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From255US$ /night
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18Jan2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

36 Main St, Essex, Connecticut, United States
-
Close to the Connecticut River Museum
Great
8.6
/10
3.9
/5

Accommodations at Griswold Inn

The double room features air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Parquet floors and wine/champagne are provided. The unit has 1 or 2 beds. The Family Cottage is a free-standing building situated in Griswold Square, a courtyard across from the Main Inn. Historic Hayden House, across the lane, is available for private events or business meetings. Rooms include heating and air conditioning, plus free toiletries.

Dining and Wine Options

The Griswold Inn features onsite restaurants. The Executive Chef prepares classic American cuisine. The Griswold Inn Wine Bar has received the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 13 years. The Wine Bar is classic and sophisticated. Cheese selections come from award-winning farmsteads, including a mild, goat's milk cheese from Blue Ledge Farm in VT, similar to Humbolt Fog. Raw cow's milk cheese from Jasper Hill Farm in VT has a creamy texture with peppery, grassy character. A blue-veined, raw cow's milk cheese from California offers a creamy texture. A pasteurized, cow's milk cheese is sourced from Boggy Meadow Farm in New Hampshire. A semi-soft, washed rind, pasteurized, cow's milk cheese comes from the Loire Valley in France.

Entertainment and Activities

Guests enjoy nightly entertainment, scheduled wine tastings, beer dinners, art tours, dinner programs, and special events. An art tour is available for patrons interested in the art collection. A two-hour tour aboard RiverQuest, with viewing deck area, is offered. Wine tastings feature a guest presenter offering three or four wines. The Inn's Executive Chef provides small plates for pairing and gives a brief cooking demonstration. Goods & Curiosities offers creatively-branded 'Gris' merchandise, hand-crafted and Connecticut-made products, limited edition prints of The Griswold Inn's art collection, home goods, books, toys, artisan jewelry, and specialty foods. From 5:30-7:30, watch the sunset over the river.

Location and Proximity

Located in the historic seaport village of Essex, Connecticut, The Griswold Inn is in the lower Connecticut River Valley, deemed one of the ' Last Great Places ' by the Nature Conservancy. Landmarks nearby include the Florence Griswold Museum (5.5 km), Cooper & Smith Gallery (0.5 km), South Cove (2.5 km), North Cove (2 km), Museum of Fife and Drum (5 km), Lyme Art Association (5.5 km) and Connecticut River Museum (0.3 km). The home of the Nautilus submarine is nearby. The Inn is 50 km from Tweed-New Haven Airport.

Guest Services

The Griswold Inn is ideal for private events, from small gatherings to business meetings to large parties. Claudia Odekerken, Private Event Manager, helps create a uniquely special event. The Store's displays and collection of goods offer a discovery with each visit.

“This place evokes traditional New England charm. However, reports of inconsistent quality are concerning, especially regarding cleanliness and dining. Proceed with caution; manage expectations.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Queen Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Triple Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Standard Double Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Off-site car park
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

At The Griswold Inn, dining is an experience steeped in tradition and local flavor. With three distinct venues, each offers a taste of American cuisine, featuring thoughtful options for vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, making it a delightful culinary stop for everyone.
The Griswold Inn Essex Restaurant photo
The Griswold Inn Essex Restaurant photo
The Griswold Inn Essex Restaurant photo

The Griswold Inn Wine Bar

American
Ambiance
Classic and sophisticated
Key Offerings
Taste a curated selection of award-winning cheeses paired with a fine array of wines in an elegant setting. Special cheese offerings include a rich, semi-soft from the Loire Valley and a unique blue-veined cheese from California.
Reservation
Recommended
Wednesday to Sunday evenings.

The Griswold Inn Historic Dining Rooms

American
Ambiance
Family friendly and traditional
Key Offerings
Enjoy classic American dishes prepared by Executive Chef Toppin, served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. This dining space showcases the area's rich history while accommodating special dietary needs.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

The Griswold Inn Tap Room

American
Ambiance
Family friendly and traditional
Key Offerings
Relax with a casual meal complemented by a wide selection of craft beers in a laid-back setting. The Tap Room is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, offering hearty fare and friendly service.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Sunday, all day.

Location

36 Main St, Essex, Connecticut, United States
Map view
36 Main St, Essex, Connecticut, United States
Nearby
Museum
Connecticut River Museum
800 ft
20 Main Street
Main Street Park
700 ft
Gallery
Cooper & Smith Gallery
1100 ft
8 Novelty Ln
Fitness on the Water
1400 ft
Restaurants
Essex Coffee & Tea Co
400 ft
51 Main St
Sweet P's
400 ft
51 Main St Grisswold Square Plaza
Carlson's Landing
400 ft
63 Main St
Olive Oyl's
500 ft
77 Main St
Black Seal Seafood Grille
1000 ft
15 Main St Ste C
Explore Essex
Explore Essex, CT
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Connecticut River Museum
Connecticut River Museum
3 minutes walking
Museum highlighting the history and ecology of the Connecticut River with engaging exhibits and picturesque views.
Pratt House
Pratt House
9 minutes walking
Historic home showcasing 18th-century decor and architecture, set in beautiful gardens. Guided tours available.
Main Street Park
Main Street Park
3 minutes walking
Charming park featuring green spaces, walking paths, and family-friendly areas. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Essex Library Association
Essex Library Association
12 minutes walking
Local library offering an array of resources, events, and a cozy atmosphere for reading or studying.
Fitness on the Water
Fitness on the Water
5 minutes walking
Water-based fitness classes including kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals available for outdoor enthusiasts.
Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park
25 minutes walking
Scenic rides on historic trains through beautiful landscapes, perfect for families and history buffs alike.
Canfield Woods
8 minutes driving
Nature trails for hiking and exploring woodlands, ideal for relaxation and connecting with the outdoors.
Essex Coffee & Tea Co
Essex Coffee & Tea Co
2 minutes walking
Cozy café serving excellent coffee, teas, and pastries in a casual atmosphere. Great for breakfast or afternoon treats.
Olive Oyl's
Olive Oyl's
2 minutes walking
Quaint eatery offering fresh seafood and regional dishes. Known for their clam chowder and friendly service.
Black Seal Seafood Grille
Black Seal Seafood Grille
4 minutes walking
Relaxed seafood restaurant featuring sustainable catches with a local twist. Outdoor dining available.
Cooper & Smith Gallery
Cooper & Smith Gallery
4 minutes walking
Art gallery showcasing local artists and rotating exhibitions. A great evening option to enjoy culture and creativity.
Essex Corinthian Yacht Club
5 minutes driving
Vibrant yacht club offering sailing lessons and events. Check their schedule for family-friendly outings throughout summer.
Getting around
City Centre
Essex20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Airports
Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)75 min  ·  31.0 mi
Hartford, CT (HFD)88 min  ·  36.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Griswold Inn guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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The Griswold Inn Essex Restaurant photo

The Griswold Inn

8.6
Great281 reviews
1.0 mi from center
230 US$
255 US$
per night
Mobile-only price