The Norumbega

Hotel · Camden

The Norumbega

Hotel · Camden

1

63 High St, Camden, ME 04843

Photos

The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null
The Norumbega by null

Highlights

Nestled atop a hill overlooking Penobscot Bay, the enchanting Norumbega Inn combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering culinary delights and stunning views in a whimsical castle setting just a short walk from Camden's shops and nature trails.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

63 High St, Camden, ME 04843 Get directions

norumbegainn.com
@norumbega

$$$

Information

Static Map

63 High St, Camden, ME 04843 Get directions

+1 207 236 4646
norumbegainn.com
@norumbega

$$$

Features

wifi

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@cntraveler

"A great example of this lies in Camden, where the historic and castlelike Norumbega Inn completed a grand renovation last year to reopen as an elegantly stylish year-round hotel under new ownership."

Where to Spend an Off-Season, Crowd-Free Weekend in Maine
View Postcard for The Norumbega

Meg Friel

Google
Our stay at the Norumbega was truly beyond all of our expectations, which were already very high after seeing articles about the new owners of the Norumbega online! Will was absolutely lovely, greeting us warmly at the front door, welcoming us in, and giving us lots of recommendations for things to do in the area. The rooms, and the entirety of the Norumbega, are absolutely STUNNING. We are completely in awe of the attention to detail during our stay. We experienced freshly baked cookies offered each day, beautiful interior design in our room, wonderful cocktails crafted by their bartender Steel (genuinely the best martini we’ve ever had), delicious breakfast with a variety of options, and lots of love to paid Camden throughout the inn. Our trip to Camden was made so incredibly special thanks to the Norumbega and their truly talented staff. We so hope to make our stay there an annual tradition!

Allison M

Google
We've always wanted to try The Norumbega Inn and it exceeded our expectations. We were intrigued by the castle by the sea (ideally located within walking distance of Camden shops and Camden Hills State park) and were impressed by its gorgeous interiors which have been meticulously , yet comfortably, decorated with so many of the original details preserved. Our room, the Kensington, was very comfortable and tasteful with a nice view and a fireplace. We were served a delicious breakfast each morning and enjoyed small plates and unique cocktails the night we arrived, the perfect meal after our drive to Camden. The staff was incredibly friendly and professional. We especially enjoyed talking to the bartender about his delicious chaga cocktail. He shared his recipe and gave us a chunk of chaga to take home. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our short visit and plan to return again to try out the spectacular library room!

Dylan

Google
Best hotel I've ever stayed at. Extremely clean and Chef Mary is a magician. The host is incredibly nice and I see her constantly making sure everything looks perfect. All of the decor/furniture looked extremely thoughtful and you can tell how meticulous they were.

Eduardo M

Google
A Wonderful Stay in Maine||We had an amazing stay at this beautiful bed and breakfast. The house, which feels like a castle, is full of charm and character. The grounds are lovely, and the atmosphere is so welcoming.||The best part was the hospitality. The owners were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make us feel at home. Our room was comfortable and thoughtfully decorated, with everything we needed for a relaxing stay.||Breakfast was a highlight – each morning, we enjoyed delicious, freshly made meals.||This bed and breakfast is a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway in Maine. We can’t wait to come back!

Anna Lee

Google
I can’t even put into words how wonderful an experience my husband and I had here. We came all the way from Alabama and had the most perfect, quaint, mid-coast Maine experience. Every single detail was perfection. The service, the room, the food, the cocktails, the amenities. Worth every penny and more. Kudos to the owners and staff for their dedication to preserving and honoring this beautiful old home, for their eye for design, and for how well thought out everything was. We received outstanding service and were treated so well. I will be dreaming of returning here for a long time and wish we had stayed longer!

Kirsten P

Google
Stunning architecture and beautiful interiors. Very friendly and welcoming owners and staff. Our rooms were wonderful, each with a fireplace and lovely views. Well-equipped and on-point amenities including the convenient hall pantry with fresh filtered water, tea and Nespresso. We dined at the Inn one night and the food and drinks were delicious. Easy walking distance to charming downtown Camden. We highly recommend the Norumbega and we look forward to going back!

CamdenLuvr

Google
We recently hosted a get togehter/ birthday party at the Norumbega Inn, and the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish. Abby, who took our reservation and helped coordinate the details, was incredibly helpful. Her efforts made the planning process stress-free and enjoyable.||The evening began in their beautifully decorated bar, where a cheerful fire added warmth and charm to the setting—just right for a winter gathering. Shirley, our waitress, was polite, capable, and friendly, ensuring our group was well cared for throughout the evening. The selection of drinks and nibbles was excellent, but the spiced hot chocolate was an absolute highlight—a delightful treat for a cold day.||The Norumbega Inn delivered the perfect mix of elegance and coziness, making it an ideal venue for celebrating with friends. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and highly recommend it for any special occasion!

