These Are Among The Very Best Places To Stay In Connecticut
Trent Jonas
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
From Long Island Sound to the mountains, and Stonington to Norwalk, Connecticut is a paradise for nature lovers and urban tourists alike. It’s lined with beaches, blanketed with forests, and bedazzled with charming towns and villages – all of them urging you to explore. So, book a stay with your family, or just your favorite traveling companion, and get out and experience everything the Constitution State has to offer. To help, we’ve offered some suggestions that we think are some of the best places to stay in Connecticut.
Best Affordable Places To Stay In Connecticut
You don’t have to empty your wallet for a weekend getaway or vacation rental in Connecticut. In fact, you’ll find an impressive selection of rental cottages, condos, apartments, and homes for $100 per night or less. These are a couple of our favorites.
1. Charming Lakefront Cottage, Ashford
- Location: Ashford, CT
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $130/night
- Amenities: Deck, kayaks, canoe, grill, fire pit, dock, fireplace, lakefront property
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This charming lakefront cottage on the shore of Lake Chafee stretches your vacation dollars a long way. With a quaint interior that includes a fireplace and two bedrooms, as well as air conditioning, wi-fi, and flat-screen television, this cottage is also a nature lover's paradise. Go kayaking, swimming, or fishing, or simply relax on the deck and read - all for less than the cost of a meal out with the family.
2. The Brookside Barn, Cornwall
- Location: Cornwall, CT
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $155/night
- Amenities: Kitchen, river and mountain views, private backyard, BBQ grill
- Ratings: 4.98 stars
As one of the best Airbnbs in Connecticut, The Brookside Barn is a cozy abode in the northwest corner of Connecticut. This home provides a lovely retreat from everyday life. Take in the views of the river or take a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Inside, you'll find an impeccably furnished and decorated space, so whether you spend time indoors or outside, this affordable Airbnb is a wonderful getaway!
3. Windy Top Cottage, Granby
- Location: Granby, CT
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $135/night
- Amenities: Gas fireplace, garden view, private backyard, fire pit, outdoor dining area
- Ratings: 4.99 stars
The stone structure that is Windy Top Cottage looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Built in 1932, this historic cottage sits in a rural area for a remote escape in CT. Offering 1,000 square feet of space, it's quite roomy yet with a cozy feel, especially with rock walls throughout. There is no kitchen in this home so keep that in mind before booking.
Best Places To Stay In Connecticut For Families
Connecticut is a superb state for a family getaway, with a broad range of accommodations in some fantastic settings, from the seaside to the fringes of New York City. Lakefront cabins and beachfront cottages are among the most popular family accommodations for families in Connecticut, as the extra outdoor spaces offer both entertainment and activity options, as well as a way to spread out a bit.
4. Waterfront Beach House, Branford
- Location: Branford, CT
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $566/night
- Amenities: Open kitchen, porch, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor dining area, beach
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
With gorgeous views of Long Island Sound, this beautiful beach house is an ideal spot for a family getaway. The beachfront home boasts three bedrooms and two baths, as well as an outdoor shower for post-beach rinses. It comfortably sleeps six and has everything you need for a day at the beach and a delightful family dinner afterward.
5. Stylish Beach Home, Cove - East Side - Shippan, Stamford
- Location: Cove - East Side - Shippan, Stamford, CT
- Size: 5 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $838/night
- Amenities: Water views, game room, fire pit, bicycles, washer and dryer, air conditioning
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Are you on the lookout for a spacious and comfortable vacation rental with water views and plenty of natural light? Look no further than this beautiful five-bedroom home tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. Perfect for large families, this home has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. There's a new billiard table that converts into a ping pong table, as well as foosball, puzzles, games, cards, coloring books, sketch pads, colored pencils, and crayons. And if you're a book lover, you'll appreciate our extensive collection of books for all ages. Outside, the yard is fully fenced in and very private, with a large deck, outdoor dining table, fire pit, and BBQ grill. And if you're looking to explore the area, you'll be just a short walk from Cove Beach, parks, courts, and an ice rink.
