253 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, Connecticut, United States | (618) 248-8274
Near I-95, within walking distance of many attractions
Clean rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free
Wi-Fi
Heated indoor pool with a skylight
Small fitness center with cardio machines
Computer station with Internet access and printer for guests' use
Free parking directly in front of guest rooms
Lovely lobby with free coffee, tea, and cookies
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Bikes available for rent
Popular diner next door with discounts for hotel guests
Unrenovated rooms show wear and tear
No breakfast served at the hotel
The two-pearl Howard Johnson Mystic, located near I-95, is in transition -- about half of its 77 guest rooms are under renovation and won't be ready until spring 2016, with the other half slated for updates by 2017. Available rooms are clean and include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is dark, and the furniture shows wear. Located near many attractions, the
hotel has an attractive indoor pool and small fitness center at budget-friendly rates. Travelers might want to also consider the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Low-key budget hotel with a cheery, light-filled lobby
A fleet of bicycles near the hotel's entrance signal the casual friendliness of this motor-court style property. The entrance has been updated, and the two-story lobby is bright and open with natural light streaming in from skylights. Nautical-themed
artwork and rugs, along with a saltwater aquarium with brilliantly colored coral and
fish, pay homage to the nearby waterfront. A sitting area is
tucked into one corner, with colorfully patterned upholstered chairs facing a fireplace
whose white mantel holds a flat-screen TV. A coffee and cookies station invites guests to linger long enough to drink a cup. With its value
rates, attractive pool, and convenient location off I-95, the Howard Johnson Mystic draws mainly families, couples, and groups of friends touring New England.
Location
At the ramp exit of I-95, within walking distance of many area attractions
The Howard Johnson Mystic is at the ramp exit of I-95, within a five-minute walk of the shops, restaurants, and cinema
of Olde Mistick Village, and a nine-minute walk to Mystic Aquarium. Two
restaurants are adjacent to the hotel, and more are within a two-minute walk of the property (McDonald's is just across the street). It’s a 15-minute walk or two-minute drive
to Mystic Seaport, and a five-minute drive to the Mystic River State Boat
Launch. Other local landmarks include the U.S. Coast
Guard Academy (an 11-minute drive), Mohegan Sun Casino (about a half-hour drive), Foxwoods Resort
Casino (a 15- to 20-minute drive), Misquamicut State Beach (a 25-minute drive), and Bluff Point
State Park (a 16-minute drive). The Mystic Amtrak station is six minutes away by car.
Rooms
Room renovations underway until 2017
Half of the Howard Johnson Mystic's 77 rooms are under renovation till spring 2016, and the remainder will be renovated by 2017. Available rooms are clean and spacious, but the furniture, carpeting, and fixtures show wear. Room types include King
and Double Queen, and some have jetted tubs. Queen Suites are available
too. Decor is on the dark side, with dark-blue carpeting, dark-wood
furniture, and burgundy bedspreads. Bathrooms have white
porcelain vanities and white-tile shower/tub combos. Renovations will bring a much brighter color palette, with aqua accent walls and matching bed throws on white linens. Drapes, carpeting, and furniture will also be lighter, with bright-orange desk chairs adding more color splashes -- Oyster photographed a few of the staged renovated rooms when we visited. Bathrooms will also be updated with aqua accents and granite countertops.
Features
Adjacent diner, heated indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
Though there's no hotel-run restaurant, coffee,
tea, and cookies are served in the lobby, and the popular Mystic Diner adjacent to the
hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with discounts for hotel guests. The hotel has a small fitness room with three cardio machines. One computer station with Internet access and printer in
the lobby serves as the business center. The oval-shaped, heated indoor pool is
nicely sized with overhead skylights and several lounge chairs surrounding it.
Free daily newspapers are available in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The hotel maintains a fleet of bicycles that guests can rent. Parking is free on-site in front of the guest rooms.