Megan Holden

Google
A beautiful weekend stay. The hospitality was exceptional and the architecture is just stunning. From the view in our suite to the breakfast each morning it was a place we didn’t want to leave. Conveniently located near downtown but just far enough away for the privacy of a little getaway. Abby was an amazing host and Mary made the best breakfast bakes. I can’t recommend this place enough. To top off our stay, we woke up to snow on our way out! Just magical!

Meghan A.

Yelp
I cannot imagine anyone giving this literal effing castle less than a 5 star review. The house is incredible! We stayed in the Warwick room which had two window seats, which is now something I've added to my must build into my dream house list when I win the lottery, and a claw foot tub. I hope I did not offend the aristocratic gods when I used Mr Bubble in that tub! The staff were all incredibly kind and helpful. There's a breakfast buffet in the morning along with a made-to-order option. And in the afternoons there were platters of cookies left on the sideboard for your indulging pleasure. They also had a Nespresso machine upstairs for all hours. There was a bar for happy hour purposes, but as I'm a teetotaler, I was way more excited to Frankenstein my own freddo cappuccino with the Nespresso machine! It was good too. How good? So good one of the super rich guests staying there asked me about it. Yes, I impressed one of the nobles! Of course, he was less enthused about making his own... I have to say, this level of luxury is way out of my league. I'm a cheez whiz kind of chick. And this is an imported French brie sort of place. My friend used points, so I have no idea how expensive it was but online it looked like a coronary causing $400/night. If you're wealthy enough, I say stay here as often as you can, before the proletariat rises up. Or, save your points and invite me with you!

Efrem P.

Yelp
My wife and I stayed at the Norumbega for our honeymoon and the stay was absolutely fantastic! From top to bottom everything was perfect. The rooms, the decor, the food, the grounds and the wonderfully helpful friendly staff were all 5 Star brilliant. I can't say or write how awesome our stay at the Norumbega was. We hope to come back very soon.

Joan B.

Yelp
We just returned home from this hard to leave place in Camden Maine. Everything about our stay made it really spectacular. The owners must know a lot about what they do. Thank you to them for such an aesthetically pleasing and cozy April weekend getaway. We so enjoyed the cookies at 3 pm. This is not to be missed.

Jessica E.

Yelp
Beautifully appointed. Food was surprising but tasty. Drinks were divine. My only suggestion is to offer a full menu and perhaps stay open a little later!

Sean M.

Yelp
We stayed here a few years ago and fell in love. It was charming, close to Camden and the breakfasts were spectacular. We wanted to go back up for our anniversary but were not sure what to expect since it changed owners and Phil Crispo's cooking is a hard act to follow. The new owners hit it out of the park. The rooms have been updated while keeping the period character and the bathrooms fresh and updated. The beds are comfortable. They have several staff that were all very attentive and helpful. The breakfasts were very good and the small plates (new) in the evening were outstanding. They have two chefs that borrow from their roots in Peru and the Philippines making normal dishes with a twist. We love it there. It's relaxing and exactly what you'd want in an elegant inn.

Greg D.

Yelp
Beautiful building, immaculate grounds, nice rooms, great owners/staff, just an extremely comfortable stay. The food in the bar is solid, it's close enough to downtown Camden to walk, and you have an ocean view from the upper floors. Really cool place to stay.

Rue L.

Yelp
Worth the wait to stay in the Library Suite! So beautiful and unique, nothing out there quite like it! All of the staff were very kind and accommodating. Stunning grounds, fantastic breakfast and so close to town! Must stay if you are in Camden!

Jp R.

