Want to get away to one of the Nutmeg State’s most historic seaports? Our round-up of top Mystic, CT, hotels and inns will get you started.
By Yankee Staff
Jan 28 2022
Spicer Mansion | Mystic, CT, Hotels and Inns
Photo Credit : Courtesy of Spicer MansionThough the southeastern Connecticut town of Mystic is unquestionably a tourist draw — pulling in more than a quarter of the state’s total travel spending annually — it maintains a small-town feel. Carved wooden signs, cobblestone walkways, and historic buildings quietly proclaim Mystic’s deep roots (c. 1654). Its top attractions — Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium — underscore the maritime character here, as do the Mystic River views throughout the charming downtown. From its many restaurants and independent shops to its top-notch museums and arts and culture festivals, Mystic offers plenty to fill a weekend (or weeklong) itinerary. If you’re planning a visit, this list of Mystic, CT, hotels, and inns will help you find the perfect home base.
Travelers will do well to book a room at this charming luxury B&B — the only waterfront digs, in fact, in a historic town surrounded by water. Out the door are shops, restaurants, and Mystic’s iconic drawbridge. Every one of the 11 guest rooms and suites comes with a tastefully decorated interior, and many have a working fireplace, whirlpool tub, and windows that frame views of boats gliding to and from Long Island Sound on the Mystic River. Named a 2017 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Inn with a View.”
Located about a 10-minute drive from Mystic is the picturesque seaside village of Stonington, which is where you’ll find this equally inviting 18-room inn. (Both were featured, in fact, in the Meryl Streep–Tommy Lee Jones movie Hope Springs.) Most rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis, as well as private balconies and views of the village and Fishers Island Sound. Restaurants, shops, a lighthouse museum, and a secluded little beach are only steps away. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Romantic Inn.”
This collection of five buildings from different eras is right in the middle of Mystic town, making it ideal for those who love to stroll and browse downtown. Among the options are the 1865 House, a Victorian once owned by shipbuilder George Mallory, and the Main Inn, a c. 1920 building that still retains some of its original tin ceilings. The decor throughout is a mix of traditional and modern, but uniformly appealing and comfortable.
Another Stonington pick, the Orchard Street Inn is a small B&B tucked away on a side street within walking distance of the historic borough’s restaurants, shops, and marina. Scan the ships sailing by from a rooftop widow’s walk, or pedal a bike to the docks. The backyard cottage offers three guest rooms, while the main house has two — including the luxury Captain’s Suite, which boasts a whirlpoool tub and private balcony. When the weather is fine, you can enjoy breakfast on the outdoor deck overlooking the garden. Named a 2014 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best View.”
Front-porch rocking chairs? Check. Genteel formal parlors? Check. Seasonal full-size swimming pools? Check. This luxurious B&B in a landmark Greek Revival mansion is, in fact, one big stress-free zone. Each of the five guest suites has a sitting area, an antique bed, and working fireplace. Four also have oversize whirlpool tubs, and two have their own private garden porches. Another notable pampering perk: a New England country-gourmet candlelight breakfast.
Art lovers will happily bed down at this quirky, comfy B&B in downtown Mystic. Throughout the c. 1843 Victorian Italianate residence, local artist Jennifer Wolcin has left her mark in the form of original artwork featuring the inn’s namesake underwater sprite. Innkeeper Josephine Guarnaccia earns high marks for her hospitality. But visitors also rave about her cooking, spannin fresh-baked cookies to gourmet waffles with fresh berries.
Any Mystic, CT, hotels we missed? Let us know!
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.