Our region is blessed with an incredible shoreline that stretches from Connecticut’s quaint shoreline towns to the fishing villages of Rhode Island. Spring is a great time to get out and explore all that the shoreline has to offer. The crowds are sparse, the air is getting warm enough for leisurely beach walks, but cool enough at night for a cozy fire in a rustic dining room or in your guest room. Here are just a few of the places to stay along our spectacular coastline.
Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Perched on the shore of Long Island Sound, this boutique hotel has spectacular ocean views from 32 of the 33 guest rooms.
True to its name, Madison Beach Hotel has a private beach and is also a short drive to one of the state’s premiere seaside destinations, Hammonasset State Beach and Park.
When you’re done soaking up the sun you can visit one of the many quintessential New England Villages and bustling main streets that are just a short drive from the hotel, including Madison’s downtown, Guilford’s picturesque village, and the shopping districts in Westbrook, Clinton and Old Saybrook.
Madison Beach Hotel’s amenities include the wine room and Crow’s Nest Lounge located in the rear of the main dining room, The Wharf Bar, and a fitness center with a separate yoga studio. Additionally, the hotel has three distinct dining areas on site as part of their main restaurant: The Wharf, the Porch, the main dining room and the bar.
The Wharf Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round and was awarded Best on the Shoreline. The Porch is an al fresco dining area offering year-round dining options with retractable side panels and heat for the cooler winter months and spectacular views of the Long Island Sound. The sunsets from the Porch are magical. The Wharf is an upscale, fine eatery. Its menu includes farm-to-table, New England-inspired cuisine. The hotel also offers in-room dining and there is a bar/lounge available on site.
94 W Wharf Rd, Madison
203-245-1404
Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast
The Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast is a secluded luxury inn featuring magnificent views of the Thimble Islands and Long Island Sound for a relaxing and romantic getaway. Located in the picturesque village of Stony Creek, 12 miles from New Haven and 75 miles from New York, it’s minutes away from beaches, boat tours, scenic village greens, quaint shops, nature walks, casual and fine dining, and vibrant cultural life.
The inn has two exclusive guest accommodations, a standard guest room and a two-room suite, each with their own private bathroom and spectacular views right at the water’s edge. Enjoy complimentary soft drinks throughout the day, wine and cheese in late afternoon and a delicious home-cooked breakfast while looking out on sparkling harbor views.
Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast
28 W Point Rd, Branford
203-488-3693
Ocean House
Nestled on the scenic Atlantic coast in Rhode Island, the majestic Ocean House has been named one of the “World’s Best Hotels and Resorts” by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast and Fodor’s.
Originally built just after the Civil War, Ocean House is perched high on the bluffs in the charming seaside Watch Hill village. The property re-opened its doors after a $140 million rebuild and restoration in June 2010.
Today, guests enjoy waterfront views from the resort’s 49 guest rooms and 20 signature suites, along with casual and fine dining. There are complimentary resort activities - including culinary classes, art experiences, complimentary croquet, movies and more - that make Ocean House perfect for family vacations and weekend luxury escapes year-round.
1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill
855-678-0364
Weekapaug Inn
Weekapaug Inn is an award-winning, Forbes Five-Star historic inn, named one of the "Best Hotels in the World" by Travel + Leisure and one of the "Most Charming Hotels" by Reader's Digest.
Also a member of Relais & Chateaux, the property is a natural gem that is nestled on the scenic Atlantic Coast, surrounded by a salt pond and overlooking a barrier beach. Guests can enjoy 31 guest rooms including four two-bedroom Signature Suites, a new MeetingHouse with retractable windows, sweeping waterfront views, an outdoor pool and access to a private community beach.
The property's dedicated on-staff Naturalist helps guests of all ages including children, discover and engage with their surroundings, with guided beach walks, boating excursions, biking, bird watching, stargazing, and more.
25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly
855-679-2995
Watch Hill Inn
Nestled in the historic Watch Hill Village, Watch Hill Inn is one of the top destinations for families with children of all ages, opened from May through October.
What makes this residence-hotel so attractive for families are the kitchenettes, spacious accommodations, access to Ocean House activities and a perfect New England seaside Village location. Continental breakfast and afternoon snacks and beverages are also included with a Watch Hill Inn stay.
Families have access to the Forbes 15-Star Ocean House, which is an easy walk or bike ride away. At Ocean House, Watch Hill Inn guests enjoy the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach, with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. The property also features complimentary activities including croquet clinics, culinary classes, and even wine classes for parents.
38-44 Bay St., Watch Hill
855-677-7686
Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast
This charming bed and breakfast inn in the seashore town of Westbrook is just a few minutes walk from the beach and is ideally situated for day trips to other coastal towns in the region. Set in a sea captain's house that was built in 1876, the inn has quaint rooms named after some of the local towns and area attractions (The Essex Room, the Clinton Suite, the Duck Island Room).
A hot, homemade breakfast is served each morning and there are free bikes for guests who want to pedal to the beach or to downtown Westbrook. Kayaks are also available for free.
Relax on the wrap-around front porch or in the traditional New England parlor with a cup of tea.
976 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
860-399-4777
Other inns and resorts to visit along the shore here and Connecticut and Rhode Island include:
590 Ocean Ave, Newport
401-849-3800
1 Goat Island, Newport
401-849-2600
1 Bellevue Ave, Newport
401-847-3300
65 Ridge Rd, Newport
401-619-7925
60 Grand St, Niantic
860-739-0331
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook
860-395-2000
1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
860-399-5901
60 Water St., Stonington
860-535-2000
917 Ocean Ave, New London
860-574-9555
20 E Main St, Mystic
860-536-1506
15 Elm St, Mystic
860-245-4621
73 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic
860-536-8300
3 Williams Ave, Mystic
860-536-9604
41 Orchard St, Stonington
860-535-2681
2 Paynes Point, Branford
203-481-5207
