Connecticut’s Best Lodging 2011

BEST IMPRESSIONIST SUNSETS
Bee & Thistle Inn & Spa,Old Lyme
All nine guestrooms in this Colonial mansion are as graceful as the works of the American Impressionists who once painted beside its backyard river. There’s also a convivial restaurant and a rare petanque court for French lawn bowling. Rates: from $170. 100 Lyme St. 800-622-4946, 860-434-1667; beeandthistleinn.com

BEST ARTFUL LODGING
Delamar Southport, Southport
With architectural nods to New England ancestry, this new coastal-village hotel combines classy comfort, original artworks, and, in most rooms, convenient kitchens. Relax in the spa suite, climb aboard a cocktail cruise, or trot down to the beach. Pooch positive, so bring your pet (under 50 pounds). Rates: from $269. 275 Old Post Road. 203-259-2800; thedelamar.com

BEST VICTORIAN RESPITE
Chapin Park Bed & Breakfast, New Hartford
Built when needlework flourished, this 1871 house shines with etched glass and marble fireplaces. Parlors are stitching havens, or walk to the Farmington River. Four guestrooms. Rates: from $130, including full breakfast. 45 Church St. 860-379-1075; chapinparkbandb.com</i

BEST QUIET CONVENIENCE
Dutch Iris Inn, Granby
Relax on the porch swing, nibble homemade cookies, admire the gardens a little longer–it’s just a 15-minute ride to Connecticut’s largest airport. Antiques are at home in all six guestrooms of this 1812 house. Rates: from $130. 239 Salmon Brook St. (Route 10). 877-280-0743, 860-844-0262; dutchirisinn.com

BEST HEARTH & HOME
Elias Child House, Woodstock
Follow the trails, pop in the pool, or peek at the horses before gathering for board games. Make special arrangements to help cook dinner on the mid-1700s hearth. All three guestrooms include family heirlooms. Rates: from $120, including full breakfast. 50 Perrin Road. 877-974-9836, 860-974-9836; eliaschildhouse.com

BEST CHURCH CONVERSIONFourteen Lincoln Street, Niantic Walk up from the beach, then settle into one of the four elegant suites that inhabit this former church. Sit in the two-story dining room or arrange a butler-served supper in the bell-tower library. Cooking classes, too. Rates: from $250, including continental breakfast and afternoon sweets. 14 Lincoln St. 860-739-6327; fourteenlincolnstreet.com

BEST HILLTOP COTTAGE
The Nehemiah Brainerd B&B, Haddam
Once a writer’s refuge, the recently restored Laurel Cottage works well for a secluded getaway, with country breakfast delivered. Or join visitors to the home, in any of three admirably appointed guestrooms. Rates: house rooms from $140, including full breakfast; cottage from $275, including full breakfast. 988 Saybrook Road. 860-345-8605; brainerdhousebb.com