Yelp
My daughter and I enjoyed spending two nights in the Windsor room. We have stayed in B&B's and hotels all over the world, and this is truly one of the best! The new owners, Will & Brett, have done a magnificent job in updating their "Castle by the Sea". The inn was built in 1886, and has the most incredible architectural details such as beautiful wood moldings, floors, windows, fireplaces, balconies, stonework, alcoves, and even a turret. All of those original features are brought back to life with the owners' tasteful addition of new furniture, artwork, fresh flower arrangements, and totally renovated bathrooms. The grounds of the inn are gorgeous, with a manicured lawn, beautiful flower gardens, two gazebos, numerous private seating areas, a firepit, and even a bocce court. During the summer, you have your choice of eating on the veranda or inside the lovely breakfast room. It was a pleasure to be served by the owners themselves. Their Peruvian chef created a tasty breakfast entree each morning accompanied by a buffet of pastries, granola, smoothies/yogurt, cheeses, meats, boiled eggs, and toast. They even serve their special Norumbega blend of coffee. So delicious! Speaking of coffee, they provide a beverage station on each floor with coffee and tea available at all times. Thank you, Will and Brett, for bringing new life to the historic Norumbega Inn to be savored and enjoyed by future generations. Once you experience the Norumbega, you will feel its timeless energy drawing you back. We look forward to spending many more magical visits with you!

Noah R.

Yelp
Very interesting property with exceptional breakfast. The house sits on a large piece of land a few minutes outside of downtown. There is an amazing view from the balcony on the third floor of the house, overlooking the lawn, trees and ocean. The rooms are a bit dated. The showstopper is the breakfast. As far as bed and breakfasts go, this breakfast is in the top 5%. The chef served an amazing berry and creme crepe and fruit yogurt parfait with Prosecco mixed into the yogurt. Coffee was served in individual French presses for each table. The other guests were friendly and agreed the breakfast was superb.

David H.

Yelp
We stayed here for our last 2 days of vacation in New England before returning home to Georgia. We absolutely fell in love with this place. The moment we stepped inside we had an overwhelming sense of peace gratitude in knowing we found a special place to spend the last few days of our vacation. It's much more than a place to stay, it's an experience. We loved it so much, along with the beauty of that part of Maine, that we will plan to come back again one day. Before we arrived here, we were ready to go home, but after 2 days here we hated to leave. Thank you Sue and Chef Phillip for making this a trip of a lifetime.

Kim K.

Yelp
PERFECT experience during our stay at The Norumbega. I booked the Library Suite for my husband's birthday and we had an excellent time. First, the room was gorgeous. Exactly as pictured and beautifully charming. We loved going up to the second floor and exploring all of the books. The uniqueness of the room is what brought us to The Norumbega and it did not disappoint. Second, Sue, the owner, was outstandingly friendly and welcoming. What a gracious and lovely host! Third, the grounds are gorgeous and the interior of the inn is exceptional. Check out my pictures! Lastly, the breakfast was out of this world. Something I would have paid good money for at any high end restaurant. Very impressive and quite delicious! Our stay was pricey but I felt it was a good value. The Norumbega is leaps and bounds ahead of any other B&B I've been to in terms of uniqueness and individuality. Nothing about this place is cookie cutter. Great value with wonderful memories to boot. Can't get any better than this!

Benjiman K.

Yelp
I swept my wife away for her birhday to a 2 night stay at the "Castle by the Sea" and it was fantastic. We stayed in the Kensington room which is romantic and Victorian with a 4 poster bed and fireplace. It had access to a shared porch with views of thr bay but it was rainy and cold when we visited so we didn't take advantage of that. I chose that room over the Sandringham in the Turret which was less expensive based on other reviews that said it was noisy as it faces the street. We checked it out while here and it woukd have been fine abd had that cool round sitting area and an antique tub. The owners and all staff are constantly gracious and helpful without being intrusive. We would DEFINATELY recommend the Chef's Tasting Dinner! It's expensive but amazing as Chef Phil was a CIA instructor and won on Chopped! If you ordered a 7 course meal in any goirmet restaurant you would pay much more. Was a bit nervous since my wife won't eat a lot of gourmet things (seafood, organ meats, raw meats, lamb/veal) but Chef Phil accomodated her and made it ridiculously delicious.

Wally F.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing! We stayed two nights and it exceeded our expectations. Our room was great and the castle is amazing. But the best part of our stay was the breakfast. Phil is an amazing chef and on both days, prepared the most amazing breakfasts. Unfortunately due to covid, they weren't doing dinners. But that just means we need to come back again and to check out another room

Michael H.

