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 an old mill building on a slab foundation, the plumbing is 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
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • Hammock
  • Patio

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • 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
  • Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • TV
  • Wifi

Outdoors

  • Alfresco dining
  • Hammock
  • Patio

Bedroom and laundry

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

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector

Services

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

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Dining table
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Family

  • Crib
  • High chair
  • Travel crib

Entertainment

  • Exercise equipment

Parking and facilities

  • Free parking on premises
  • Gym Free, in the building or nearby
  • Private living room
  • Sauna
  • Single level home No stairs in home

Location features

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

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

Mark
January 2026 · Airbnb
Staying at Ryan and Evan’s place was a delight. The unit itself is clean, stylish, and cozy. Location is within a four to five minute walk from most downtown locations. The amenities included are also a plus. Ryan himself was incredibly responsive - it truly felt like we were getting personal guidance and recommendations. Highly recommend staying here if you are planning on visiting the Camden area. Thank you for having us!
Lindsay
January 2026 · Airbnb
Excellent stay. Room was incredibly clean and did not smell like toxic cleaning chemicals. Great bathroom, incredible bed, linens, sheets, etc. (some of the best). Hosts were VERY responsive as well. I would surely stay again. This is what I expect from an AirBNB!
Emily
January 2026 · Airbnb
My sister and I had the best impromptu trip to Camden. We loved Ryan’s place. It was so convenient and beautiful. Love how close it was to the restaurant 40 Paper. Everything was lovely!
Amy
December 2025 · Airbnb
This was our first visit to Camden and we couldn’t have been happier with our accommodations for our Christmas getaway. The kitchenette gave us everything we needed to prepare a breakfast and keep drinks/leftovers cold. Very clean, walking distance to everything and comfortable bed/couch. Our very well behaved dog felt right at home In this space. Would book again, 5 stars!!!