36 Main St,
Essex,
Connecticut,
United States,
Connecticut
-
Close to the Connecticut River Museum
Great
8.7
/10
3.9
4.2
/5
Loved by The Griswold Inn guests
Attentive staff
Delicious dinner
Comfortable bed
Excellent breakfast
Historic tap room
"This hotel is simply a classic old inn with so much history and ambiance."
Jan from United States
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"We love the taproom with its popcorn machine and weekend sing-along entertainment."
fesnina
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"Dinner in the "Library" dining room was not cheap, but it was undoubtedly the best meal we had on an 18-day trip."
Sarah O'Grady from Canada
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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.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type
The Griswold Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
The Griswold Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities:
Great
8.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
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 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.
The Griswold Inn Location
36 Main St,
Essex,
Connecticut,
United States,
Connecticut
Map view
36 Main St,
Essex,
Connecticut,
United States,
Connecticut
City landmarks
Landmark
Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park
1.2
mi
Library
Essex Library Association
3100 ft
Landmark
Pratt House
2400 ft
Landmark
Pratt House Museum
2400 ft
Landmark
North Cove
1.4
mi
Landmark
South Cove
1.6
mi
Landmark
Canfield Woods
1.8
mi
Landmark
Hamburg Cove
2.2
mi
Museum
Florence Griswold Museum
3.6
mi
Bridge
Raymond E Baldwin Bridge
3.0
mi
Museum
Museum of Fife and Drum
3.1
mi
Gallery
Lyme Art Association
3.6
mi
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
3 minutes walking
Museum highlighting the history and ecology of the Connecticut River with engaging exhibits and picturesque views.
Pratt House
9 minutes walking
Historic home showcasing 18th-century decor and architecture, set in beautiful gardens. Guided tours available.
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
12 minutes walking
Local library offering an array of resources, events, and a cozy atmosphere for reading or studying.
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
2 minutes walking
Cozy café serving excellent coffee, teas, and pastries in a casual atmosphere. Great for breakfast or afternoon treats.
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
4 minutes walking
Relaxed seafood restaurant featuring sustainable catches with a local twist. Outdoor dining available.
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
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms 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
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Griswold Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 156 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
82%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Cozy decor
Delicious dinner
Great location
Fantastic breakfast
Cons
Loud music
Expensive stay
Guest reviews
based on 282 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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