The Griswold Inn is a historic hotel located in Essex, Connecticut. This family-run property offers guests a garden and terrace, with 3 on-site restaurants and a bar. Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and hardwood or parquet floors. Situated in a historic building, the inn provides a central base for exploring the area. It is a short distance from local marinas and museums, with free parking available for guests.
Should you book The Griswold Inn?
A stay in a historic building with on-site dining and free parking.
Best for
- Exploring Essex
- On-site dining
- Historic stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Direct access to Goodspeed Opera House
Historic building
This family-run hotel resides within a historic building in Essex. It features a garden and a terrace, providing outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The property is centrally located for exploring the town.
Dining and entertainment
Guests have access to three on-site restaurants and a bar. The inn offers live music, evening entertainment, and walking tours, as well as opportunities to learn about local culture.
Room features
Accommodations include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and hardwood or parquet floors. Standard amenities in rooms also feature wardrobes, free toiletries, and hairdryers for guest convenience.
Local exploration
The hotel is within walking distance of Essex Island Marina (2 min) and the Connecticut River Museum (0.2 km). Essex Art Association is also a short 5-minute walk away.
Rooms & rates
Standard Double Room
19.0 m² · 1 full bed
Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Free Wifi · Free toiletries · Toilet · Bath or shower
What you'll enjoy
Gallery








Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Garden
- 24-hour front desk
- Hiking
- 3 restaurants
- Free Wifi
- Daily housekeeping
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
Great for your stay
- 3 restaurants
- Parking
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Picnic area
- Facilities for disabled guests
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Terrace
- Garden
Activities
- Live music/Performance
- Tour or class about local culture
- Happy hour
- Walking tours
- Evening entertainment
- Hiking Off-site
Food & Drink
- Wine/Champagne Additional charge
- Kids' meals Additional charge
- Bar
- Restaurant
Parking Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
- Street parking
- Accessible parking
Location
36 MAIN ST, Essex, CT 06426, United States, Essex, Connecticut
The Griswold Inn is located in Essex, Connecticut.
5 sights nearby, 3 of them within 0.5 mi; the closest is Connecticut River Museum at 0.1 mi.
Things to do nearby
- Connecticut River Museummuseum0.1 mi
- Essex Squarepark0.3 mi
- Essex Historical Societymuseum0.4 mi
- Stumpet Hillpeak0.7 mi
- Cheney Hillpeak0.8 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.7 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 268 guest reviews
The Griswold Inn earns overwhelmingly positive sentiment for its authentic colonial character, attentive and friendly staff, and well-regarded complimentary breakfast. Minor but genuine complaints include noise transmission between rooms, at least one uncomfortable bed, and a popular restaurant that books up fast — guests are advised to reserve dinner well in advance.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 27 · average 9.7
They wrote about: breakfast, room, staff
Reviews scoring 7–9: 3 · average 8
They wrote about: room, breakfast, staff
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 2:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, free public parking is available on site and reservations are not needed. Street parking is also available.
What are the dining options at the hotel?
The Griswold Inn features 3 on-site restaurants and a bar. Kids' meals are available for an additional charge, and wine/champagne service is also offered.
Are there family rooms available?
Yes, family rooms are available at The Griswold Inn, providing suitable accommodation for families travelling together.
How far is The Griswold Inn from the Connecticut River Museum?
The Connecticut River Museum is located approximately 0.2 km from The Griswold Inn, making it easily accessible on foot.
What amenities are in the rooms?
Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, free WiFi, free toiletries, and hardwood or parquet floors. They also include wardrobes and hairdryers.