The Whaler's Inn Hotel of Mystic — Hotel in Stonington

The Whaler’s Inn is a nice mid-size hotel very well situated in the centre of Mistic. The bathroom, for our stay anyway, was on the small side by American standards but was perfectly adequate. Our room was on the third floor with no elevator so was a bit of a trudge for us. I guess there is no elevator due to the age of the building although the interiors are very modern so I think they could have squeezed one in. On the positive side they did offer to carry our suitcases to our room which on reflection I was sorry that I declined as the stairs were quite steep. In the main hotel the service was very good with offers of help and freely given advice. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for the restaurant. They describe the restaurant as a ‘sister restaurant’ which I guess means it is not operated by them directly. We used the restaurant for both dinner and breakfast as we did not find any better options within walking distance. At dinner we were seated at a corner table with a set of open double doors behind us. There was a very cold draft coming from the doors so we asked if they could be closed or we could move to an alternative location. We were told that the doors could not be closed as they were fire doors and that no alternative seating was available. We decide to stay as it had been a long day and we were very tired and hungry. During the course of a meal, we were never asked if we would like more drinks and were presented with the bill/check before being asked if we would like a desert! Other tables were asked frequently if they wanted more drinks. To us it appeared that if you were a local and known to the staff you got special or a least normal treatment. When we were ready to leave, we noted that at least three other tables had remained empty for the entire duration of out time there so could have easily been moved. To add insult to injury next morning at breakfast the doors that supposedly could not be closed as they were fire doors we closed. We have no idea why we were treated so badly as we were polite and courteous at all times. At check out when we were asked if we had enjoyed our stay, we raised the issue of the poor service from the restaurant to which we got a very unconvincing sorry and the comment that they did not control the restaurant although they did try to leave us with a good impression by giving us detailed directions to our next destination. It is such a shame that our stay was overshadowed by the attitude of the staff in the restaurant. I would really like to know why they think that treating us so badly was acceptable. Why work in a service industry if you do not...

As far as I am concerned, there is no other place to stay in Mystic!

Upon arrival, the beauty and the history of the Whaler’s Inn truly left us in awe! We were greeted by the kindest staff and we were even walked to our suite. We stayed in the Mallory suite of the 1865 house and Oh my gosh! This “room” was huge! The children had their own space that they were super excited about and the layout was perfect for our family of 4! This beautifully decorated suite was absolutely perfect and the grounds were just as amazing! We often found ourselves in the rockers on the patio just taking it all in! If you are traveling with little ones, there is a park and playground just a3 minute walk away! In fact, everything is just a short walk away!

The lobby has a great view of the bridge and gives a relaxing and quiet place to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the town. And those chocolate chip cookies? Delish! There are plenty of maps and suggestions on what to do and where to go during your stay. But hands down, the best part of this lobby was Brian! I am a history buff and I was delighted to talk to him about not only the history of the whaler’s inn but of the town itself! He gave us some great suggestions and even helped us plan our next visit! Brian, the pride you showed in your work and in your town made my heart so happy! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with us and for treating us like family! Please know that I did tour the rest of the 1865 house and took a look at the historical pictures per your suggestion and it all was beautiful!

I also have to note that during our trip, our youngest daughter fell ill and the front desk staff really went out of their way to help us keep her comfortable. The staff at shipwrights daughter even made her dry toast when the restaurant hadn’t even opened yet! And again the next morning! Amid the chaos, she left behind her stuffed animal and the inn was so kind to return it through the mail as soon as they found it!

The Whalers inn is a true gem and we are so lucky to have been able to experience it! If you don’t return for the beauty of the inn, you surely will for the service and kindness of the staff! I just can’t say enough about how wonderfully we were treated and cared for. Until we meet again! Thank you so much for giving us such a memorable trip and a new home...

Good things and bad things about The Whaler's Inn hotel of Mystic.

First the good. Its location cannot be beat. Mystic isn't a very big town (at least the main drag near the bridge), but the hotel, while "basically" on one end of the town, is incredibly convenient which made everything fun to do within walking distance.

Additionally, the service at the Inn was outstanding! Everyone who worked at the Inn who we interacted with was professional, courteous, and friendly. The gentlemen (retired detective) who greeted us and helped check us in was exceptionally knowledgeable, not only about the Inn but things to do in town. Regretfully, I never got his name.

The rooms were clean, spacious, and comfortable. With one exception.

Now the bad. The room had a closet that was as big as the bathroom. Great for the closet, not so for the bathroom. The toilet was tucked away behind the sink. Manageable, but still tight. And speaking of tight, the shower (not a tub/shower) was 30 inches by 30 inches. My wife, who is only 5'5" and about 125 pounds said it was tight fit for her. I'm 6'4" and about 230 pounds. I could barely move in it without banging my head on a wall or shelf. Don't get me wrong, I made it work, but for the amount of money I paid for the room, I expected something a little more befitting the cost. Maybe cut the closet in half and expand the bathrooms? Just a suggestion.

Also, the walls are paper thin. Nothing ruins a night faster than having a baby start crying in the middle night in the room next door AND the baby being inconsolable. Babies cry and parents do their best to calm the baby down, that isn't the issue at all. But for god's sake, buy some sound dampening between the rooms!

Lastly, and to be completely honest, I don't know if I would stay there again. I'm not convinced the convenience of the location was worth the inconvenience of the bathroom and the thin walls. I cannot attest to the amenities of any of the other hotels in the area, but I might try another one even if it means having to uber back and forth to some of the fun things to do.

Of course, you might have better luck...