Looking to rest your head in the Nutmeg State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in Connecticut for 2015.
BEST FAMILY CAMPGROUND
BEAR CREEK CAMPGROUND, Bristol
A day at Lake Compounce, America’s oldest amusement park, is doubly fun when you’re justa short tram ride away from marshmallow toasting and movie nights. An on-site campground is Lake Compounce’s newest thrill. Bring your own tent or RV, or rent a cabin or handcrafted tipi—with electricity. Tent sites: from $35.
185 Enterprise Drive. 860-583-3300;
campbearcreek.com
BEST MOTEL
MILESTONE INN, Woodbury
It’s a motel by definition: Doors open to the outside world. But once you’re behind closed guestroom doors at this affordable lodging option in the heart of antiques country, you’ll swear you’re staying at a fine country inn. Rates: from $80.
146 South Pomperaug Ave. 203-405-6261;
milestoneinnct.com
BEST COLONIAL INN
LATHROP MANOR, Norwich
When a house has stood longer than the U.S. has been a nation, its 12-over-12 windows still intact, its hand-hewn wood beams testament to colonial builders’ talents, its wide floorboards lovingly restored, it’s bound to pack some history. Sit down to breakfast at the period table that Marco Middleton crafted in his woodshop, and be wowed by course after course made with farm-fresh ingredients. Middleton, who owns this 1744 inn with wife, Sheryl, helmed kitchens at five-star resorts out West. Rates: from $150.
380 Washington St. 860-204-9448;
lathropmanor.com
BEST GUEST HOUSE
THREE STORIES AT SAYBROOK POINT INN & SPA, Old Saybrook
The Saybrook Point Inn’s owners couldn’t bear to watch the 1892 Italianate mansion across the street crumble. Their rescue effort, completed in 2014, has made eight designer rooms—themed to honor prominent locals, including Katharine Hepburn’s mother—available to adult guests. Alluring common areas include a rooftop deck, a Yale-themed lounge, and a billiards room with an intricately carved antique table. Rates: from $349.
2 Bridge St. 860-395-2000;
saybrook.com/rooms/three-stories
BEST WATERSIDE LUXURY
VILLAS BY THE SEA AT WATER’S EDGE, Westbrook
You can’t stay closer to the water in Connecticut than these 20 sleek, spacious two-bedroom suites outfitted with gourmet kitchens and gas fireplaces. Built in 2013 for eventual sale as private beach condos, the newest accommodations at the multifaceted and enduring Water’s Edge Resort sleep six and are rentable by the night or the week. Rates: from $750.
1525 Boston Post Road. 860-399-5901;
ownwatersedge.com