best waterfront hotels in ct for a romantic getaway

Are you looking for a little Connecticut getaway for you and that special someone? The East Coast is the perfect place for a romantic weekend because there are countless waterfront hotels with views of gorgeous beaches, rivers, or marinas that you'll both love. Below outlines my top eight favorite accommodations, all rated based on their interior design, waterfront view, amenities, and price.

1. MADISON BEACH HOTEL IN MADISON, CONNECTICUT

This hotel is an absolute DREAM. It's in Madison, Connecticut which is just such a cute little beach town and it's tucked away near some beach houses at the end of a street which gives it this secluded feeling, like it's set away from any busyness. There's a private beach complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas arranged in sets of two (perfect for couples). There's also a restaurant so you can eat inside or outside with a waterfront view and enjoy a little romantic sunset dinner with your favorite person. While I would argue this is one of the most beautiful waterfront accommodations in Connecticut, I do think that it's a smaller hotel with not as many complimentary offerings compared to other local stays at a similar or less expensive price range.

2. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in old saybrook, connecticut

Boasting an average 4.7 star rating based on over 2,300 reviews on Google, the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina is a classic Connecticut stay on the water. This is a larger scale hotel compared to many on the list, offering unique stay options in the main hotel, suites, guest houses, or villas. They also have butler services, two pools, and a spa. All 82 rooms in the main hotel are unique with theirown East Coast flair, and pricing per night usually stays in the $500/night range but can go all the way up to $1,400/night depending on the night and time of the year. The only thing it's missing comparatively is a private beach where people can actually swim!

3. Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, connecticut

Water's Edge Resort & Spa has been HUGELY popular in Connecticut among locals and visitors alike since 1941, and for good reason. With 185 rooms including 97 hotel rooms, 20 villas by the sea, and 68 condos, couples have options to choose from when it comes to accommodations. There are also multiple restaurants/bars on the premises, a spa with many different treatment/package options, a pool, and a private beach with lounge chairs. If you're looking for a mix of settings and plan on enjoying more than one night, this is a great place to go with your significant other where you won't get bored on property and you'll have new things to do both day and night.

4. Delamar Mystic in Mystic, Connecticut

The Delamar is a hotel collection with five luxurious hotels spread across Connecticut and the Mystic location is the newest one. If it was up to me, I would say this hotel is the most beautiful out of all the waterfront accommodations in this list. The property is sleek, modern, and it exudes a lavish energy that a lot of the older hotels simply cannot compete with. Many waterfront hotels in the area have classic coastal New England charm to them while this hotel has more "nautical sophistication". Think outdoor heated swimming pool right on the water, marble tiled showers, deep hues of emerald green, royal blue, and neutrals everywhere you look, etc.

5. The Delamar Greenwich harbour in greenwich, Connecticut

Also part of the Delamar Hotel Collection, The Delamar Greenwich Harbour is a waterfront property located directly on the harbor. While not as gorgeously designed as the new Mystic location mentioned above, this hotel does shine in its own way with one of its standout qualities being the amenities. Couples can enjoy charter cruises and spa treatments during their visit to The Delamar Greenwich Harbor, and there is courtesy transportation within 6 miles of the hotel. Rooms are decorated in neutrals, allowing the view from each room's balcony to be the star of every visit.

The Inn at Harbour Hill Marina is set in one of my very favorite towns in Connecticut- Niantic. My family had a beach house here so I spent a lot of time in this area but didn't stumble upon the inn until more recently and now it's safe to safe I'm obsessed. You can read my review of our one night stay here, but I will say that the view of the marina is stunning, the property is quaint and well decorated, and the location is great to go and enjoy the town and countless nearby beaches. My only complaint is that I wish there was more space on the property for amenities like a spa, but it's also hard to complain when there are perks like complimentary homemade breakfast, a wine and cheese mixer every night, and complimentary pontoon cruises each evening if the weather permits it. When comparing it to other waterfront options, these are my ratings:

7. Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast in EAST HADDAM, CONNECTICUT

While this property is not technically on the water and there is an accommodation a few houses down that is on the water, I still need to count this one. It's so close to the Connecticut River it practically is waterfront but with a way better interior and exterior design than the true waterfront accommodations in the same town. The Boardman House Inn Bed & Breakfast is located right on a main little strip in East Haddam, a short walk away from multiple restaurants and the famous Goodspeed Opera House, and it's adorable. The bedrooms each have a unique classic and traditional design and there is a small garden with seating in the backyard.

8. THE STEAMBOAT INN IN MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT

The Steamboat Inn is located in historic Mystic directly on the Mystic River, one of the most famous towns in the entire state. Guests can choose to stay in the main property or the new Captain's Mansion, which is a luxury Bed and Breakfast offering 8 guestrooms in the beautiful historic home of Captain Elihu Spicer. While the main property is directly waterfront, as shown in the image above, the second property is located 1/2 a mile downtown and is not waterfront. While this location does not offer any amenities besides breakfast, it's in a fantastic location for exploring the town of Mystic and watching boats go by.

Ready to Book Your Coastal Getaway?

Whether you’re planning an anniversary, a surprise weekend getaway, or just some much-needed time together, these eight waterfront hotels in Connecticut offer the perfect mix of romance, charm, and unforgettable views. Each one brings its own unique experience—whether it’s sipping wine by the marina, waking up to waves crashing outside your window, or strolling hand-in-hand through a cozy coastal town. If you’re dreaming of a New England escape for two, Connecticut truly delivers. Scroll down for more Connecticut travel tips and romantic getaway ideas, or hit subscribe to get weekly updates—I’ve traveled to 17+ countries, but some of my favorite memories are still right here on the East Coast.