Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun

The Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun draws guests who are looking to gamble, but want to pay cheaper nightly rates than those offered by the famous Mohegan Sun Casino Resort. A glass marquee sits above the entrance of this six-floor hotel that features a glass, brown, gray, and cream exterior. It’s common to find the hotel’s casino shuttle van parked outside the entrance. The circular front desk also serves as the counter for the Gallery bar and coffee shop. Brown leather furniture is placed by a glowing mantel, creating a modern look in the lobby. Red chairs around tables provide seating for breakfast diners -- which is a busy scene in the morning. Though most guests are tourists, business travelers do stay as well. Kids are welcome, but not especially catered to. For a hotel closer to the Mystic attractions, check rates at the Hilton Mystic. 

The hotel is on Norwich-New London Turnpike, a main thoroughfare, that's five minutes from the Mohegan Sun Resort Casino via a free shuttle that runs regular round-trip service. A shopping plaza is across the road with a Starbucks, Stop & Shop, and there’s also a Chili’s, McDonald’s, and CVS. The historic Fort Shantok Archaeological District is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport are within 30 minutes by car. The drive to the Foxwoods Resort Casino takes 20 minutes. Within one hour by car are the Bradley International Airport and T.F. Green Airport. Guests staying at the hotel have free outdoor parking.

Room designs are simple with framed cherry blossom prints, light wooden headboards attached to walls, neutral carpeting, and bathrooms with external sinks. Each is spacious and has a privacy wall that divides the sleeping area from the neutral-toned sitting area, where there is also a desk and mounted 42-inch flat-screen TV with media hub. Standard Rooms come with sofa beds and two queen-size beds or one king-size bed. Studios offer more space. Features in all rooms include free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and irons. Roll-in showers are built into accessible rooms and most other bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Pets are allowed in rooms, but there's a non-refundable fee ($75 during our visit). 

Features at the Hyatt Place are typical of what's usually found in a chain hotel. Breakfast is provided at no additional charge in the a.m. Kitchen Skillet, a casual dining room designed in warm wood tones with bar seating, tables and chairs around flat-screen TVs, and patio seating. Additional tables and chairs are in the lobby, but breakfast service is known to be busy. The hot buffet consists of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, oatmeal, and fruit. A counter shared with the front desk has coffee, a bar menu -- including beer and wine -- and the Gallery Market for takeaway items. Meals are also available 24 hours with pick-up service though the Gallery menu, but prices are high. The indoor pool is clean and simple, with a chair lift for guests in wheelchairs. Facing the pool are large windows looking into the gym, which has modern cardio machines and free weights available on orange carpeting. One meeting room fits 51 people in the theater layout and two computers and a printer are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.