A fascinating region with an abundance of beautiful natural scenery, Connecticut is a gorgeous holiday destination. Expect a wide range of accommodation options in its appealing New England cities, seaside ports and bucolic countryside, including chic, contemporary hotels, romantic boltholes and charming heritage inns fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Steeped in history, many of the best places to stay in Connecticut offer heaps of old-world charm.
The home of Yale University, and birthplace of both Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe, Connecticut has always been a cultural big-hitter. For heritage and cultural attractions aplenty, head to Hartford — the state capital — or to New Haven. You can expect a plethora of art galleries, museums, theatres and live music venues with rich annual programmes of events. Litchfield promises a brilliant weekend escape from New York City, with lovely Georgian houses and rolling countryside to discover, whilst the old port town of Mystic is a favourite for a coastal break.
Beyond the state’s attractive towns and cities lie undulating hills, leafy woods and forests filled with wildlife. Try hiking, cycling and horse riding, discover striking state parks — Wadsworth Falls State Park, Devil's Hopyard State Park and Enders Falls State Park are particular highlights — or go sailing or kayaking on Long Island Sound. Foodies will delight in gourmet cuisine using famously high-quality meat, fruit and Connecticut cheese, too.
Connecticut’s winters may be long and cold, but flower-filled springs are glorious, summers warm, and autumns — complete with blankets of yellow, red and orange leaves — spectacular. Many of the best places to stay in Connecticut are small and intimate, so they fill up fast. Book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out!