6 Top-Rated Resorts in Connecticut (2024)

Connecticut is a major tourist destination in the US, known for its charming small towns and mesmerizing lakes. It is a popular weekend getaway, home to a wide variety of resort-style lodging options that fit all budgets. Whether you are looking to enjoy your stay at a luxury boutique guesthouse in a quaint town or you want to spend your time at a larger resort on the Long Island Sound, Connecticut has something for everyone.

6 Top-Rated Resorts in Connecticut

Here are some of the top-rated resorts in Connecticut that will transform your holiday into a dream vacation.

1. Water’s Edge Resort & Spa

One of the most beautiful beach resorts 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.

2. Winvian Farm Cottages

Located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, this is a distinct holiday destination. The Winvian Farm Cottages is a spa resort that has a fine dining restaurant known only as The Restaurant. Guests can choose to live in beautifully designed and customized cottages, each of which has been designed in a different manner. You can indulge yourself in many activities here, including golfing, camping, and even bird watching.

There is even a Treehouse that is suspended 35 feet in the air, which you can explore and spend time in, going back to your childhood. There is also a library in the complex, containing a large treasury of literature.

3. Owenego Inn & Beach Club

The Owenego Inn & Beach Club was constructed in 1847, and it is a popular resort 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. Owenego 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. The Inn at Longshore

Another popular resort 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.

5. Seaport RV Resort

The Seaport RV Resort and Campground is a popular resort located in the beautiful oceanside town of Mystic. The complex is home to a wide range of RV and powered tent sites, and it has been designed to keep families of all ages in mind. The resort includes a basketball court, a swimming pool, a mini golf course, a large pavilion for entertaining, a fitness center, and even laser tag facilities for hours of fun on-site.

The owners of the resorts offer a very nicely made catalog of entertainment for their guests, including various themed weekends throughout the year. Due to so many activities, the resort prides itself on having many repeat visitors. This also means that the resort is usually fully booked for all major holidays and weekends. This is why it is recommended to book your stay early.

6. Madison Beach Resort, Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton

One of the best resorts in Connecticut is the ever-popular Madison Beach Hotel. This is the closest 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.