Guide to the Best Hotels in Mystic, Connecticut

Every year, we eagerly anticipate our trip to Mystic, Connecticut. There are a plethora of accommodations to choose from, ranging from charming historic inns to modern hotels.

While the downtown area bustles with activity, it can sometimes feel a tad crowded. Therefore, choosing between the downtown buzz and the tranquility of the village outskirts has its pros and cons.

Let me guide you through my top picks for the best hotels in Mystic, Connecticut catering to families, couples, and those mindful of their budget.

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Top 3 Hotels in Mystic, Connecticut:

1. Hilton Mystic- the best option for families

Average price per night: $300

Our favorite place to stay with our family is the Hilton Mystic. The location can’t be beat. It is just a five minute drive out of the busy downtown area. That means parking is free and easy. If you have plans to go to the Mystic Aquarium, this is where you will want to stay. The Hilton Mystic is located just across the street from both the aquarium and Olde Mistick Village. It’s great being able to walk to both.

The Hilton Mystic is great for kids because there is an indoor pool and an activity center. During our stay, they offered a “dive-in theater” experience, allowing kids to swim and watch a family-friendly movie right in the pool area.

Adjacent to the pool is an activity center stocked with an abundance of art supplies. Our children happily spent an hour crafting monster masks there.

The con to being located outside of the downtown, is that you have to deal with parking if you want to walk down the main street where the shops and restaurants are. After our full day at the aquarium, we were beat and didn’t even want to deal with finding a parking spot or a dining reservation. Luckily, the Hilton Mystic has a great restaurant on site called The Irons. They have a great kids menu and their meals only cost $7-8. It was great not having to leave the hotel for dinner.

On our way to dinner, the boy’s ears pricked up at the sound of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme music. These pirate loving boys were drawn in only to find Jack Sparrow himself making balloon swords. It was just a special (and free) activity the hotel had set up to bring joy to the kids. They had their picture taken and it was given to us in a frame upon check out.

There were also many thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, such as a free coffee bar in the morning and a snack and water table set up in the afternoon. As a tired parent, I feel seen.

Lastly, there is a Starbucks just next door that you can walk to. If you are a Starbies addict like myself, that alone would be reason to book!

Pets are not allowed.

2. The Whaler’s Inn– the best option for couples

Average price per night: $400

Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Whaler’s Inn stands as a quintessential boutique hotel exuding the historic charm reminiscent of a captain’s home. Positioned just a stone’s throw away from the bridge, its prime location allows guests to explore the shops and restaurants on foot, eliminating the need for a car.

With 45 individually designed rooms boasting modern amenities, The Whaler’s Inn offers a cozy retreat. However, it’s important to note that due to the historic nature of the buildings, the guestrooms are not handicap accessible, and there is no elevator available.

For families seeking the allure of downtown living, the junior suites are a great option. Featuring a queen-sized bed in one room and a separate sleeping area with a twin over full bunk bed, connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and privacy, ideal for older children.

At The Whaler’s Inn, guests can enjoy the farm-to-fork experience at its on-site restaurant, “The Shipwright’s Daughter,” featuring dishes crafted with local flavors and fresh ingredients.

If it were just my husband and I visiting Mystic, this is where we’d choose to stay. It exudes a romantic, upscale ambiance that perfectly suits our preferences.

Pets are not allowed.

3. Spark by Hilton- Best Budget Option

Average price per night: $200

Spark by Hilton is a premium economy hotel brand at the intersection of value and consistency. Their aim is to offer a reliable and comfortable stay with friendly service for every guest, all at an accessible price.

Spark Hilton, having opened its doors in 2023, is practically brand new, offering guests a fresh and contemporary experience in hospitality.

This 120-room hotel offers an array of complimentary amenities for the value-conscious traveler, including free parking, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Spark by Hilton is located less than a 10 minute drive from the downtown area and just 3 minutes from the aquarium.

This is the only pet-friendly option on the list.

There are so many things to do in Mystic, especially with kids. I hope this guide to the top three best hotels in Mystic, Connecticut aids in your trip planning. Whether you desire a boutique downtown experience or a more budget-friendly option, there’s something to accommodate everyone’s preferences.