Castle by the Sea: This Camden, Maine, Inn Named One of the Best New Hotels in the World

A Maine boutique hotel rich with history was recently named one of the best new hotels in the world.

Travel + Leisure selected 100 new hotels for their 2024 list, including the Norumbega Inn in Camden.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's not a new hotel," and you'd be partially correct.

The place was originally built as a home for Joseph Barker Stearns and completed in 1887, according to the hotel's website. The hotel notes that the spot was nicknamed "The Castle by the Sea."

And when you look at the place today, it still gives off strong mini-castle vibes, complete with a striking turret. The nickname certainly fits.

The hotel's website notes that the building would remain a residence for 100 years before transforming into an inn in 1984.

But when a new owner purchased The Norumbega in 2022, the process to overhaul the location and give it an update and refresh would set it on the path for a new opening. A real reboot if you will.

Hence, a new hotel.

Travel + Leisure notes that "the finishes and furnishings layer old and new, and give guests the impression that they’ve been spirited away to a storied country estate."

Each of the 11 rooms you can stay in offers a blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort, with unique touches that nod to the inn’s storied past. Guests can explore lush gardens, enjoy gourmet breakfasts, and relax in cozy common areas adorned with antique treasures and contemporary art.

New owner William Tims told The Courier-Gazette, “I wanted it to be beautiful. I also wanted it to be practical, and by that, I mean I want to deliver the essentials to the guests that make the stay nearly perfect, and to provide that in a way that is seamless and unfussy."

So whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous retreat, or a quiet and peaceful escape, the Norumbega Inn might just want to appear on your list of vacation options.

It is one of the world's best new hotels after all.