The Griswold Inn
36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426, Essex, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.5 / 5
Overview
The Griswold Inn is a 3-star historic inn in Essex, Connecticut, dating to 1776 and set near the banks of the Connecticut River. It sits on Main Street at 36 Main St, placing guests in the heart of town and close to riverfront attractions. Public feedback is strong at 4.5/5 from 1,896 reviews.
Rooms & Cottage
Rooms are individually decorated with antiques and colonial accents, and include private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms feature river views. Suites add pull-out sofas, and there is also a 2-story cottage available for guests who want a standalone option.
Dining & On-site Drinks
A continental breakfast is included with stays. On site, there is a classic American restaurant and a wine bar. The inn also has a pub-style tap room located in a restored 1735 schoolhouse with dark wood paneling and period décor, and it hosts live entertainment.
Location & Nearby Places
The inn is a short walk from the Connecticut River Museum (about 177 m) and RiverQuest (about 179 m), making it well-positioned for Connecticut River-focused sightseeing. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is about 1.5 km away. For day trips, popular options include Gillette Castle and Gillette Castle State Park (about 8.6–8.7 km), Rocky Neck State Park (about 12.8 km), and Hammonasset Beach State Park (about 17.1 km), along with other museums and parks in the region.
Best for
This property suits travelers who want a character-rich, historic New England stay with on-site dining and evening atmosphere, including a tap room with live entertainment in a restored schoolhouse setting. It’s also a strong fit for riverfront and small-town explorers thanks to its walkable proximity to the Connecticut River Museum and RiverQuest, plus easy access to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Guests looking for a more spacious setup may prefer the suites with pull-out sofas or the 2-story cottage.
Travel tips
Plan time to explore on foot: the Connecticut River Museum (about 177 m) and RiverQuest (about 179 m) are nearby, and the inn is located right on Essex’s Main Street. For a classic Essex outing, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is about 1.5 km away and is an easy add-on to a riverfront stay. If you’re visiting in warm weather, note that some guest feedback mentions indoor comfort can vary on very hot days.
What guests say
Guests frequently highlight the inn’s historic atmosphere, especially the warm, wood-rich interiors and period feel that fits its Main Street setting. Food and beverage offerings are a recurring positive, with mentions of a strong selection across dining, wine, and beer. Staff experiences are mixed: many visitors describe attentive, friendly service, but others report that service issues negatively impacted their stay. Comfort details come up occasionally, including comments suggesting indoor cooling could be improved during very hot weather.
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