The Norumbega Inn
Gilded Age grandeur meets considered, modern restraint. Think castle-hotel where the bones are genuinely 19th-century — ornate woodwork, turrets, stained glass — but the rooms feel light and fresh rather than stuffy. Owners preserved everything original while injecting contemporary art, marble baths, and Malin+Goetz products. Intimate and LGBTQ+-owned.
The Warwick room has a wood-burning fireplace — the only one left in the inn — and ocean views. Book it in October for peak foliage season.
Why It Matters
Named the #1 Inn in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, and ranked in their Top 100 Hotels Worldwide in both 2024 and 2025. Also received a Michelin Key in 2025. Two of the 11 rooms are genuine suites — one a two-story mahogany library, the other a penthouse with a private roof terrace. The building itself is a legitimate landmark: built by the inventor of the duplex telegraph, it was dubbed 'The Stone Castle by the Sea' when it was completed in 1887.
A turreted 1886 stone mansion on Route 1 overlooking Penobscot Bay, The Norumbega is one of the most-awarded small inns in the country. Purchased in 2022 by New York architect Will Tims and partner Brett Haynie, it went through an eight-month gut renovation before reopening in May 2023 — this time as a year-round property. Eleven individually designed rooms sit inside a National Register of Historic Places landmark, with quarter-sawn oak coffered ceilings, carved banisters, original leaded glass windows, and fireplaces doing the heavy lifting on atmosphere.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Arundel
Garden level room with the most privacy of any room in the inn — it has its own private terrace entrance directly onto the Great Lawn. The exposed brick and stone walls are unique to this level and give the space a rugged, castle-cellar feel. Bathroom is a highlight: oversized soaking tub positioned so you overlook the private gardens, plus a walk-in shower beneath dramatic brick arches. Features an elongated bridal party vanity. Max 2 guests.
KingBalmoral
Panoramic ocean views with a gracious seating area. One of the rooms guests return to for the bay views — named after the Scottish royal estate, consistent with the inn's royal castle naming theme.
KingCanaervon
Ocean views paired with a private terrace — one of the rooms that gives you outdoor space plus Penobscot Bay in front of you.
KingKensington
Ocean views combined with a gas fireplace — a popular combination for shoulder-season and winter stays.
KingLancaster
Garden views with a gracious seating area. A quieter-facing room away from the bay. Has a pull-out sofa to accommodate a third guest (+$75/night).
KingLibrary Suite
Once the private library of Joseph Stearns, the original owner. The standout feature is the two-story lofted mahogany library — you can grab a book from the upper level and read by the gas fire in the renovated sitting room below. Cozy built-in single bed accommodates a third guest (+$75/night). A genuinely one-of-a-kind room.
KingPenthouse Suite
The top-floor flagship. Panoramic views of Penobscot Bay from both the living room and bedroom, plus what is arguably the best private roof terrace of any Camden hotel. A gas fireplace anchors the oversized living area. The renovated bathroom is glamorous — extra-large soaking tub, walk-in shower, bidet, and double sink vanity. Can accommodate a third guest with a cot for an extra $75/night.
KingSandringham
The turret room with a gas fireplace — the rounded turret creates a dramatic curved seating area. Accommodates a third guest with an added cot (+$75/night).
KingVersailles
Private terrace with garden views. Bright and outward-facing onto the landscaped grounds.
KingWarwick
Ocean views with a gas fireplace. A consistently praised room — the view of Penobscot Bay from the bed is exceptional. Can accommodate a third guest.
KingWindsor
The turret room with garden views and the only remaining wood-burning fireplace in the inn — a meaningful distinction for guests who want the real thing. Accommodates a third guest.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A bocce ball court sits on the nearly four-acre Great Lawn, which also features two distinguished gazebos and sumptuous gardens. An easy way to spend a slow afternoon on the grounds with a cocktail in hand.
Nearly four acres of landscaped grounds with perennial gardens, two gazebos, and bay views. Guests frequently use the grounds for morning walks before breakfast.
Guests can use the fire pit on the property during cooler evenings — especially popular in fall. Noted by Travel + Leisure as one of the property highlights.
The inn is walking distance from the trailhead for Camden Hills State Park, which includes the summit trail to Mt. Battie with panoramic views over Penobscot Bay and surrounding islands. Cross-country skiing is also available in winter.
A short drive from the inn, Camden Snow Bowl is a family-friendly ski hill with 20 runs and a 4,000-foot triple lift — notably, the mountain offers ocean views from the top.
Camden Harbor — a short walk from the inn — is home to historic windjammer schooners offering day sails through Penobscot Bay, typically available through early October. The inn's team can advise on bookings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
As a National Historic Register property, the inn has no elevator. All rooms require stairs. Staff will gladly assist with luggage.
There is no gym or fitness center on-site.
There is no pool on the property.
Multiple indoor common rooms with fireplaces, ample seating, and the inn's original antiqued wooden millwork. Includes a grand dining room, parlor, and music room with a baby grand piano.
Available throughout the property, including all guest rooms and common areas.
Included with every stay — continental buffet plus a made-to-order hot entrée each morning.
In-house bar with full liquor license. Handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options. Bar connects to the outdoor terrace via the solarium.
Expansive landscaped grounds with two gazebos, a bocce ball court, perennial gardens, and bay views. Also used for weddings and private events (capacity up to 150).
Connects to the bar via the solarium. Guests and the public can enjoy drinks and views of the grounds.
On-site parking is complimentary and no reservation is required.
All rooms are outfitted with Cuddledown sheets and plush terrycloth robes.
In-room Bluetooth speakers in all guest rooms.
All rooms have flat screen smart TVs with streaming services.
Luxury Malin+Goetz bath products provided in all rooms. The inn minimizes single-use plastics via bulk toiletry dispensers.
All guest rooms have air conditioning.
Available for purchase via the official website.
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