Yelp
We stayed four nights at Norumbega for our honeymoon--three nights in the Canaervon Room, one in Sandringham--and we were so happy with the entire experience, could not have chosen better. The rooms are exquisitely decorated with attention to detail related to comfort and cleanliness and overall aesthetic appeal. So charming and delightful--a truly memorable experience. Our first room had a private balcony and access to a shared balcony, the former with a cozy, secluded feel, the latter with a lovely view of the sloping lawn below, trees and farther beyond the bay with its sailboats. Breakfast was delivered to our room each morning and we enjoyed it for three mornings on the private balcony, each morning looking forward to pulling the plate cover off the main entree to see what artistic and delicious dish awaited us. Seriously, the breakfasts--the best. Like brunch at a five-star restaurant. Here was one of our favorites: scrambled free range eggs on wilted garlicky greens and buttermilk biscuit, topped with in-house pork sausage gravy. So good. Phil, the chef and part-owner, is a true talent. Our fourth night we stayed in a room that included the turret and enjoyed breakfast and tea there, in a little pseudo-sitting room, taking in the decor and Victorian charm--felt like a scene from Downton Abbey, in a good way. The second room had a real claw-foot bathtub, which was much-appreciated after several weeks of increasingly more hectic wedding planning: let the worries about who was going to sit where, if we'd ordered enough booze, would the bacon-wrapped scallops be any good, which relative was going to be a little pill angry-face, would the Garfield and Arlene cake toppers arrive in time etc etc etc just melt away into the deep hot water oblivion of the claw foot, enhanced by complimentary lavender scented bath salts. I don't care if I smelled like a girl, those bath salts delivered me to Relaxation Town, population me. Why aren't there more claw foot bathtubs in America? So, beautiful, comfortable, artful rooms and extraordinary breakfasts. I should mention the attentive service from Carissa, Lisa and Sue, all of whom were so nice, so friendly, gave some good recommendations for navigating Camden and where to find what. Back in April, I should add, we had to re-schedule our wedding (and our honeymoon) because of COVID junk, and Sue, the co-owner, was very helpful when it came to straightening all that out--so polite and friendly and understanding. Really wonderful service all around. The grounds are beautiful, vibrant and colorful and very well-kept. I can trim a shrub. I know about these things. The gardeners are up to par, for sure. One evening we spent a few hours relaxing in one of the gazebos, de-briefing for our wedding memory journal all the fun times from the wedding as the shadows lengthened on the lawn and birds made their night sounds and it felt like it was just us, which was very nice. Did I mention there's another gazebo? This one had corn hole. We played that one night. Beautiful landscaping, that view of the bay from the balcony, the whole place just so manicured and lovely--what a great time we had. You can too! Seriously, out of five stars, this place is six, probably seven, but you get it. Do yourself a favor: stay here. We'll be back, I hope for our first anniversary but more likely for our 10th or 25th or a big one because we live in Michigan. Norumbega Inn, you made all our honeymoon dreams come true!

Matt D.

Yelp
The Norumbega castle is so cool. Lots of nooks and crannies, great design, and an opulence that begets a time past. If you tuck away in room for a bit and close your eyes it's fun to imagine you're at one of Gatsby's parties. I brought my new wife and her family to the castle in July and we got the downstairs all to ourselves! We were able to play Trivial Pursuit and drink while until midnight or 1am each night. So much fun and epic games we'll always remember. The rooms themselves are each unique and stylish. Ours felt like a room from Paris. Very chic. The rooms also open up onto the grand lawn where you can run around or stroll the property or just sit in a chair and enjoy a book and the fresh air with the smell of the sea. Sue and her sister were super sweet and fun. Funny and cool, too. Great energy. Helped ensure we all felt very comfortable in the fancy castle setting.

Lisa H.

Yelp
This is truly the most spectacular place I've ever stayed in. My room was so peaceful and comfortable with the most magnificent view this is more like a bed and breakfast with all the comforts of home minus the distractions of home lol. The Chef and all of the staff excel at providing a customer experience that you will not forget. And the food.... wow. Simply delicious. Breakfast is served every morning downstairs (by the way there are lots of stairs leading up to the rooms, no elevator) between 8-9:30 and is worth getting up early to partake! He serves a 5 course, 5 star dinner on Thursdays and Saturdays only and reservations must be made. It is a bit pricey (breakfast is included with your room, dinner is not) but this is a true example of you get what you pay for. I highly recommend The Norumbega!

Abbey D.

Yelp
We drove past the Norumbega Inn in Camden on a road trip down Route One from Bangor to Portland. I could not believe the beauty of the building. I knew that I wanted to stay to explore the uniqueness of the Castle. So for my birthday, we booked the Penthouse Suite. We were not disappointed! The Inn is run by Sue. She is warm, welcoming and exceptionally friendly. The room was beautiful as was the view. I was very excited to have a chef's choice dinner on Saturday night and was beyond satisfied with the meal. It was a wonderful creation of pleasing tastes, smells and variety. Chef Phil's creation were well worth the cost of the dinner. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone staying at the Inn. Breakfast was spectacular and unique everyday. The food was perfect!!

