As a travel advisor for Elli Travel Group, located in Westchester, NY, I always like to recommend the state of Connecticut to clients looking for a quick weekend get-away. It’s easy to get to, doesn’t require a lot of time in the car, and whisks you away to perfect scenery, from the bucolic countryside to pretty coastal towns to charming villages.
Below is a list of our favorite hotels to visit in Connecticut. Whether you want the coast, the countryside, or the buzz of shopping and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Our rates are the same as published rates and many of these hotels are in our network, which allow clients to receive extra amenities and benefits. Those hotels are noted at the end of each description.
Mayflower Inn and Spa
Part of the esteemed Auberge Resorts Collection, the Mayflower Inn and Spa is located in Washington, CT in gorgeous Litchfield Country. The scenery is stunning, with its fairytale-like rolling hills, covered bridges and red barns dotting the land.
The hotel itself is regarded as one of New England’s nicest inns, with an award-winning spa and 38 rooms and suites adorned with Frette linens, Tabriz rugs and four-poster canopy style beds. “Sophisticated charm and relaxed country style” abound in this English country house and cottages. It is the ultimate country retreat, where one can enjoy its 58 acres of manicured gardens, lawns and woodlands, or simply relax in the spa.
The Mayflower is also known for its farm-to-table dining, with award-winning chef-in-residence, April Bloomfield. There is the Garden Room for fine dining cuisine and the Tap Room for more pub-style casual fare. Perfect for a couples’ get-away or girls’ weekend, Mayflower is part of our Virtuoso network, and clients can receive extra amenities.
Winvian Farm
Near to Mayflower, in Litchfield Hills is Winvian Farm, the ultimate 5-star, whimsical retreat. Perfect for social distancing, Winvian’s 18 cottages and master suites are located on 113 acres, with limitless outdoor activity. Hiking, biking, walking the wooded pathways, swimming, snowshoeing and spending time in the organic gardens are just some of the activities.
There’s no place quite like Winvian Farm. Fancy a treehouse for the weekend? You can have that. Or what about a greenhouse? Stay in the “Greenhouse” and experience a glass ceiling roof. Stay in an artist studio, a music conservatory, a library – each cottage has its theme. It’s a completely unique experience, just a little over 2 hours from New York City.
Winvian Farm is also known for its spa and 5-star dining. One can pamper themselves in the 5,000 square foot spa, which is naturally light-filled and where relaxation meets nature. The restaurant, The Restaurant at Winvian Farm, is renowned for farm-to-table fare and an excellent selection of wines from its very own wine cellar.
Winvian Farm is part of our Virtuoso network, and clients can receive extra amenities.
Madison Beach Hotel
I love this charming hotel, located on the shore in Madison, CT. With its own beach set up with beach loungers and umbrellas, you really feel like you’ve gotten away, yet it’s only 2 hours away from New York City. The town of Madison has a great, beachy vibe with beautiful homes and manicured lawns, and it almost seems like you’re on the Cape on the Atlantic, and not the Long Island Sound.
I’ve been to the Madison Beach Hotel both during the summer and late fall – when it was very chilly – and both were great times to visit. The late afternoon light on the shore, going for beach walks, and in general just relaxing in a beautiful location, can be had any time of year. There is a spa upstairs – while it’s not the biggest or most luxurious spa, I actually had the best back massage I’ve ever had there.
The Wharf restaurant is popular, with a deck and outdoor seating overlooking the Sound (and heated during the colder months), and a fun bar scene. While the food may not be up to par as the hotels mentioned above, it’s still delicious, with a nice selection of seafoods, meats and salads.
One of the things I appreciate the most about this hotel is that it’s dog-friendly. To read more about my experience you can read my post Why We Love the Pet-Friendly Madison Beach Hotel and to read more about the town, you can read Weekend Guide to Beachy, Madison, CT.
The Inn at Stonington
This utterly charming Inn at Stonington, CT makes for an amazing couples’ get-away. Of course, families are welcome too, but most of the rooms are for two people. I have long visited Stonington, a hop, skip and a jump away from Watch Hill, RI, another destination I love to visit.
There’s something very special about the little seaside village of Stonington – the only place in Connecticut that faces the Atlantic Ocean. It’s tiny – yet within its small borders lie a small, but very picturesque beach; great shopping full of antique stores, designer shops and art galleries; and some really great restaurants (Water Street Café is one of my favorites). It just has a super cute, relaxed feel to it, and still retains its historical 17th and 18th century charm.
The Inn at Stonington has 18 guest rooms, all individually decorated, and most with balconies and gas-lit fireplaces. It is set right in town, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Mystic, CT is nearby if you want to visit the Mystic Aquarium. One of my favorite things about the Inn is its complimentary evening wine and cheese hour, located on its first floor living room overlooking the water.
Saybrook Point Resort and Marina
People love this waterfront hotel, located in Old Saybrook between the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River. With its own marina, it automatically lends itself a vaca- type vibe. There is a spa, an outdoor pool, and marina views.
The rooms are located in the Main Inn, the one-of-a-kind Lighthouse Suite, and Guest Houses. The Lighthouse Suite is totally unique – it’s located at the end of the hotel’s Main Dock with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River. The suite has 900 square feet with living room, dining area and kitchenette.
Fresh Salt, the hotel’s restaurant, has amazing food and is extremely popular, both with hotel and non-hotel guests. It’s one of the best restaurants in Old Saybrook, right there for you to enjoy.
Delamar Greenwich Harbor
For some luxury in Greenwich, head to the Delamar, located downtown right on Greenwich’s harbor. This boutique hotel has been a favorite for many people who visit Greenwich – I should know, this is my home town; my family has had many a wedding party guest stay here. It’s all about location, location, location. While enjoying some peaceful time on the harbor, you are also just minutes from Greenwich Avenue – the heart of downtown, with upscale shopping and restaurants. If you’re looking for a bigger town with a “who’s who” kind of vibe, then Greenwich is the place.
The Delamar is a luxury boutique hotel with 82 rooms and suites, most of them overlooking the harbor with private balcony. It has a spa on the second floor with three treatment rooms, and a popular waterside restaurant called l’escale Restaurant. It’s a very elegant hotel, and makes a nice escape if you’re looking for something a little more cosmopolitan, and less country.
Delamar Greenwich Harbor is part of our Virtuoso network, and clients can receive extra amenities.
Email corey@ellitravel.com or contact your Elli Travel Advisor today at vacations@ellitravel.com to unlock extra benefits, such as:
Daily breakfast
Room upgrades
Complimentary internet access
$100 spa, golf, or resort credit
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