Top 9 romantic hotels in Connecticut, from historic inns and world-class boutique spas to a casino resort and lighthouse suite
Connecticut's scenic nature and beautiful hotels in close proximity to it have made the Nutmeg State one of the best destinations for a romantic getaway. Everything can be found here for an exciting weekend getaway that will help you enjoy time with each other and ignite a new spark in your relationship: mountain peaks, inviting lakes, beautiful forests and coastlines, idyllic countryside, interesting museums and heritage sites. Whatever you're looking for for that vacation for two: a treehouse, a coastal view suite, a world-class boutique spa, Connecticut offers great hotels to suit every taste.
1. Grace Mayflower Inn and Spa
This charming hotel amid the rolling hills of Litchfield County belongs to the Chateaux and Relais brand of sophisticated boutique hotels. It is elegant without being boring: there is a quaint rustic charm that evokes the atmosphere of a romantic historical drama. It's a wonderful option for a splendid expensive dinner or a romantic weekend getaway for lovers who want to honeymoon or celebrate a special date at Connecticut's finest hotels. The hotel features indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art restaurants, and a chic spa available to guests only. There are only 30 rooms spread across 4 buildings, and some of them are complete with balconies, fireplaces and sitting areas. The hotel is surrounded by a beautiful garden that can be strolled through in nice weather. Guests also have access to tennis courts and a golf course, and in winter, guests can borrow the hotel's snowshoes and cross-country skis to explore the surrounding 58-acre grounds. At your leisure, you can visit the Institute of American Indian Studies, located down the road from the hotel, to view displays of clothing, crafts, art and other exhibits of Native American culture.
2. Delamar Greenwich
The Hotel Delamar, which is near the Metro-North train station, would be a wonderful choice for a couple looking for the best hotels in Connecticut for an easy romantic getaway. It is located at the foot of Greenwich Avenue, close to the Bruce Museum and upscale restaurants and stores. The hotel's playful and luxurious atmosphere is matched by dim lighting and impeccable vintage interiors, and balances this unique luxury with beautiful harbor views from the guest rooms and L'Escale's open-air restaurant. Don't miss the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate by pre-booking a couple's treatment, such as a couples massage, at the award-winning spa. If you want to spend time off-site, ask the concierge to arrange ferry tickets (you can see it from your window) and head to the city's Island Beach. All of the hotel's rooms and suites are European-inspired and feature sophisticated amenities. They feature balconies to enjoy beautiful harbor views, and some also have fireplaces.
3. Homestead Inn
The quaint little town of New Milford will discover its charm in a beautiful historic mansion surrounded by a white-frequented lawn in the picturesque Housatonic Valley. The former carriage house has been welcoming guests since 1928, offering 16 renovated rooms. Each is infused with a sense of home and personality through artwork and eclectic antiques. For example, the Monroe Room epitomizes 50's glamour, while the Kenny Room is steeped in luxury worthy of a presidential reception. For a stunning Connecticut hotel vacation for two, one of this historic inn's rooms with a whirlpool tub for two is perfect. Choose a room in the main building to include a gourmet breakfast. Rooms are charming and reasonably priced that will give you an authentic taste of New England life, in places recalling the spirit of the Gilmore Girls. If you want to stroll around New Milford, head to the local farmer's market or hike to Kent Falls, and before heading back to your room, check out the cute cafes or restaurants just steps from the hotel, such as La Piccolina, with a menu of authentic Northern Italian dishes.
4. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
A highlight among the assortment of Connecticut's best romantic hotels is the Lighthouse Suite, part of the Saybrook Point Resort. Its hotel has a hundred rooms, but this particular suite will give you the indescribable experience of being able to spend the night in an actual lighthouse. It's located at the end of the dock at the marina, and to get to the suite, guests must climb a short external staircase. Inside the lighthouse, they'll find a 900-square-foot, one-story room divided into a bedroom, living room, kitchenette and dining area. The room is spacious, bright, and equipped with beautiful furnishings and a fireplace, and there's also a balcony that overlooks the marina and moored yachts. The resort's main hotel has 80 spacious and well-appointed rooms, as well as two guesthouses next door and villas great for extended stays, but only the Lighthouse Suite has a direct view of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River. It is seasonal and available for rent from May through October. On-site guests can enjoy the resort's year-round saltwater pool, spa and Fresh Salt restaurant.
