For so many living in cities on the East Coast, getting away to a charming town like Mystic is the perfect slice of classic New England. It’s hits all the right notes for a summer getaway: coastal charm, walkable downtown, and a deep sense of history balanced with a fresh, modern vibe. Though you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to places to stay in Mystic, CT, there’s only one boutique hotel that offers excellent walkability, a range of accommodations, exceptional dining, and welcoming hospitality: The Whalers Inn.
Though many factors make The Whalers Inn one of the best places to stay in Mystic, our location is certainly a standout. Here, you’ll be perfectly positioned in downtown Mystic – perfect for exploring the area on foot. With free parking—a major bonus in a popular summer destination—you can park your car and forget about it for the weekend. Whether you’re heading out for a harbor cruise, browsing shops on Main Street, or grabbing fresh oysters at a riverside patio, everything is just a short stroll away. The inn’s style is modern and polished, with a nod to Mystic’s maritime roots, offering comfort and class without being stuffy.
You can admire Mystic’s famed Bascule Bridge from here, and, of course, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon at the Mystic Seaport Museum, one of the nation’s leading maritime museums. If you’re visiting with kids (or not), take the time to dive into the undersea world at Mystic Aquarium, which appeals to all ages with its engaging exhibits and beluga whales. The town is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with charming boutiques, excellent restaurants, and views of the iconic Bascule Bridge all within easy reach.
Beyond enjoying the best things to do in Mystic, the surrounding southern Connecticut coast is full of unexpected gems. Take a short drive to Stonington Borough for a quieter, historic village experience with excellent local eats and a scenic harbor, or sip wine at nearby Saltwater Farm Vineyard, where the tasting room is inside a converted World War II hangar. You’ll also find hidden coves for kayaking, off-the-radar beaches, and art galleries tucked away in old factory buildings.
A trip to Mystic isn’t just about checking off the big-name sites—it’s about uncovering those moments that turn a weekend trip into something you’ll want to repeat every summer. Place yourself right in the heart of it all, and enjoy an elevated getaway at The Whalers Inn in downtown Mystic. Book your stay today!
Best Places to Stay in Mystic, CT
There are plenty of places to stay in Mystic, CT, but none that offer the same combination of authenticity, comfort, hospitality, and convenience. Packed with historic charm and just the right combination of modern amenities, it’s easy to see why the Whaler’s Inn is one of Mystic’s premier boutique hotels. With 45 individually designed rooms spread across five distinct buildings, guests can choose accommodations that suit their preferences and budgets.
From the luxurious Riverview Penthouse Suite in the Stanton House, featuring a fireplace, private balcony, and sweeping views of downtown Mystic and the Bascule Bridge, to the family-friendly Noank House rooms, with communal porches, there’s something for everyone. In the Main Inn, you’ll find elevated and newly remodeled guest rooms. There, choose from our standard queen guest rooms, our premier rooms with a bit more space and great views, or our junior suites with bunk beds in a separate alcove, perfect for families with kids.
If you’re looking for places to stay in Mystic, CT that are a bit more romantic and cater to couples, look no further than The Hoxie House. These adult-only hotel rooms feature gas fireplaces and air-jet soaking tubs, and picture-perfect views of the Mystic River and Bascule Bridge. For a bit of that old-world charm that draws so many to this quintessential New England town, you’ll love the Victorian-era guest rooms in the 1865 House.
There really is something for everyone here – whether you’re looking for affordable places to stay in Mystic, CT, or luxurious suites for your couple’s getaway, there’s no better choice than The Whaler’s Inn. Beyond this, though, you’ll enjoy our complimentary property amenities, including high-speed wireless internet, Roku streaming devices, 2 Tesla charging stations, boxed waters in rooms, and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. We even offer discounted tickets to select local attractions!
Our front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, which means you always have our local experts on hand to help with anything you need during your stay. The result? A tailored and memorable stay at our top-rated Mystic, CT, Hotel. All of this, and we haven’t even talked about the food yet!
The Whaler’s Inn may be one of the best places to stay in Mystic, CT, but it’s also so much more than that. We are a true food lover’s destination – whether you’re staying with us or not. Our on-site restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter, is one of the best places to dine in the country. Don’t just take our word for it, though – read some of the recent press!
The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and offers a weekend brunch that is sensational. But the real highlight is dinner, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet menu crafted by James Beard award-winning Chef, David Standridge, that showcases truly sustainable sea(and farm)-to-fork cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended to experience this celebrated Mystic restaurant.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, our hotel in downtown Mystic offers a personalized and comfortable base for exploring Mystic. With our unique combination of accommodations, prime location, thoughtful amenities, and exceptional dining, it’s easy to see why our hotel is rated as one of the best places to stay in Mystic.
Craft the Perfect Getaway
As one of the best places to stay in Mystic, your perfect New England getaway starts with checking into our hotel. From here, you’ll have easy access to all the top things to do in Mystic. As you arrive, settle into your spacious suite, perhaps with a fireplace and a river view, and enjoy the unique personality of our historic Inn. As you get settled, it’s time to head out to explore the best of downtown Mystic. Leave the car behind – you’re within walking distance to just about everything you’ll want to do!
Start your first full day in Mystic with breakfast at the Shipwright’s Daughter. Menu favorites include our Brioche French Toast, our show-stopping Eggs Benedict, and our Turmeric-infused latte, among others. If you’re in town on a weekend, our brunch is a great alternative, offering unique items like Mermaid Fries, daily selections of fresh oysters, and other breakfast and lunch favorites. From there, head out for a day exploring Mystic’s most iconic experiences.
Start with a visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can tour historic ships and walk through a recreated 19th-century seafaring village. Or, head over to Mystic Aquarium to see beluga whales, African penguins, and sea lion shows. For lunch, grab a lobster roll at the Oyster Club while you rest your feet and get ready to enjoy more of the top things to do in Mystic.
When you’re ready for more, we recommend you take a stroll through Olde Mistick Village for boutique shopping and local flavor, or hop aboard a harbor cruise for views of the shoreline from the water. As you wind down for the day, it’s hard to pass up a sweet treat at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream. They make it all from scratch, and you can enjoy it while watching the bridge rise for passing boats.
Sunday is the day to experience Mystic like a local. Start your morning with a walk along the quiet backstreets near the river—keep an eye out for historic homes and charming gardens. Head to Sift Bake Shop for a decadent pastry and expertly crafted coffee on the outdoor patio. If you’re up for more exploring, visit the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, where wooded trails wind through protected habitats just minutes from downtown.
If you’re into wine, nearby Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington is worth the short drive and delivers a memorable tasting experience in a hangar-turned-winery. As you leave, swing by Stonington Borough, a postcard-perfect village with its own vibe—walk out to the old lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and explore the small but vibrant arts scene.
It’s the kind of weekend that balances iconic New England charm with the types of details that make a trip unforgettable. Pair with lodging at one of the best places to stay in Mystic, CT, and you’ll understand why this coastal town is such a popular getaway! Book your stay today!
