5 Best Beach Hotels in Connecticut (2024)

The beautiful state of Connecticut might not be your first choice when it comes to planning a beach holiday, but you should definitely consider it before you finalize your holiday destination. The Nutmeg State boasts of many pristine, sandy beaches that lets you enjoy the perfect summer day in New England. Not only does Connecticut have some of the most stunning beaches in the US, but it is also home to a wide range of fabulous beach hotels that are worth a stay.

So whether you are planning to spend the day lounging around at the beach and enjoying ice cream, fishing on a boat, floating in the Long Island Sound, or you simply want to spend your vacation building sandcastles with your kids, there is so much to do and see on the beautiful beaches of Connecticut that you will want to retire after a long day to one of these fabulous beach hotels.

5 Best Beach Hotels in Connecticut

Here are some of the best beach hotels in Connecticut to check out.

However, while booking your stay, remember that there aren’t too many beachfront options to choose from in the beach hotels in Connecticut, but these beach hotels are definitely worth spending a few days in.

1. Madison Beach Hotel, Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton

One of the best beach hotels in Connecticut is the ever-popular Madison Beach Hotel. This is the closes you can get to the sand when it comes to choosing the perfect beach hotel. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that the hotel literally sits on the shores of the Long Island Sound. The hotel is part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, which means that it is the most luxurious boutique resort in the beautiful little town of Madison, located in the southeastern corner of New Haven County.

The Madison Beach Hotel has many awards to its name, including the AAA Four Diamond Award. The hotel is the best place to head to if you want to relax in style. Each of the spacious and tastefully decorated rooms comes with a furnished balcony from which guests get a breathtaking view of the mesmerizing Sound. This is why the Madison Beach Hotel is known as the best beach hotel in Connecticut.

The beach on which the hotel is located on is incredibly clean and beautiful, and you are provided with complimentary umbrellas and towels. During the summer months, the hotel also offers many interesting activities and events, including open-air concerts, outdoor movies, and fire pits that come with everything you need for roasting s’mores. The hotel is also pet friendly, as is the beach, so feel free to bring your little doggo friend along as well.

And if you want to indulge yourself further in the Sounds of the Sea Spa. This spa is super enjoyable, especially because there is a separate treatment menu for men.

2. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa

Another beautiful beach hotel in Connecticut that is a must-visit is the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, located in Westbrook, sitting on the southeastern Connecticut shore. The perfectly manicured grounds of the hotel are lined by colorful flowers that add a vibrant look to the place. There is a sense of old-world charm at this large resort.

As you wander around the buildings, there is a private beach and an outdoor pool that bring back memories of the summertime escapes that were popular with families in the 50s and 60s.

Today, guests of the hotel can enjoy its elegant decor, relaxing spa, stunning seaside views, and some of the best-rated dining at one of the many on-site restaurants, including one which is set on the beach itself. Being such a large resort, there are many great places to eat. For example, you simply cannot miss out on the Seaview Bistro and Dattilo Fine Italian. Both are famous for their delicious menu options and beautiful views.

3. Owenego Inn & Beach Club

The Owego Inn & Beach Club was constructed in 1847, and it is a popular beach hotel in Connecticut mainly because of the spectacular views it provides of the Long Island Sound from the Branford location. The hotel is locally referred to only as the ‘O’, and it provides guests with a beautiful place set amidst an abundance of nature.

Similar to the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, the grounds of Owenego also remind you of an era gone by of charming summer resort vacations. There are lovely guest cottages and a lush green lawn and all of this is set against an azure ocean backdrop. This beautiful setting of the resort has made it a popular choice for couples wanting to hold their weddings in this stunning paradise.

The hotel has a beach and tennis club, and visitors can also borrow kayaks to explore the Sound up close or visit the nearby Thimble Islands. Owego also offers easy on-site access to its private beach, which is perfect for swimming. And for those who love to fish, simply head out to the jetty. When it comes to pleasing your taste buds, The Hungry Dog restaurant on site serves up some incredible and delicious light food set against a picturesque view.

The rooms are all quaint and cozy, and a point to note is that there are no television sets in the rooms. You will be able to access Wi-Fi if you genuinely need it. It’s not that the facilities are not there. The owners only want you to enjoy and relax with your loved ones instead of staring at your screens.

4. Captain Stannard Country Inn Bed & Breakfast

Now, this beautiful hotel is not a beachfront hotel. While you might not be immediately be greeted with a sandy scape and water, but it is well within a block or two of a beach. Captain Stannard Country Inn Bed & Breakfast is a quaint bed and breakfast located in Westbrook in southeastern Connecticut. The Captain Stannard House is known for its quintessential New England charm, which has made this a sought-after property amongst visitors. If you want to stay at a property with a rich history, personality, and, to top it all, a phenomenal service, then Captain Stannard Country Inn Bed & Breakfast is the best place for you.

The beautiful bed and breakfast have an extremely inviting wraparound porch. The original house was constructed in 1872 and then again remodeled in 2004 and 2005.

Today the house has a huge dining room, music room, and a separate grand room that features a pool table and games. The beds in the guest rooms are covered in crisp, ironed sheets – not every hotel can boast of this.

The bed and breakfast provide visitors with comfortable rooms that are done up in an ancient style, which gives a historical feel but with all the modern amenities. The owners are so particular that after each room is cleaned, there is a homemade sweet and note left for the guests. Breakfast is made on-site, and ingredients are purchased one night before. The maple French toast and cheese bake are some of the popular fares.

The beach is located just a stone’s throw from here, and you can take your own beach towels and chairs from the Inn to enjoy a sandy escapade.

5. The Inn at Longshore

Another popular beach hotel in Connecticut that is located slightly away from the beach. This is another charming weekend getaway that used to be a private estate at one point in time. The beauty of this hotel is that it sits in a charmingly stunning spot. Located on the shores of the Long Island Sound, the inn offers some of the most beautiful coastal views, as well as a peaceful place to enjoy a family holiday or a romantic getaway.

The inn is located in Westport, just an hour’s drive from New York, and it boasts an incredible variety of amenities, including close access to the famous Compo Beach-a-short of Westport, which you can reach within four minutes of walking.

Very near to the hotel is the Longshore Golf Club, tennis courts, and a pool. For dining options, head to La Plage, a restaurant that offers many delicious fares with a picturesque view of the Sound.