12 romantic hotels in Connecticut that'll get you in the mood

Owned by boutique hotel brand Relais and Châteaux, the Grace Mayflower Inn is set among the rolling hills of Litchfield County. It is elegant but not stuffy, with a stunning destination spa (for guests only), indoor and outdoor pools, innovative dining and beautiful gardens. There are 30 accommodations across four buildings; some have a balcony, a fireplace and/or a sitting area. In warm weather, guests can take advantage of a putting green and tennis courts; in winter, the hotel can provide guests with cross-country skis and snowshoes so they can explore its 58 acres.

The mood? A quaint country charm, like the kind you might find in a romantic period drama, minus the disapproving great aunt of course. 

Budget range? A splendid, but supper spenny romantic weekend for a couple of lovebirds celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon.

Time Out Tip Just down the road is the Institute for American Indian Studies, which has unflashy exhibits that focus on the history and customs of areal Native Americans; special exhibitions include the artwork, crafts and clothing of other First Nations cultures.

Near the Metro-North train station and I-95, at the mouth of Greenwich Harbor the Delamar is perfectly positioned for an easy weekend getaway. It sits at the foot of Greenwich Avenue with its high-end shops and restaurants, and across the street from the Bruce Museum. The hotel can hook you up with ferry passes to the town-operated Island Beach—you can see the ferry from your window—or arrange a private motorboat outing for you. All harbor-view rooms have balconies (some also have a fireplace and a soaking tub), or you can sit at an outdoor table in the restaurant L’Escale, which overlooks the harbor.

The mood? A champagne and lights-out kind of vibe ft. irresistible vintage luxury interiors.

Budget range? The kind of luxury where everything is spotless, and the water bottles are so fancy, they're fiddly to open—all without the hefty price tag. 

Time Out Tip Book the couples’ massage at the hotel’s spa in advance; the room, which has a big walk-in shower, is in high demand.

You'll discover all the quaint, small-town charm of New Milford just beyond this white-picket lawn. This carriage house has been opening its doors since 1928, consisting of 16 renovated guestrooms, each uniquely decorated with eclectic antiques and objets d’art to create something that feels personal and homey. Among these is the Kenney room—steeped in presidential luxury—and the Monroe room—emblematic of fifties glamour. Together, the two make a scandalous pair. Though, whichever room you go for, make sure it has a hot tub for two. Gourmet breakfast is also included when you stay in the main house. Quality time in New Milford looks like hiking the nearby Kent Falls or nibbling your way through the local farmer's market. 

The mood? Very Gilmore Girl-esque in places, and certainly no holding back on the antique charm.  

Budget range? Pleasantly affordable rooms that other you an authentic taste of New England life. 
 
Time Out Tip: For dining-out options, you'll want to head to Main Street—just moments from the inn and lined with lots of adorable cafes and restaurants including La Piccolina which serves authentic dishes from Nothern Italy. 

Finally, an actual lighthouse you can sleep in. The pièce de résistance of the 100-room Saybrook Point is the Lighthouse Suite (seasonal), at the end of the dock in the adjacent marina. Climb a short outside staircase to get to the one-floor, 900-square-foot space inside the lighthouse, with living and dining areas and a kitchenette. Across the street from the main inn are two homey guest houses that have communal spaces with pool tables. A spa, a year-round saltwater pool and the destination restaurant Fresh Salt add to the attractions. But the only accommodation with direct water views (without a parking lot in the foreground) is the Lighthouse Suite.

The mood? A vintage antique vibe, accompanied by very spacious rooms and spectacular waterfront views. 

Budget range? Enjoy a weekend in bliss that won't set you back too much. Plus, the pool, spa, and brunch menu has racked up quite the reputation. 

Time Out Tip Amtrak stops in Old Saybrook, and the hotel will gladly pick you up.

For an affordable, modern room with a view of a waterfall and treetops, book a Studio King Suite, which has a bathroom that sports a welcoming soaking tub, at this hotel. Once you’re inside and looking at the view, you will forget it’s on a busy commercial street. Thoughtful extras include a complimentary warm breakfast buffet and a rooftop lounge with Ping-Pong and pool tables. The rooftop is BYO and for hotel guests only. To mingle with the locals, take the complimentary hotel shuttle to downtown Norwalk (SoNo) and check out its restaurants, bars and shops.

The mood? Where cozy and modern styles meet in the middle. Rooms feature vibrantly colored decor throughout for added zest. 

Budget range? Not too shabby on the price for a romantic weekend for two. And no need for fireworks, the rooftop terrace is the perfect little spot for some romancing. 

Time Out Tip Adjoining the hotel, the popular restaurant Mediterraneo will retract its waterfall-facing glass wall in good weather. Order its signature grapefruit-based cocktail, the Don Johnson, and Zen out to the sound of rushing water.

When a splurge is in order, book a getaway at Winvian Farm, where 18 themed cottages are nestled on 113 acres. One has a whole real helicopter inside, outfitted with a bar and a TV (it looks even wilder than it sounds); another is a treehouse perched 35 feet above the forest floor. Cabins each have a deep Jacuzzi tub, a shower, a fireplace and a private outdoor space, like a screened-in patio or deck. The resort has a small outdoor pool and a spa on-site, a lounge with a pool table and board games, and a formal restaurant that serves sophisticated international cuisine. You can also help yourself to two bikes with your cabin name plate.

The mood? A romantic evening on the porch, chilling by campfire and toasting S'mores of course. 

Budget range? A luxury escape to the woods with views overlooking meadows, forestland or Charles Pond depending on your budget. 