6. Lake Fun, East Hampton
- Location: East Hampton, CT
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $371/night
- Amenities: Water views, kayaks, rowboat, ping pong, pool table, fire pit, EV charger
- Ratings: 4.98 stars
Lake Fun is certainly fun on the lake at one of the most magnificent vacation rentals in Connecticut! With its location on the shores of Lake Pocotopaug, it's family fun on the water all day long. You'll have 85 feet of lakefront plus a dock and access to kayaks, a row boat, and a paddleboard. Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen where you can cook all your meals to have either indoors or out on the deck overlooking the water.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Connecticut for Couples
From the mountains to the beach, with so many options for a romantic getaway in Connecticut, couples have a seemingly infinite array to choose from when it comes to selecting accommodations. Lakefront cottages, beachfront condos, and urban pieds-a-terre are all awesome options. Here are a couple we think you and your favorite companion may like for a Constitution State interlude.
7. Idyllic Private Beachfront Property, Old Saybrook
- Location: Old Saybrook, CT
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $300/night
- Amenities: Steps to a private beach, furnished patio, outdoor kitchen, sweeping ocean views, outdoor shower, second deck
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Are you looking for the perfect romantic getaway? Look no further than this recently remodeled beachfront home. Though this gorgeous home can host larger parties, the secluded beach, epic views, and beachy chic decor make it a perfect space for couples. With a large cedar deck perfect for relaxing conversations and waterfront sunbathing, complete with an outdoor kitchen and dining area, you'll have everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime. Inside offers a large master bedroom with views of the ocean and a balcony to take it all in. This rental is the perfect spot for a romantic vacation you'll never forget.
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8. Rustic Lakeside Cabin, East Lyme
- Location: East Lyme, CT
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $34/night
- Amenities: Fire pit, private beach, grill, dock, kayak, stand-up paddle boards, nature trails
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
Active couples will adore this lakeside cottage at White Gate Farm. Located directly on the shore of Lake Pattagansett, this cabin has its own dock and beach, as well as a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. Go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, swim from your private beach, or hike the nearby trails. Guests are free to explore the farm - or you can just cozy up at your own lakeside bonfire and pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist.
9. The Farmhouse Stay, Haddam
- Location: Haddam, CT
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $499/night
- Amenities: Kitchen, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, gas fireplace
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
One night in this stunning farmhouse and you may want to move in permanently! This 1780 remodeled Cape is situated on 15 acres giving you all the privacy you could want to spend a romantic getaway. Inside, the wood beam ceiling makes the 2,000-square-foot home seem quite cozy. Speaking of cozy, why not pour a couple of glasses of wine and cozy up by the fireplace? Sounds, romantic, doesn't it?
Best Places to Stay in Mystic
Mystic, home to the historic Mystic Seaport, one of the country’s largest maritime museums, is a charming village split between the towns of Groton and Stonington. It was first developed in the 17th century and played a significant role in the early days of both shipbuilding and whaling. Its rich history and charm keep people coming to the village for vacations and getaways.
10. Seaside Getaway, Mystic
- Location: Mystic, CT
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $300/night
- Amenities: Grill, fire pit, internet, waterfront, and kayaks, available for an additional fee
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
This waterfront studio apartment offers 180-degree views of the bay. Read by the seaside, enjoy a crackling fire by the ocean, or enjoy a paddling excursion along the coast and historic seaport. Bring your own or rent a kayak from the property owner for an additional fee that covers the entirety of your stay.
11. Gorgeous Waterfront Getaway, Mystic
- Location: Mystic, CT
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $155/night
- Amenities: Kitchenette, A/C, heat, beach access, private backyard
- Ratings: 4.99 stars
This Gorgeous Waterfront Getaway is exactly that -- gorgeous! Sitting on the water just over a mile from downtown Mystic, this home is certainly in a convenient location. Enjoy water views as well as access to the beach during your stay.
12. Mystic Wellness Retreat, Mystic
- Location: Mystic, CT
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $299/night
- Amenities: Fire pit, hot tub, game room, sauna, organic toiletries, washer/dryer
- Ratings: 4.98 stars
While this Airbnb in Connecticut is looks unassuming on the outside, it's absolutely impressive inside and out in the backyard! Referred to as the "Mystic Wellness Retreat," this home will provide you with ways to relax and yet have some fun, too. In the game room, you can have some fun playing pool, ping pong, or one of the arcade games. There's also a sauna where you can do some relaxing before heading out to the hot tub. Outside is where you'll have your very own private hot tub. Ready to relax?
