Our History
The History of The Whaler’s Inn
As one of the most recognized Mystic Seaport hotels, The Whaler’s Inn reflects a rich history shaped by the town’s maritime past. Learn how our story has evolved and why we remain a trusted choice among Mystic Seaport hotels today.
History
The Whaler’s Inn has been a site of hospitality and commerce in Downtown Mystic for over 125 years. As one of the most established Mystic Seaport hotels, the property is comprised of six buildings from different historical eras, located along East Main and Cottrell Streets. Each building has its own distinct history and personality, while collectively reflecting the culture and character of coastal New England.
The building we refer to as “The Main Inn” houses fourteen guest rooms. It was built circa 1920 and was originally called “The Clinton Building” after hotelier J. Clinton Fitch. For most of the building’s history, the second and third floors have offered rooms for rent, while the first floor has been home to a range of commercial businesses, including a Ford Model-T showroom, a gift shop, and a hardware store.
The property was converted to a hotel in 1969 by The Whaler’s Inn. Throughout updates, we have carefully preserved many historical touches, including original floors and tin ceilings in the second and third floor halls, along with decor that reflects the area’s nautical heritage, helping maintain its place among notable Mystic Seaport hotels.
The 1865 House was built as the residence of shipbuilder George W. Mallory in 1855. George was the son of renowned Mystic shipbuilder Charles Mallory, whose Charles Mallory and Sons Shipyard was located on the current site of the Mystic Seaport Museum. After achieving success in his own right, George sold this home in 1868 in favor of a larger residence just a few blocks away. A miniature replica of The 1865 House can be viewed at the Mystic Seaport’s Scale Model Exhibit. Completely remodeled in 2018, this building now brings together the storied history of Mystic with a refined coastal style reflective of the Connecticut shoreline.
The Hoxie House
The building currently known as The Hoxie House was originally built in 1818 by shipmaster and trader Nathaniel Clift as the U.S. Hotel. Lodging was offered on the second and third floors, and commercial business was conducted on the first.
After a fire destroyed the hotel in 1858, prominent businessman Benjamin F. Hoxie rebuilt the property, and in 1861, The Hoxie Hotel opened its doors to the public. Mr. Hoxie’s vision was to create a luxury hotel that would attract an upscale clientele and help transform Mystic into a summer resort destination.
Destroyed again by fire in 1975, but rebuilt in 2002 as part of The Whaler’s Inn, The Hoxie House has played host to a former president, celebrities, and diverse travelers captivated by its picturesque views of the Mystic River and Bascule Drawbridge. Most recently renovated in 2018, the Hoxie House is home to eight deluxe guest rooms and the hotel lobby.
Named after nearby fishing villages, The Stonington and Noank Houses were built in the early 1980s to accommodate an increasing number of visitors to Mystic. The addition of rooms with two Queen beds was popular with families visiting The Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, as well as with groups planning reunions and get-togethers.
The Stanton House is the Inn’s newest addition and a tribute to the legacy of women in Mystic’s history. Opened under the leadership of the Heidenreich family and President Amanda Arling-Carlson, it was named after Fanny Stanton, wife of 19th-century mill owner Joseph Cottrell. While Cottrell’s lumber mill helped shape the town’s industrial past, Stanton’s name—quietly carried on a side street nearby—represents the often-overlooked women whose influence anchored the community. Rooted in that history, The Stanton House blends timeless New England architecture with modern luxury, offering private elevator access, suites with river views, and interiors designed to reflect both elegance and resilience.