Kristyn M.

Yelp
What a great experience! Just minutes away from Camden Hills State Park and downtown Camden, but feels very secluded. Delicious 3 course breakfast served every morning with champagne or port in the evenings. Coffee and tea on every floor with cookies for guests. They have very large outdoor grounds with fire pit, bocce, and deck for relaxing. Service was friendly and exceptional. Just a lovely place all around!

Dawn H.

Yelp
Our stay was perfect in every way! The staff was welcoming, attentive and accommodating. The atmosphere was cozy, elegant and inviting... especially the warm, crackling fireplaces and delicious port. Our room (The Adrundle) was plenty spacious for the two of us with wonderful amenities such as a jacuzzi tub and incredibly comfortable king size bed. Breakfast was out of this world...we have never enjoyed more delicious food! We will definitely be back for another romantic, castle getaway! Thank you for doing what you do so exceedingly well! ~ The Hudsons

Paul R.

Yelp
My wife and I stayed at the Norumbega last fall for our 3rd anniversary. It's almost exactly halfway between Portland and Bar Harbor. We were looking for a unique bed and breakfast, and found out about this place via word of mouth. It's absolutely beautiful. It really does feel like an old castle. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind place! I don't have anything bad to say about it. The view of the ocean from the third floor balcony was beautiful. The owners, Sue and Phil, were extremely accomodating, and very pleasant people. And the food! Oh my, the food! I've never had a better breakfast in my life. A 3-course meal, prepared by a 5-star chef. Phil is an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America...the most prestigious cooking school in the country. And I just discovered he won Food Network's Chopped (one of our favorite TV shows)! What a treat! I only wish we were able to tour the grounds a little more. It rained too much to be able to do it. We will definitely be back to the Norumbega next time we're in Maine!

Tony W.

Yelp
Don't pay attention to previous reviews. Norumbega has new owners and they are great. Sue goes out of her way to make sure all your needs are taken care of and Phil is a fantastic chef. Breakfast was great and Phil will even cook dinner for an extra expense. This isn't a new hotel so don't expect it to be. It is an 1800s home and has all of the fun quirks that go with it. No cookie cutter rooms, but great views from the decks. Highly recommend if you are staying in Camden.

Sean G.

Yelp
Holy Moly! This is one of the most beautiful places you can stay. Sue, the owner, provided a service that was beyond words. Since my first phone call to organize a reservation with Sue she had been friendly, accommodating, honest and welcoming to several requests. Our stay at this exquisite facility truly added the luxurious finishing touches to our engagement trip. The regal environment by staying in the library suite gave us a sense of escaping to Europe. Breakfast every morning was OUTSTANDING with the full works and flavors you'd hope for from a 5 star chef. I cannot thank this establishment enough for such a great trip and I strongly recommend Norumbega to my friends and family.

Derek F.

Yelp
I spent an unforgettable week at The Norumbega Inn. Phil isn't just a consistently terrific and creative chef, but he also has a terrific sense of humor too. Sue isn't just a helpful, thoughtful, and warm host, but she's also fun and full of joy. The food is special-- I've never had so many memorable breakfasts in a row (and the dinner's terrific, too!). The Inn is comfortable and cozy-- hard to beat a fireplace, bathtub (in a castle turret!), and free shortbread cookies. And the castle itself is unique and epic with a stunning view. There's no Maine experience quite like it!

Scott H.

Yelp
Everything was wonderful. The property is beautiful, the staff are friendly and the food is amazing. We will definitely come back.

Ben S.

Yelp
What more could you ask for? Beautiful accommodations, scenery, great food, and excellent service. My wife and I have turned this into an every year getaway and it never disappoints. The owners, Sue and Phillip, are great, and always go the extra mile to ensure that everyone's stay is the best experience it can be. The Inn is beautiful and although very authentic and historic, it has many upgrades you would love to have in your own home. Our bathroom even had heated floors! If you want to experience the perfect Maine getaway, in class and style, you need to stay here.

Eric B.

Yelp
We had a wonderful experience here. The historic home is a gem of the area and the owners, Phil and Sue are fun. They have undertaken a labor of love for generations to come by restoring Norumbega beyond it's original splendor. With a balance of renovations that honor the architectural history and acknowledge the need for modern convenience they are bringing this home to a new level. The food! Breakfast was the kind of treat you get when you experience a great chef and great atmosphere. It was perfect! I only wish we'd planned on being there for dinner. You need to let them know by 10AM the morning of if you'd like to have dinner that evening. Awesome! We recommend Norumbega!

