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The Optimist Guesthouse | 1

Camden, ME, United States

4 guests
0 bedrooms
1 bathroom

Wake to the sound of the Megunticook river flowing by as you contemplate the day's adventures in Camden. The apartment blends modern elegance with cozy comfort. In the heart of downtown in the historic Knox Mill, The Optimist is perfect for travelers seeking a vibrant weekend getaway or an extended coastal adventure. The breezy balcony overlooking the river provides a peaceful spot to relax or enjoy a meal. The gym, shared by five apartments, features an infrared sauna for ultimate relaxation.

Good to know

The Optimist Guesthouse is located in the Knox Mill, a historic woolen mill built in the mid 1800s along the Megunticook River in downtown Camden, Maine. Operational until 1988, the mill specialized in producing wool felt. The Optimist's balcony looks over the scenic Megunticook River as it flows into town. The Optimist Guesthouse consists of five apartments, a lobby area, and a small, shared gym room with infrared sauna. Down the hall you'll find our friends at 40 Paper Bistro & Bar, a delicious local eatery. Across the bridge you'll find The Jack bar and restaurant, and just up or down the street will bring you to more options. Being a retrofit of a historic building on a slab foundation, the plumbing is on a pump system, which you will hear when using water.

Other Details to Note

Being a retrofit of a historic building on a slab foundation, the plumbing is on a pump system, which you will hear when using water.

What this place offers

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Clothing storage

What this place offers

Common

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products
  • Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Clothing storage

Entertainment

  • Exercise equipment

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Location features

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

Outdoors

  • Outdoor seating

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Sauna
  • Single level home No stairs in home

Services

  • Cleaning before checkout
  • Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more

Accessibility and Availability

Neighborhood

Guest Access

The gym and sauna are shared spaces, and you have access 24/7.

Find us

Camden, ME, United States

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.

Reviews

Brandon
October 2025 · Airbnb
Really enjoyed the place! Fantastic location. Walkable to everything. Convenient access to the waterfront and all the restaurants in town. Easy to park and have access to your car to drive around the rest of the coastline. Would definitely stay again!
Pete
October 2025 · Airbnb
This is a great little spot in Camden. You can walk to anything you would need in town. The place is modern and chic. Loved the river going through the back patio. Very cool place.
Alicia
October 2025 · Airbnb
The location is perfect! After reading the reviews, we decided to stay here super last minute and I’m so glad we did! The host were very responsive and the condo was clean and well appointed. Super easy to get to and parking was no problem. Also, after reading the reviews, we tried out 40 paper which is literally in same building. It was wonderful! And even better, the host provided a 20% off coupon. Location is huge to me and this one couldn’t be beat! Can walk just about anywhere. I would definitely book again !
Thomas
September 2025 · Airbnb
Ryan and Evan's Optimist is a wonderful place to stay in Camden. Right in the heart of things, yet quiet and peaceful on the historic Knox Mill, it's a great blend of modern convenience, decor and amenities, coupled with an area oozing with Maine / New England charm and history. The place was spotless and spacious, very cleverly and attractively appointed, and seemingly every need a traveler would need was thought of. The location in Camden is great, both for in-town attractions (of which there are many), as well as for being a jumping-off spot to explore the surrounding area. The town and the area abounds with great restaurants and bars, with one of the standout examples of mere steps from the Optimist - 40 Paper next door was terrific for drinks and dinner. I highly recommend the Optimist if you find yourself wander the coast of Maine - we'll be back on our next visit!
Lynn
September 2025 · Airbnb
Highly recommend! Location was great! Parking was very convenient and easy. We walked to everything! Very clean. Nicely furnished. Wished we would have had more time here. We will be back!!
Tami
September 2025 · Airbnb
This place was fabulous. They have been so creative with the furnishings and decor . The river running outside is very calming . The location is walkable to everything in Camden - but it still feels very private . A great stay !