5. Hotel Zero Degrees, Norwalk
When looking for romantic Connecticut getaways for couples, check out one of its modern and cozy hotels, Zero Degrees. Book a deluxe studio suite with views of the treetops and waterfall that will make you forget you're on a busy street. Featuring a king-size bed and a cozy deep soaking tub, the room includes a warm breakfast buffet and access to the hotel's rooftop lounge. There you can play a game of ping-pong or billiards, or simply sit on the terrace, the perfect date spot available to guests only. For romance lovers, the hotel offers a Date Package to help you relax and enjoy time with your other half. It can include a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, late check-out, flowers and chocolates, etc. Adjoining the hotel is the popular Mediterraneo restaurant, which in good weather has a glass wall overlooking the waterfall. But guests can also book a free shuttle to downtown Norwalk, filled with stores, restaurants, and bars.
6. Winvian
The top romantic hotels in Connecticut should definitely include Winvian Farm, which is a picturesque 113-acre property. It features 18 cottages decorated in unique themes. For example, inside one, guests can find a real helicopter with a TV and bar, while another is a treehouse 35 feet high. Each cottage features a fireplace, deep soaking tub, and a private outdoor space such as a terrace or covered patio. Guests can spend time by the small outdoor pool on the grounds, enjoy relaxing treatments at the spa, unwind in the lounge and play board games or billiards, or dine in the classic restaurant, whose menu includes gourmet international cuisine. To explore the area, it's worth taking the bicycles with your room sign and taking a scenic ride. This option is perfect for luxury forest vacationers looking for hotels in Connecticut for a romantic weekend filled with beautiful scenery and evenings by the fire. Complement your leisure time with a visit to the nearby Litchfield Distillery with free tours and tastings of interesting drinks like coffee bourbon and blueberry vodka.
7. The Inn at Stonington
Fans of traditional hospitality can spend a wonderful romantic weekend at one of the most beautiful hotels in Connecticut, filled with a homey atmosphere, romance and plenty of antique charm. The Inn at Stonington is located on one of New England's most picturesque historic streets in the Stonington neighborhood. It is on the waterfront, and guests will find a variety of stores, galleries, and award-winning restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. Its 18 rooms are divided between two buildings that are separated from the water by a parking lot and restaurant. Each room is designed to provide guests with a luxurious, comfortable and intimate atmosphere: most have gas fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs with separate showers and Google Home. Rooms overlooking Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Strait also have binoculars to admire the waterscape. Ask the concierge to add something special to your stay: flowers, champagne and chocolates in your room, massage sessions, or help plan leisure activities such as choosing a restaurant in the area, putting together a picnic basket, or heading to the beach or a private charter.
8. GrayBarns
Silvermine's Norwalk Historic District has been the site of an 1810 Colonial revival, complete with a modern design aesthetic. It had been an outpost for artists since the 17th century, and at the turn of the 19th century, the site of the modern hotel was home to a small textile mill. Further on in its history was an underground establishment during Prohibition and a classic country inn from the 1960s until 2009. In 2017, the GrayBarns family hotel opened after a restoration that restored the building to its stately appearance with tall columns and spacious verandas: the head of the family is a builder, while the wife and daughter are in charge of marketing and interior design. Romance has accompanied this place throughout its history: Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher stayed here on their honeymoon, and Hollywood actor Spencer Tracy of heartthrob fame was a frequent guest. GrayBarns continues to be one of the best hotels in Connecticut for couples' vacations amidst the luxurious setting of royal suites with custom furniture, fireplaces, complimentary mini-bars, in-room breakfast and outdoor seating. GrayBaarns Tavern operates next door, and there's also free bicycle rentals.
9. Foxwoods Resort Casino
It's probably hard to associate the best hotels for romantic vacations with this mega casino, but this place in Connecticut will shatter your expectations. It might be a bit extravagant for a trip for two, but it's definitely memorable and worth the money. Just imagine spacious rooms with ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking 2,000 acres of forest, modern bathrooms with large tubs and showers, quiet bedrooms, and modern luxury at every turn. There are 4 hotels within Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, but for a romantic weekend getaway, it's best to consider the 1,400-square-foot villas at Grand Pequot Tower or Fox Tower, complete with a huge outdoor pool and spa. In their free time, guests can try their luck on the 4,100 slot machines, play bowling, golf, visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center just steps from the resort and dine at one of the 30 on-site restaurants. For thrill-seekers, there are special attractions like a 3,750-foot-long ziplane that travels up to 60 miles per hour and crazy rides at Foxwoods Thrill Tower like a human catapult and a free fall from 10 stories high.