Michael R.

Yelp
For our honeymoon, I wanted to surprise my wife with a nice bed-&-breakfast. After looking into the Norumbega, I booked the Library Suite for two nights. It didn't disappoint! The owners are very welcoming & made sure our stay was comfortable. Sue brought champagne up to our room when she learned we were newlyweds. The room looked beautiful, & the fireplace was relaxing to sit near after a day in the cold air. The house & the grounds reminded me of something out of Clue (in a good way). Best of all, Phil made us great breakfasts each morning. His banana fritter, pastries, & eggs benedict were amazing! We would love to come back here in the future.

Sue S.

Yelp
The Norumbega provided outstanding service fantastic food beautiful accommodations you can't go wrong staying here.

Tama M.

Yelp
I was in need of peace and comfort. I found it at Norumbega Inn. It is a beautiful castle with stunning views. There were so many places unique places for me to sit and relax... The terrace, the front parlor, the solarium, and, of course my beautifully appointed room. Breakfast and dinner (I do recommend you make dinner reservations) were fantastic. After being told about my dietary restrictions, the Chef more than accommodated! This is my third time to The Norumbega. It certainly won't be my last.

Faye B.

Yelp
The Norumbega was relaxing and a culinary delight. We had the 7 course dinner and shared a great night with welcoming staff. The home, the castle is beautiful . The grounds provided a retreat to compliment our stay in Camden. We had an easy walk to town and beach access was also nearby. We plan to return.

Henry C.

Yelp
We held our family reunion recently at Norumbega. Of all the bed & breakfasts and Inns along the coast of Maine, we were so happy we picked Norumbega. The locals call it a castle, and for good reason. Every room is architecturally splendid, and the decor is grand and authentic to the 1886 timeframe when Norumbega was built. Each of our family had rooms overlooking Penobscot Bay. Some were in the tower, with beautiful bay-surround windows. The penthouse was magnificent with a full living area, master bedroom and master bath with jacuzzi tub. My favorite was the library room, with a staircase to an upper level housing hundreds of books. We've stayed across the country in beautiful places, but Norumbega's elegance was unique. The staff was very accommodating, Our most special meals were in the original 1886 dining room which sat 14 comfortably around a magnifcent antique dining table. The hand-carved woodwork in the dining room, living room, parlor and entry "courting corner" was amazing. It was a real escape for us, and maybe the best part was its location. A very short walking distance, but not in town itself so you avoid the traffic and noise. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Laura B.

Yelp
If there were six stars,, I would gladly give this seven! I am reviewing mid-stay because I truly am so pleased with quaint Camden and this beautiful castle. A genuine slice of heaven nestled in the hill. The place is fantastic and no pictures can do justice to what your eyes will see. while the atmosphere is jaw -droppingly elegant, it is neither stuffy nor unwelcoming. I am staying over on a much needed personal "time out" and feel both welcomed and comfortably anonymous. The location is a very pleasant walk into town yet set apart to feel secluded. It almost brings to mind Gatsby. Within the home there are so many nooks and crannies to discover that you almost feel like it is your own personal experience. The food is french-laundry good...appealing to the eye but designed for the palate. The hosts are personable, pleasant and genuine. I have not finished my stay here and am already planning my next great escape. This is first class the way it should be. Norumbega, you're a winner!

Lauren S.

Yelp
http://www.lalatravels.com/2011/05/castle-bb/ I remember first going there as a child and wandering among the landscape. It's the Norumbega Inn, a historic architectural landmark that sits atop a rise overlooking Penobscot Bay in the beautiful coastal town of Camden, Maine. Although the penthouse is fabulous, the best room in the house is the library room, an enchanting two-room suite housed in the original castle library. Wake up amongst history and mystery. A true Maine masterpiece.

J W.

Yelp
WOW! The food was incredible (we had the added 7 course dinner), the penthouse suite is peaceful, relaxing elegance, with two beautiful views of the water! The staff was amazing!! We were also very close to Camden which was a lovely town to walk through and buy more things than you need! And they are also about a mile from Camden Hills State Park, in which we took a drive to Mt. Batty and then hiked up to the Ocean Overlook. It took us 3-4 hours for the hiking round-trip, but was worth the view! If you have a chance to go to The Norumbega, GO!!!

Ben G.

