Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

When it comes to New England charm, there are plenty of ways that plenty of hotels go wrong, but the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is a lovely exception to this tendency. Almost every aspect of the hotel is lovely and charming. The pet-friendly property is surrounded by winding brick walkways, lush gardens, and terraces with outdoor tables that overlook a private marina. Inside, an autumnal color scheme of orange, gray, and cream is accented by veined marble floors, woven rugs, and brass chandeliers. A bit of classic ambience is added by wingback chairs that surround a massive wood fireplace, and a glass-paneled curio cabinets displaying china and objets d’art. Soaring skylit ceilings top the multi-roomed restaurant, which features a bar with stunning water views and a main dining area dominated by a rustic, boulder-stone fireplace. The hotel is a prime wedding destination, and when parties are in-house the hotel can feel overwhelmed and lively, which may not be every tourist's cup of tea. Otherwise, the hotel draws guests from across the spectrum, including friends on weekend getaways, families, and couples.

The Saybrook Point inn is about 10 minutes from I-95 in Old Saybrook, a historic town in eastern Connecticut. The town is dotted with antique shops, theaters, and cafes, though the "main" area of town is not within walking distance (it's a five-minute drive), and the immediate area is residential. It's a 10-minute drive to Harvey's Beach for those looking to swim in the Long Island Sound. The inn is 35 minutes from New Haven as well as the quaint tourist town of Mystic, which is home to an aquarium and plenty of cute boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Expect a 90-minute drive to New York City, and about two-and-a-half hours to Boston. Bradley International Airport -- in Hartford -- is about an hour away by car.

The main house's 82 rooms range from smaller Standard Rooms to Suites, some with fireplaces, jetted tubs, and balconies with marina views. Decor goes big on cozy and quaint, and includes wrought-iron beds, crisp white linens, and handsome wood floors. Expect to see plenty of soft tans and white tones alongside dark wood accents and antique pieces that bring the whole look together. Subtle patterns appear in wallpaper and textiles, but they are kept tasteful rather than over-the-top. Some rooms in the Main Inn have small furnished balconies. Bathrooms in rooms in the main house are large and lovely, with white marble counters, separate makeup mirrors, and rainfall shower heads. Two historic Italianate guesthouses hold a total of 14 individually designed rooms, each named for a local celebrity. The Katharine Hepburn Room features a carved wood four-poster bed, a large fireplace, and crimson-upholstered furniture, while the Mary Tagliatela room has two queen beds, rich wood floors, and furnishings in deep orange and cream. Those staying in the Three Stories house have access to a roof deck, and many rooms have a furnished patio area. There's also a stand-alone Lighthouse Suite that looks like a lighthouse and sits directly on the water; it includes a kitchenette and living rooms. The hotel has houses and longer term vacation rentals available -- these include additions like kitchens. Spacious bathrooms feature black-and-white penny-tile floors, and while all have glass-enclosed showers, some have separate showers and bathtubs or extras like heated floors.

As one of the largest hotels in town, there are a number of features on-site, many of which are geared to guests who aren't staying at the hotel. This makes for a lively, social vibe, though it all may strike some guests as busy rather than relaxing, especially when weddings are added to the mix. The large restaurant has an updated nautical vibe and a menu that focuses on seafood. It's popular with hotel guests and local alike, and the sophisticated dining room has views out to the marina. There's also a spa with cozy fireplaces and 11 treatment rooms offering a full range of services. Salon services are available as well. The fitness center is equipped with
a steam room, a sauna, and two heated pools, including an indoor pool and a freeform outdoor pool with sundecks overlooking the water. As the fitness center is actually a health club that's open to the general public for memberships, the pool and hot tub can get crowded. A waterfront ballroom and a variety of function spaces are available for weddings, social events, and meetings. The privately owned marina can accommodate vessels of up to 230 feet with 24/7 staff and a floating gas dock. Parking and Wi-Fi are free and the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, with special treats and beds available.