was designed by my wife, Marianne, and our son Tyler. They’re the ones that put this all together.”

A main feature of the restaurant is its retractable glass roof.  The front glass panels leading to the outside deck also slide back and open, giving the feel of open-air dining.

“The two lower sections retract into the upper sections,” said Marianne Smith. “We’ll be able to open it up and let the breeze come in.”

Marianne said they saw in operation at a show.

“I said we’ve just got to have this,” she said. “When it’s all open, you’ll feel like you’re outside.”

“It’s a beautiful space,” said Shannon Landwehr, President and CEO of the chamber. “We’re really excited about this redevelopment project.”

The chamber hosts a Business After Hours evening at a different location every month for chamber members. Landwehr said the list to host an event is getting longer by the day. 

“If you want something in 2025, you better let us know right now,” she said. 

The Atrium will officially open to the public May 22, and be open Wednesday through Saturday. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and reservations are strongly suggested.

The Rockport Harbor Hotel opened December 27, 2023. It is part of the Bayview Group. See related article about that opening here.