Yelp
The Norumbega is a wonderful place to stay. My wife and I stayed in the Arundel room, and the pictures don't even do it justice. It was spacious and welcoming, and the large bathroom with its jacuzzi are an added bonus. We only did the breakfast, but both of the three-course meals that we had cooked by Chef Phil were amazing... Sue is very welcoming and friendly, and super accommodating. Overall, the whole place strikes a nice balance between being first-class, but refreshingly down-to-earth. We would definitely recommend the The Norumbega to anyone looking for a special place to stay in Camden, and we will certainly be back!

Susan B.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I stayed in one of the basic rooms in the Norumbega over 4th of July weekend and fell in love with the place. I would have loved to stay in the Library Suite but it was a little too pricey for us - even in a cheap room it was about $330 for a 2-night stay. The outside could do with a coat or two of paint, but otherwise the building is in very nice shape and from what I could tell, all the rooms have a great view. I was disappointed when we checked in that the room we got was not the room we booked, nor was there AC in the room as advertised on their website. Luckily it wasn't hot enough and the tiny little desk fan in the room was enough. The place was super quiet and it was fun to explore the open rooms while there. They always leave sodas and fresh chocolate chip cookies (that are baked daily) out. Plus, you are given a key to get in the front door when you check in so I liked the added security that those without a key had to ring the bell rather than just an open building anyone could walk in to. Breakfast was to die for! Our first morning we got whole wheat french toast with fresh blueberries and bacon that was cooked perfectly. I honestly am still thinking about it almost a week later... and I have told everyone about it too. Our second morning we had scrambled eggs with sour cream and dill (not my thing, but still very good). I would definitely stay here again - the inn is just under a mile out of town so you could leave your car and walk down in to the center of Camden if you so chose (though the walk home is all uphill). So location wise it's close enough to everything, but also far enough away that it's quiet at night.

Kenna R.

Yelp
We came in early October. The leaves are changing, it's cool, but not cold. I am in love with this place. It's quaint and beautiful, America. The landscape is rustic and romantic, and although I am sensitive to being the only chocolate drop for miles, folks are friendly. Sue and I would be besties if she lived in LA. She's approachable, accommodating, and welcoming. I only met Phil for a hot second, but if he's responsible for the awesome breakfasts I've had then he's welcome to be my future ex-husband. Everything is delicious. This mini castle itself is a gem! I would love to experience it during the holiday season, as I love a lit fire place and I think it would look amazing by any of the fire sides it offers. Every room is different and there's a penthouse that's fantastic. Views and sea air. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is super friendly, and Rocko the chihuahua may make an appearance that makes you feel right at home. Thank you Norumbega for a beautiful trip, I can't wait to come back!

Meg W.

Yelp
Just the coolest place ever! My husband and I stayed at the Norumbega for 2 nights after our wedding for our "mini-moon." We could not have been happier. You get to feel like you are staying in a real British castle while getting to enjoy all the beauty of the Maine coast. The staff was so friendly and the owners were always checking in to make sure we were doing well. The rooms, which are all named for real castles in the UK, are stunning and elegant. Each morning they serve a three-course brunch in the beautiful breakfast room which truly the high-light of your day. Later in the afternoon they set out home-made cookies in the hall next to the coffee station. We most enjoyed sitting on the large deck overlooking the well-kept lawn and forests with the ocean in the distance sipping hand-made cocktails. You honestly don't want to leave but if you decide to it is great because town is less than a mile walk. Since the Norumbega only serves dinner a few nights a week we walked into downtown Camden each night for dinner. We didn't need to drive at all. We can't wait to go back!

Emme D.

Yelp
Beautiful inn, gorgeous grounds. Sue is so accommodating and personable. We went last October and this past weekend. We love the Norumbega. Breakfast is AMAZING. I highly recommend you sign up for the 7 course chef tasting. The food is out of this world. Chef Crispo is extremely talented. We LOVE the Norumbega!

Diane Z. S.

Yelp
We stayed at the historic and meticulously renovated Norumbega Inn on 11/1 - 11/3, the weekend of a crazy snowstorm that left Camden with a foot of snow. But thanks to Sue and Phil, the innkeepers of this sophisticated, yet intimate B&B, they turned a stormy evening into a cozy little soiree, treating everyone that stayed there like treasured friends. With the fireplaces aglow in the main gathering areas, they magically and effortlessly turned the inn into an oasis of warm and welcome as we shared food, drink and lively conversation with the other guests throughout the evening. Phil is a world class chef, and he indulged our palettes with a wonderful dinner and scrumptious breakfasts. Sue who reminded me of a fun and loving sister, is an exceptional hostess. She and the rest of their staff made sure we were want for nothing. I'm glad that we were able to experience this wonderfully preserved little castle. Sue and Phil have ambitiously renovated this classically wood-trimmed home into an elegantly crafted getaway. Sure to be returning when the weather is a little better.

