The Whaler’s InnA food town like Mystic needs a hotel with chops, but surprisingly, it didn’t exist here until a few years ago when The Whaler's Inn went through a reboot. Now the 125-year-old property has a modern nautical look and a notable restaurant: Shipwright’s Daughter, run by chef David Standridge, who earned two Michelin stars while working with Joël Robuchon in New York City. The hotel is spread across five historic buildings in the center of Mystic, including the white clapboard 1910 Main Inn, which has guest rooms with tin ceilings and suites with bunk-bed nooks for kids. Fun fact about the 1865 House — it was actually built by a shipbuilder in 1855. Someone got the date wrong when they named the building.
Insider tip: Our favorite space at The Whaler’s Inn is the Hoxie House, where all the rooms have views of the Mystic River. Try to snag Room #74, which has a killer panorama of town and a fireplace for cozy New England nights. Honorable Hotel MentionsFor Sweethearts: Inn at Stonington in Stonington - A hideaway in the tree-lined village with individually decorated rooms, gas fireplaces, and a quintessential New England vibe. Have a glass of wine on the deck as the sun sets over the harbor.
For History Buffs: Spicer Mansion in Mystic - Restored mansion that was once the summer home of a fishing captain and is now owned by the people behind the Ocean Club in nearby Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Each room was named for a vessel in its former owner’s fleet.
For a Cheap Sleep: Hyatt Place in Mystic - Attached to the aquarium, the Hyatt Place has sleek rooms, grab-and-go food options, and a fitness center. Bring Fido: It’s pet friendly.
For High Rollers: Foxwoods in Mashantucket - Ten miles outside Mystic is the largest resort in the Northeast. Good for gambling, shopping, entertainment, even ziplining.
For Instagrammers: Mohegan Sun in Uncasville - A bit farther afield is Mohegan Sun, with a spa, casino, golf course, 10,000-seat concert arena, indoor and outdoor pools, 75 shops, go-karts, kids’ club — and of course, ‘gram Dale Chihuly’s River Blue statue.
▶️ Want to get a glimpse of Mystic’s fall colors from the air? Video: Mystic Seaport Museum Aerial |
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