Don’t Sleep on This Must-Stay Airbnb in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Every summer for the last six years, my friends and I head up to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, for a boys trip. Typically, we always got a hotel for a few nights. But this year, we decided to mix it up and see what the Airbnb options looked like, and we stumbled across 8 West St. 

After reading the description of the space and its amenities, booking the aboveground basement apartment was an absolute no-brainer, not to mention it was less than a five-minute walk downtown.

A few years ago, locals Ralph and Elena Smith embarked on a project to turn an old Maine house into a local Airbnb haven that blends modern comforts with that Boothbay Harbor coastal charm.

Elena was inspired by her time as a temporary innkeeper at Sur la Mere, a one-time inn in the harbor. When they started remodeling the house at 8 West, they had no idea what surprises lay ahead. Two years later, after taking nearly 70% of the building down to its bones (thankfully, they were good bones), they completed what turned out to be a much more extensive (and expensive) remodel that they had originally planned for. But the end result was worth it.

We’re talking new plumbing, wiring, insulation, and windows, all of which brought new life to the old home. Ralph informed me after our stay in the aboveground basement apartment that it was “spider-infested” when the project began. Creepy! You would never know, as it has been completely transformed into a gorgeous, cozy space.

It came with its own kitchen, two bedrooms, a living room with a queen sleeper, and a private bath—perfect for families or groups. We also found it to be quite larger than the pictures portrayed.

In addition to our space, we loved the common areas, especially the chef’s kitchen, which we totally took advantage of. We’re talking a large, top-of-the-line gas stove and a commercial hood. Other common areas at 8 West are just as inviting. There's a large dining room, office workspace, living room with a large, high-res TV, king sleeper, reading room with a fireplace, and a common area bathroom (all on the main level), and finally, the deck with a gas grill and picnic table overlooking the backyard.

I have stayed at many Airbnbs, but to have all of these amenities was a huge bonus for a very fair price.

The building has three additional rental options that come with three master bedrooms: the Key West Master, the Southwest Master, and the Penthouse. Each room is designed with plenty of natural light, private decks, and entrances. Outside, there’s plenty of parking, yard space, a fire pit, and hammocks with surrounding oak trees. If you have a really large group, the building can be rented as a whole unit, sleeping up to 20 comfortably!

Lastly, the complimentary light breakfast and coffee served every morning at 8 am was a pretty awesome final touch. I highly recommend you experience this beautifully-remodeled Airbnb at 8 West St in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.