Josh C.

Yelp
We went to the Norumbega for a night away from our hectic life. The experience was magical. We stayed in the Canaervon and it was wonderful. Had our own beautiful balcony to watch the sunset. The breakfast was beyond perfect - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Lavender Compote and Maple Brushed Bacon. Amazing! Sue was personable as well, and so was the little Chihuahua

c z.

Yelp
This bed and breakfast transports travelers to another time. It is located outside of the hustle and bustle of town, but is still close enough to walk to town. Sue was helpful and accommodating as I placed reservations, and was even more so once we arrived. The breakfast had such wonderful flavor, I immediately regretted not having dinner at the Inn the night before. There was some ambient street noise, but Sue had warned me about that prior to the reservation. It did not seem to disrupt anyone's sleep. We were with a small group, and everyone looks forward to returning again.

Clarissa S.

Yelp
Wow! What a fantastic stay at the Norumbega! We had the most relaxing and romantic stay in the Library Suite. My husband was like a kid on Christmas morning as he read the endless amounts of books upstairs in the loft. I, on the other hand, curled up and enjoyed the majesty of the fireplace and the charm of the beautiful room. Sue and Phil are very welcoming and accommodating, and the food that Phil creates is out of this world. Perfect first anniversary! I highly recommend the Norumbega Inn!

Linda M.

Yelp
Our 25th wedding anniversary adventure was spent in this amazing place. Every since I was a little girl I'd sigh as we passed Norumbega's castle like structure wishing I could go in, sure that inside their were Lords, Ladies or a Prince waiting for me. Built by Joseph Stearns in 1886, during my formative years the house was privately owned by the Pitman family from 1948 to 1978. I did find my handsome Prince Charming but, I never did get to visit Norumbega because life led me away from Maine to Europe where we made our home for many years. When we moved back to Maine a few years ago we noticed that Norumbaga was now an Inn owned by Susan Walser and Phil Crispo. Phil is also the cook and winner of the Food Network CHOPPED program, season 13, episode 7. He has a cheeky sense of humor and his breakfasts were not only works of art but, inventive and delicious. When Sue found it was our 25th wedding anniversary she brought us champagne and wished us well. She is a delightful, kind and the perfect hostess. Our anniversary here lived up to all my childhood dreams! Thank you Sue and Phil! This is the type of place that you yearn to go back to again and again.

George B.

Yelp
Great location with unique rooms. Owners and service were great, water views were breathtaking and food was fantastic. Phil (Chef) has Culinary Institute background and won Food show chopped. We travel a lot and the dinner and breakfast were of the best we have had in years.

Dawn B.

Yelp
Absolutely loved our stay. My husband kidnapped me for a surprise anniversary weekend. When I first saw The Norumbega I was so impressed. It so happened they were having a party for Halloween and they had the castle all decked out with decorations, appetizers, music and wine. We immensely enjoyed the party, a little too much in fact on my part. The staff and our host Sue took amazing care of us, seeing to special requests always asking if we needed anything. And, oh my God, the food!!! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The view from our room was a breathtaking view of the bay. The bed was quite comfortable, although it is a little dated I considered it part of the charm...you are staying in turn of the century castle after all. It was very comfortable there, plenty of nooks to hang out in with a blazing fire burning. I would strongly recommend a stay at The Norumbega to anyone wanting a little time away or for a special occasion.

Christine R.

Yelp
This B&B is a castle overlooking the bay in scenic Camden, and is a fully magical spot. It's a one of a kind experience that is sadly very overpriced, and has lousy food. The castle is still worth it however- the rooms are amazing, and the view great. We stayed in the library suite ($400 off season), which is unique, spacious, and well appointed with modern amenities and antique furniture. Great bed! The hostess (niece of the owners, who themselves live in California), was pleasant and helpful. Breakfast was bad though- very sparse and not tasty. We were served a tiny, poorly made cheese soufflé, two strips of bacon, and two slices of mini-toast. They didn't have any more food available. Quite a letdown at $400/night- we left hungry and disappointed. Overall- worth it to experience the really nice castle (not open to visitors, you have to rent a room to get in), but I would only stay one night, and plan on getting breakfast in town. A night in a castle was worth $400 to us, but may not be to you.