Best Places to Stay in New Haven
New Haven is one of Connecticut’s vibrant coastal cities. Famous as the home of Yale University, New Haven is steeped in history. In addition, the city boasts many parks and historical sites, and its tree-lined streets are extraordinarily walkable. New Englanders flock to New Haven year-round for day trips or weekend getaways in some of the most charming vacation rentals in Connecticut.
13. Casa al Mare Beachfront Retreat, New Haven
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $662/night
- Amenities: Ocean views, fireplace, Jacuzzi style hot tubs, kayak available for rent, waterfall
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Tucked onto the coast near Lighthouse Point, Casa al Mare Beachfront Retreat is the perfect place for a New Haven escape. It's located just minutes from New Haven Center and Yale University, and yet this home is worlds away. Enjoy a soak in the jetted tubs, a paddle on the water in the available rental kayak, and then curl up with a book and spectacular views over the seascape.
14. Waterfront Apartment, New Haven
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $164/night
- Amenities: Waterfront location, near Yale and New Haven center, air conditioning, internet
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
This waterfront two-bedroom apartment in New Haven is all about location. Updated and modern, this rental offers views of the Quinnipiac River, and you can easily walk to downtown New Haven and other nearby points of interest, like Yale University.
15. Downtown New Haven Apartment, New Haven
- Location: Downtown New Haven, CT
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $304/night
- Amenities: Downtown location, walkable to Yale, access to apartment amenities, grill, washer and dryer, air conditioning, internet
- Ratings: 5.0 stars
For a luxurious stay in the heart of historic downtown New Haven check out this stunning one-bedroom suite in a brand-new luxury building. This suite offers unparalleled comfort, service, and amenities. Watch a movie on a 4K TV, relax in the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, whip up dinner in the fully-equipped kitchen, work up a sweat in the 24-hour gym, and relax on the rooftop sun terrace. Plus, with walkable access to Yale, you can explore the city like a local. The rental is conveniently located in the center of historic downtown New Haven, so you can easily take in the city's tree-lined streets, cultural attractions, entertainment, and culinary offerings on foot.
This is, of course, just a sampling of the best places to stay in Connecticut and far from anything like a comprehensive list. We hope a stay at one of these places will make you want to go out and find other cottages, homes, and condos that could be included among the best places to stay in the Constitution State. Why not take a road trip and discover some of the best vacation rentals in Connecticut?
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More to Explore
More Of The Best Places To Stay In Connecticut
What are the best unique hotels in Connecticut?
You'll find plenty of premier properties from proprietors like Hyatt and Marriott in the Constitution State, but the best unique hotels in Connecticut will be those that help to create unforgettable experiences. So, whether it's the unique nature of the property, its location, history, and architecture, or the sheer elegance of the rooms, among the best hotels in Connecticut, you're certain to find a one-of-a-kind stay that will leave you with lifelong memories. Here is a handful of examples of the types of charming and unique Connecticut hotels you can find in the Constitution State.
- Madison Beach Hotel by Hilton, Madison, CT
- Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, CT
- Delamar West Hartford, West Hartford, CT
- The J House Greenwich Hotel, Riverside, CT
- Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, Old Saybrook, CT
- Winvian Farm, Litchfield Hills, CT
- The Whaler's Inn, Mystic, CT
- Water's Edge Resort & Spa, Westbrook, CT
- Delamar Greenwich Harbor, Greenwich, CT
Visit the hotels’ websites for reservations and to verify what amenities and accommodation options they may offer, such as guesthouses, linens, kitchenettes, continental breakfast, indoor pools, fitness centers, private balconies, etc.
What are some of the most unique getaways in Connecticut?
With its location in the heart of New England, spined by mountains, lined by Long Island Sound, and crossed by the Connecticut River, yet home to cities like Hartford, Danbury, and Bridgeport - and close to metropolitan New York City and Boston - it should come as no surprise that the Constitution State is a popular destination for travelers. Charming villages like Old Saybrook, Groton, and Westbrook make ideal destinations for weekend getaways. Stroll the main street, visit an art gallery, or stay at a boutique hotel.
Take a break with a trip to one of Connecticut’s amazing state parks and historic sites. Harkness Memorial State Park, for example, offers history, nature, and a little something for everyone. Dive deeper into the state's cultural past with a visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford.
Don't forget that Connecticut is also home to two of the largest casinos in the United States: Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, and Foxwoods Resort Casino, near Norwich. At either, you can visit the spa for facials and massages, or dine at the on-site restaurants. Either makes for an awesome getaway like none you could find anywhere else in the country.