The Optimist Guesthouse | 5

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
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

  • Bed linens
  • Hangers
  • 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
  • Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Dedicated workspace
  • TV
  • Wifi

Bathroom

  • Body soap
  • Conditioner
  • Hot Water
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel

Bedroom and laundry

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

Entertainment

  • Exercise equipment

Family

  • High chair

Home safety

  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector

Kitchen and dining

  • Coffee
  • Coffee maker
  • Freezer
  • Hot water kettle
  • Microwave
  • Mini Fridge
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Wine glasses

Location features

  • Private entrance Separate street or building entrance

Parking and facilities

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

Services

  • Cleaning before checkout

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

Danielle
December 2025 · Airbnb
We had a lovely time at this beautiful place! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the restaurant next door, 40 Paper. It was cold on the night we stayed, and we appreciated the amount of bars and restaurants that were in walking distance. The space was cozy and clean and peaceful and relaxing. Loved the selection of coffee!! Thank you Ryan & Evan for sharing your lovely space with us.
Connie
November 2025 · Airbnb
It was more than we wanted to pay for so many nights but it was worth it and we were pleased with the stay. (and for Camden the price was good)
Sidhra
November 2025 · Airbnb
The Airbnb is exactly how it looks . Close to everything . Acadia was 1 hours and 30 mins away . Food close by . Airbnb itself is safe location , quite , and parking was easy and safe as well. Would stay for sure again
Ben
November 2025 · Airbnb
We bookended our trip to Maine at The Optimist. We are glad we did. Camden, ME is a great stop with good food, scenery, and pleasant locals. The Optimist is located in a great spot with convenient parking. My wife and walked almost everywhere and thoroughly enjoyed the park that overlooks the bay. Camden offers a variety pack of fun options and The Optimist is a great spot to relax. The bed was comfortable. The amenities are new. Hopefully we can come to Maine again and if so we’d love to stay at The Optimist.