Norumbega, Camden

I had been wanting to go to Maine for years. So on a whim we finally decided to go north instead of heading for the sun and surf - certainly no mistake. Flew to Boston then drove from there to Camden and Bar harbor. Undoubtedly one of the most memorable parts of the trip was the Norumbega. The house is fantastic and allows the experience of stepping back in time without giving up any of the modern amenities. The atmosphere was relaxing, upscale but not "stuffy." Accommodations were perfect - many different types of rooms to choose from when making reservations - each room seems to have it's own personality. The staff was extremely friendly and always willing to assist. Breakfasts were prepared and served in a manner fit for a king - food was delicious. A variety of drinks along with homemade cookies always welcome you back indoors after a walk to town and the harbor. Can't wait to return.

A step back in time. Great woodwork throughout, well maintained, excellant service and the views were beautiful. We drove in hoping for a vacancy and got a large, quiet, beautiful room for nice price. It was the highlight of our trip to Boston and through Maine.

Norumbega is an elegant retreat from reality. The rooms are all magnificently decorated in Victorian style and the oak carved fireplace and parquet flooring give the castle old fashioned atmosphere down to the littlest detail. The attention to detail was also evident in their Christmas decorations. I felt as though I had walked into Little Women. My husband and I had a wonderful time lounging in the livingroom and reading the castles' history. The breakfast was superb, including fresh fruit and homemade granola, Gingerbread pancakes and a lemon cake that was to die for. The staff catered to our every whim and did so with a smile. It was the best anniversary we've ever had. We are looking forward to spending our 30th there next year.

Our party of three took two rooms, the Library Suite and the Penthouse, at the magificent Norumbega Inn for a long weekend. The Inn seemed a perfect haven for comfort-seekers with an appreciation of historic architecture, and it did not dissapoint. An air of quiet, well bred sophistication and warmth pervades all. The spacious public rooms downstairs provide plenty of nooks and crannies for chatting with friends, curling up with a good book from the Inn's collection, or enjoying the high quality hor'doeuvres served each evening. The entire property is decorated in excellent taste; your sensibilities will not be offended by tawdry lace gimcracks, life size dolls, or bowls of icky strawberry popourri. The staff was tirelessly accomodating and friendly, filled with knowledge and information both about the Inn and the general Camden area. As this is a former private home, each room has its own distinctive character. Our two rooms were furnished with attractive and comfortable antiques and reproductions, with good quality linens, plenty of pillows, and nice toiletries. Our Penthouse Suite was enormous, offered a large sitting room with well equiped mini-bar and windows that looked out over the lawns to the sea. We used our in-room fireplace each evening and each morning housekeeping had re-laid a fire for us - a very welcome touch. Breakfast offerings were delicious and healthy, with special accomodation for vegatarian tastes that was much appreciated. One shortcoming was that the hot water being offered for tea was from a carafe that had formerly held coffee, giving the tea an off taste. Coffee service as well could be improved; it was not up to the standard of the rest of the breakfast. Our three days at the Norumbega left us refreshed, relaxed, and more than a little reluctant to leave - we shall certainly return.

The Norumbega is a splendid old family castle with charming rooms and beautiful antique furnishings. The staff is friendly and attentive, yet the feeling is casual, as though you were in the home of a dear old friend. They have hors d'oeuvres every evening, and delicious breakfasts every morning, and there are always sweets on the spectacular dining room breakfront. The inn is close to downtown Camden, as well as Rockport and Rockland and their fine restaurants, museums and shops. The inn keepers keep abreast of the newest dining spots and give honest recommendations. Roaring fireplaces in the common area as well as some of the suites, deep old-fashioned bathtubs you can soak your cares away in, beautiful views year round make the Norumbega a romantic, luxurious and relaxing inn any season of the year. It's as well worth the trip in the snowy winter as it is in autumn's glory or summer's warmth. Don't miss it!

I used to be a travel writer for Country Inns Magazine and still go to inns, particularly in New England. This is one of my favorite places. The ambience is old-world England, very refined and elegant but still a little countrified, like an English country manor. Lots of antiques, warm wooden floors, a setting on the ocean with a lawn and gardens that sweep down to Penobscot Bay. It is within walking distance to the charming village of Camden where again a countrified sophistication bespeaks volumes about this village--fine restaurants, two top notch bookstores, antiques, a renowned used bookstore, and lovely made-in-Maine gift shops. There's also hiking, kayaking. Once you roam around town, you can return to the Norumbega for hors d'oeuvres and drinks, or sit by a crackling fire in your room. Each room is different. Some have turrets. Fireplaces. Different decor. One is a library. There also is a Penthouse Suite. Breakfasts are deluxe and tasty. There are always homemade chocolate chip cookies for guests. The Norumbega is a civilized home away from home in a charming village.