Time Out Tip: From the family behind beverage and office-supplies distributor Crystal Rock Water comes the nearby Litchfield Distillery, which offers free tours and tastings of its award-winning bourbon, vodka and gin. You might question the quality of blueberry vodka and coffee bourbon, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

On one of the most charming, historic New England streets you will ever see, the Inn at Stonington has 18 rooms in two buildings that are separated from the water by a parking lot (and beyond that, a restaurant), but the inn’s tasteful decor (if you weren’t a fan of wallpaper before, you will be after staying) and ambience make up for that. Steps from a postage-stamp-size beach and the country’s first lighthouse museum, the inn offers extras like Google Home in every room, and binoculars in rooms with water views. By the way, if you are in your room and seated or recumbent, you don’t see the parking lot.

The mood? Cosy, homey vibes with lots of antique charm—exactly what you'd hope to find at a traditional inn, but elevated.

Budget range? You'll need to put down some serious dollar (we're talking Benjamins) to stay here. It's all worth it if you can nab a room with seafront views. 

Time Out Tip: Rent a kayak from the New England Science and Sailing Foundation next door to paddle around this picturesque area.

In Silvermine, the historic neighborhood of Norwalk where artists have flocked to since the early 20th century, a circa-1810 colonial has been reborn with a modern design aesthetic and a chill vibe. Opened in October 2017 by a talented local family (dad is the builder and mom and daughter handle interior design and marketing), GrayBarns had an earlier life in hospitality. But this is not your grandparents’ country inn: Former guests like Elizabeth Taylor, who honeymooned here with Eddie Fisher, would not recognize the six king suites with their muted palette, custom-built furniture, Frette linens and Nest thermostats; some also have gas fireplaces and outdoor seating. No need to get in a car for dinner: The urbane Tavern at GrayBarns is next door. Plus there’s a daily pop-up bakery, free bike rentals and a free mini bar in every room. Why would you ever leave?

The mood? Expect gorgeous sunlit interiors with a modern farmhouse aesthetic throughout—cosy rugs, sage hand wash and wicker baskets galore. What a turn-on. 

Budget range? Suites range from $850 dollars a night which includes room service breakfast and a minibar. 

Time Out Tip: Saddle up on one of the GrayBarn's priority bikes and explore your gorgeous surroundings along Silvermore Avenue and beyond. Throw some snacks in the baskets, and you've got a little picnic charcuterie by the river.  

In the northwest corner of the state and sitting on the picturesque town green, White Hart Inn was vacant for years. Built in 1805, it recently came beautifully back to life, thanks to a group of famous local residents former editor-in-chief of Redbook, Meredith Rollins; writer Malcolm Gladwell; and British chef Annie Wayte. And what a stylish new lick of paint indeed, with elegant and classical decor, marbled bathrooms, a separate living room and large flat screens. The inn also has several excellent dining options: a pub-like tap room, an upscale café called Provisions that sells sandwiches and the like, and the airy dining room, which specializes in locally sourced food.

The mood? Where comfort and tranquillity collide — and hopefully the pair of you will too ...

Budget range? In the mid-high range and a little less costly than some of the others for a non-less cozy romantic weekend getaway that comes with complimentary breakfast. Score. 

Time Out Tip There are all manner of outdoor activities in the area, but if race-car driving is more your style, Lime Rock Park holds spectator events and lets the public on the course during scheduled programs.

It may be hard to envision a romantic getaway in a megacasino, but stick with us. Picture floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 2,000 acres of forest; a big soaking tub and a walk-in shower in a modern bathroom; a spacious, quiet bedroom. Dine at Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, try your luck on one of 4,100 slot machines, take a swing at the golf course, or knock 'em out at the bowling alley. Just steps away, you've also got big-name concerts, the impressive Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and miles of walking trails. Four hotels are on-site: We suggest either the Grand Pequot Tower, which has 1,400-square-foot villas, or the Fox Tower, with its spa and a huge outdoor pool. Welcome to Foxwoods.

The mood? If you like modern luxury with all the creature comforts thrown in, you won't be disappointed.

Budget range? A bit extravagant, but well worth it for the views and endless entertainment options. 

Time Out Tip Thrill seekers will want to check out the 3,750-foot zip line, on which you can zoom up to 60 miles per hour, and rides like the 10-story free fall Sky Drop and the human catapult Sky Launch, all in the Foxwoods Thrill Tower (go-kart racing is in the works).

Tucked away on two lush acres in the historic mystic village, Taber Inn offers guests a cozy retreat ideal for a cute couples getaway, while only being a short walk from William's Beach Park. Rooms are tastefully decorated with lots of dainty details that give the inn a ton of antique charm and that all-important home-from-home feel. Depending on your budget, some rooms offer a fireplace, spa bath, and balcony. All guests have access to the heated indoor pool. That's a score in our books. 

The mood? Antique hideaway. 

Budget range? Moderately priced for an idyllic suburban retreat surrounded by beautiful period homes.

Time Out Tip: Why not take advantage of the weather and set up a little picnic for two on Williams Beach?

What about cozying up by the fire in this stunning 19th-century New Country country inn? Consisting of 32 individually decorated guestrooms and suites, it's the perfect place to cuddle up for a few days of bliss with your beau. Much like Taber Inn, Simsbury boasts lots of old-timey charm, owing to its rustic wooden furnishings,  four-poster canopied beds, antique mirrors, and vintage upholstery. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, followed by a couple's massage, or a dip in the pool at the nearby fitness center. 

The mood? Period drama vibes. 

Budget range? Not too shabby for a couple of nights, especially when breakfast is included.

Time Out Tip: If you're looking for fun daytime activities during your stay, we'd recommend a kayak down Farmington River for the serene views.