Connecticut’s inns—charming, hospitable, lovely and comfortable—are poised to accommodate groups ranging from annual board meetings to incentive corporate gatherings. Following are only six of the many welcoming inns scattered throughout the state that are certain to impress attendees.
Inn at Middletown, Middletown
Situated in downtown Middletown nearby Wesleyan University is the 100-room Inn at Middletown, a converted national armory that was originally built in 1810.
“Entering the front doors of the inn, you’ll feel a grand sense of arrival as you notice the polished marble lobby and the majestic spiral staircase,” says Beth Pruchnic, the inn’s director of sales and marketing. “In cooler months, fireplaces are burning, and in the warmer months the courtyard is so inviting for a cocktail.”
Among the inn’s on-site amenities are an indoor heated pool and Tavern at the Armory, a full-service restaurant with a menu starring some traditional regional favorites including clam chowder and baked New England cod.
The inn also offers 4,500 square feet of meeting space, including the Wesleyan and Weitzman banquet rooms, each with a mantled fireplace, custom chandeliers and large windows with panoramic views of historic Main Street.
“The beautifully decorated banquet rooms bring you back to a time of elegance and charm of the 1800s,” Pruchnic says, adding the Patriot Conference Room has beautiful mahogany paneled walls and is perfect for a private board meeting.
The Griswold Inn, Essex
The 33-room Griswold Inn, which is well-suited for small meetings and retreats, opened in 1776 and is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country.
“The inn is located in the charming seaport village of Essex, nestled on the west bank of the Connecticut River,” says Joan Paul, the inn’s owner. “The majestic Connecticut and Essex Harbor are mere steps from our front door, along with shops, galleries and unique boutiques. Once you arrive, no car is necessary as you can easily explore the village by foot.”
The Griswold Inn features three dining options under one roof, including a classic New England culinary experience in the dining room, tavern fare in the famous tap room and tapas-style dining in the wine bar.
“Our historic dining spaces, which feature an extraordinary maritime art collection, are often used for meetings,” Paul says, adding the adjacent historic Hayden House has two living rooms with fireplaces and a conference table that seats 12.
Homestead Inn, Greenwich
Located in the Belle Haven area of Greenwich, Homestead Inn is the ultimate destination for executive retreats and corporate board meetings, according to Theresa Henkelmann, the inn’s proprietor.
The property is a member of Relais & Chateaux and boasts both the 18-room luxury inn and Thomas Henkelmann, an elite French restaurant with two private dining rooms, one that accommodates 30 people and the other that seats 14.
“Our boardroom is located in the cottage, a separate building,” Henkelmann says. “A comfortable and elegant seating area is provided for informal talking or relaxation, and there is an adjoining room that can be closed off for breakout space.”
The inn’s grounds are landscaped and blooming with gardens in the spring, summer and fall, and during the coldest months there is a sculptural winter garden that guests enjoy.
“We are a minutes’ walk to Long Island Sound and high-end shopping,” Henkelmann adds.
Inn at Stonington, Stonington
The Inn at Stonington, situated several miles from Mystic, is a beautifully appointed waterfront inn that punctuates every day with a wine and cheese reception in the evening.
“The inn is located within easy walking distance of five acclaimed restaurants, village shops and DuBois Beach,” says Susan L. Irvine, the inn’s manager. “No need for a car.”
Meeting attendees at the inn report they appreciate trading the corporate grind for village life, including browsing local shops, taking a morning jog and enjoying a peaceful sunset.
“Business travelers rave that the inn’s unique atmosphere inspires creativity and productivity,” Irvine says.
Water views are available from common spaces, some of the 18 guest rooms, and meeting rooms, including the Harbor View Room, a private meeting space that overlooks Stonington Harbor.
“The Harbor View Room is styled casually with overstuffed couches and chairs—ideal for brainstorming meetings,” Irvine says, adding a traditional setup with a long conference table and chairs is also available.
Mayflower Grace, Washington
The 30-room Mayflower Grace is a luxury hideaway that boasts incredible views, a 20,000-square-foot spa and the Mayflower Grille.
“This isn’t your typical meeting space,” says Monica Neumann, the inn’s general manager. “Most meetings are held in a teahouse over a creek in a completely natural setting.”
Mayflower is set on 58 acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands, and is surrounded by 3,000 acres of nature preserve, which guests can view from several vantage points throughout the property.
“Our award-winning spa offers groups the opportunity to take in the picturesque setting while relaxing in the Garden Room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows,” Neumann says.
Groups can also enjoy a variety of activities arranged by the spa, from yoga to snowshoeing.
“We’ve seen a trend in groups who are experiencing Forest Bathing, which promotes health and wellness by integrating the natural outdoor world with the mindful practice of present-moment hiking that engages all the senses,” Neumann adds.
The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock
Located in Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” is the circa-1816 Inn at Woodstock Hill, which has an on-site restaurant and 21 guestrooms.
“The pastoral landscape with rolling hills and stone walls is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities,” says Lara Luppi, the inn’s event coordinator. “In warmer weather, our guests enjoy using the outdoor space to break out into smaller groups for teambuilding exercises.”
Bocce ball, croquet, badminton, life-size Jenga and whiffle ball are among the team-bonding options groups enjoy.
According to Luppi, the inn features a variety of meeting spaces, including smaller, private rooms with working fireplaces for six to 24 people, as well as a larger banquet room with an adjoining deck for up to 100 guests.
