Connecticut Lodging 2009

LODGING

Best Compound:
BREADLOAF MOUNTAIN LODGE AND COTTAGES, Cornwall Bridge
Under the same ownership as Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop next door, yet far different. This 1780s lodge has been brought into the 21st century, with five lushly landscaped hillside cottages featuring cathedral ceilings, luxe baths, and dreamy sleeping porches. Rates: from $295. 13 Route 7. 860-672-6064; breadloafmountainlodge.com

Best Country Escape:
COPPER BEECH INN, Ivoryton
This 1890s inn has been restored to its glory days and then some, with classy redecoration, an inviting new brasserie, a talented new chef, and a new nine-room luxury addition, bringing the grand total to 22. Nearby is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride.Rates: from $195. 46 Main St. 860-767-0330; copperbeechinn.com

Best Ivy League Overnight:
THE STUDY AT YALE, New Haven
Sophisticated yet comfortable and inviting, this new 124-room hotel is a sleek mix of modern and traditional, with walls of streetside glass, HD-TVs, and more. Inspired by old Eli, it’s smart too, with centerpiece desks and books, books everywhere. (Two weeks after opening, it had sold out for commencement. Those Yalie parents don’t let any grass grow under their feet.) Rates: from $269. 1157 Chapel St. 866-930-1157, 203-503-3900; studyhotels.com

Best Excuse to Cool Off:
COCO KEY WATER RESORT, Waterbury
The Holiday Inn Grand has opened a splashy uber-amenity, Connecticut’s first and only water park with a tropical atmosphere. With 40-foot water slides, a dip-in movie theater, an adventure river, and a play island, it’s all family-friendly to the max. Rates: from $189. 3580 East Main St. 203-706-1000; cocokeywaterresort.com

Best Pampering:
THE SPA AT NORWICH INN, Norwich
At this gracious Georgian manor-turned-country-inn-turned-spa, your R&R comes via state-of-the-art treatments, a health-conscious restaurant, tennis, and swimming. Sound too tame? You’re just five minutes from the action at Mohegan Sun, 15 from Foxwoods and the MGM Grand. Rates: from $175; call for special packages. 607 West Thames St. 800-275-4772, 860-886-2401; thespaatnorwichinn.com

Best ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ B&B:
ROCK HALL, Colebrook
Really want to get away from it all? Look into Rock Hall, a 10,000-square-foot manse on 23 acres in tiny Colebrook in the Litchfield Hills. The 1912 home boasts four luxe guest rooms and Olmsted-landscaped grounds that include a tennis court and 75-foot pool. Rates: from $240 winter/spring, $300 beginning in June, including gourmet breakfast. 19 Rock Hall Road. 860-379-2230; 19rockhallroad.com