The Optimist Guesthouse | 2

Camden, ME, United States

4 guests
0 bedrooms
1 bathroom

Nestled in Camden’s historic Knox Mill, The Optimist Guesthouse offers a refined retreat in the heart of town. Awaken to the gentle murmur of the Megunticook River flowing past, savoring moments of tranquility on your breezy balcony—perfect for quiet reflection or intimate dining. Unwind in the convenient shared gym, complete with an infrared sauna. A sophisticated haven, The Optimist Guesthouse exudes calm and yet is just steps from all that bustling Camden has to offer.

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
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • 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
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Hangers
  • Iron
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Clothing storage

Entertainment

  • Exercise equipment

Family

  • Crib
  • High chair
  • Pack 'n Play/travel crib

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Location features

  • Laundromat nearby

Outdoors

  • Patio or balcony

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Gym Free, in the building or nearby
  • 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

Find us

Camden, ME, United States

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.

Reviews

Travis
October 2025 · Airbnb
We could not have enjoyed our stay any more than we did! The Optimist 2 is stylish, clean, comfortable and so very nice. My wife and I even extended our stay by a night because we loved Camden so much! The space is so quiet and peaceful and we loved relaxing outside with the sound of the stream running by. It's an easy walk to downtown Camden and the parking was easy! We parked in the lot to the front beside the fire station. We are already planning our next trip to Maine and it will DEFINITELY include a multi-night stay in Camden at this beautiful place! 5 stars!