Holiday Inn Express Branford-New Haven by IHG
309 E Main St, Branford, CT 06405, Branford, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.1 / 5
Overview
Holiday Inn Express Branford–New Haven by IHG is a 3-star hotel in Branford, Connecticut, located off I-95 at 309 E Main St. It’s positioned for quick highway access and is about a 13-minute drive from Tweed New Haven Regional Airport. The hotel holds a public rating of 4.1/5 based on 724 reviews.
Rooms & Suites
Rooms are modern in style and include a flat-screen TV, desk, premium cable channels, free Wi‑Fi, a minifridge, and a coffeemaker. The hotel offers a choice of hard and soft pillows, and guests frequently mention comfortable beds and spacious, clean rooms. Suites add separate living space and a pull-out sofa.
Breakfast & Service
A complimentary breakfast bar is included. Guest feedback often highlights the breakfast quality and attentive staff in the breakfast area, along with friendly front desk service. Coffee service is frequently noted as a strong point by guests.
Recreation & On-site Facilities
On-site facilities include a heated indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center, plus free parking. Guest comments indicate that pool availability can vary, with at least one reported stay where the pool was closed without prior notice. Laundry facilities (washer and dryer) are mentioned by guests as available on-site.
Location & Nearby Places
The hotel is a practical base for exploring the New Haven area and shoreline attractions. Nearby points of interest include The Shore Line Trolley Museum (6.5 km), Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery (7.9 km), Lighthouse Point Park (10.7 km), East Rock Park (10.5 km), and the New England National Scenic Trail (10.3 km). Yale University and major Yale museums in New Haven—including the Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University Art Gallery, and Yale Center for British Art—are roughly 11–12 km away, with New Haven Green about 11.6 km away.
Best for
This property suits travelers who want an easy-to-reach stop just off I‑95 with free parking and quick access to Branford and New Haven. It’s especially appealing to guests who value a included breakfast and consistently noted service, plus in-room essentials like a desk, Wi‑Fi, minifridge, and coffeemaker.
Travel tips
If pool time is important to your stay, confirm current indoor pool/whirlpool hours and availability ahead of arrival, as closures have been reported by guests. The hotel is a convenient base for day trips into New Haven (Yale University and museums are about 11–12 km away) and for shoreline outings like Lighthouse Point Park (about 10.7 km) and Hammonasset Beach State Park (about 19.5 km).
What guests say
Guests frequently praise the friendly, helpful staff, including front desk interactions and attentive breakfast-area service. Cleanliness and a quiet, peaceful stay are recurring positives, along with spacious rooms and comfortable beds/pillows. Breakfast stands out in reviews as a highlight, with variety and quality often mentioned. Reported downsides include occasional amenity availability issues (such as the pool being closed) and at least one complaint about insufficient light-blocking window coverings during a renovation period.
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