8 Connecticut Beach Hotels for Coastal Relaxation from New Haven to Greenwich

Fairfield’s beaches are some of the best on the Gold Coast, and the newly renovated Circle Hotel provides its guests with complimentary day passes for Jennings Beach and Pennfield Beach, both just a short drive away.

The guest rooms are on the simple side with a minimalistic vibe and coastal flair, and a truly unique amenity is the hotel’s comedy package. Every weekend, the hotel’s lobby transforms into the Fairfield Comedy Club, which hosts an ever-changing roster of nationally-known stand up comedians such as Joe Gerics, Christian Polanco, Katie Hannigan, and Rich Vos.

On one side of The Delamar Greenwich Hotel is the Greenwich Metro-North station, which offers direct trains daily into New York City. On the other side, is a sprawling marina and views of the nearby islands that dot the Greenwich harbor. Its accessibility to New York makes it a hotspot for both visitors from the city as well as international travelers.

Many of the rooms have balconies overlooking the water, and Greenwich has no shortage of beaches for visitors to explore, including Greenwich Point Park and Hawthorne Beach. Great Captain’s Island is also nearby, but only accessible via boat, whether by the town run ferry or your own private vessel.

The Madison Beach Hotel is the crème de la crème of the Connecticut coast. Luxury is at the forefront having gained a coveted AAA Four Diamond rating for excellence. All of its 33 rooms have ocean views and access to a private beach, making it the only hotel on this list directly on the beach.

Popular with couples seeking a romantic getaway, there’s a full-service spa onsite, and the hotel is a frequent host to beachfront weddings. Golfing enthusiasts can take advantage of the Madison Country Club which is just a short walk away from the hotel.

If you’re visiting this area, you’d be remiss not to go to the nearby Hammonasset Beach State Park. This free two-mile stretch of silky sand is Connecticut’s largest shoreline park and attracts around one million visitors annually.

Spend a night in the stately home of the Elihu Spicer, who was once referred to as “the most prominent man in Mystic” by the local newspaper The Day. Built in 1853, the building underwent a massive renovation before opening as a boutique hotel in 2016.

Made famous by Mystic Pizza, the town is just as nautically driven as depicted in the film. Williams Beach Park is less than a mile away and is a popular swimming spot and local seafood can be found on just about every menu in town (even at the movie’s namesake restaurant).

While the guestrooms are beautiful, spacious, and cozy, the Spicer Mansion prides itself on entertaining, just as Mr Spicer did. That’s why they’ve restored several salons, encouraging guests to sit, relax, read, or even enjoy a bite to eat in the semi-public spaces, such as the magnolia-lined backyard garden.

Situated between beachy Milford and bustling New Haven, The Hyatt Place sits directly on the Indian River and just a few miles away from my personal favorite beach location in Connecticut. Walnut Beach is a popular beach volleyball spot with some of the most spectacular cotton candy pink sunsets. This beach also hosts events throughout the season including outdoor Zumba and Third Thursdays that echo neighborhood block parties, with dancing, yoga, live music, complimentary wine tastings, and pop up food vendors.

The quaint Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, as the name suggests, is situated on a popular marina in Niantic. The inn offers guests a complimentary breakfast every morning and refreshments 24 hours a day.

Every room has a private balcony, fireplace, and soaking tubs. Complimentary beach passes as well as beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas are also provided to guests visiting the beach along Niantic Bay Boardwalk.

The boardwalk offers waterfront views, perhaps the best in the state. The boardwalk is split into two parts. First, there’s a simple, paved boardwalk with and the second is simply sand dunes. A public beach is located between the two sections, and locals love it for its white sands unique to the area.

The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa trades the beach for a dock and is host to boats both big and small. Though they are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, they strike the right balance of elegance and unpretentious service.

In addition to the rooms and suites of the main inn, there are two quaint guesthouses as well as an incredible dockside lighthouse suite that offers unparalleled views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The inn also has a heated, outdoor saltwater pool open year-round, an indoor pool, and a cozy day spa.

Complimentary bikes are offered to guests, and I suggest taking the causeway behind the inn over to the former estate of the esteemed Hollywood actress (and Connecticut native), Katherine Hepburn and the nearby lighthouse that’s imprinted on every Connecticut license plate. Though neither are open to the public, you can still get a good view from the road.

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa is another beachfront property that’s one of the finest in the state. The main hotel has nearly 100 rooms and offers more private accommodations in a historical colonial house or one of the two beachfront cottages. They offer luxury accommodations as well as unobstructed views of the sound and convenient beach access.

The hotel has weekly entertainment that includes dinner in one of the four on-site restaurants and a show. Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers tribute bands are the most popular shows, but for but more high brow acts, such as classically trained pianists also round out the selection.