One of the Best Waterfront Hotels in America Is A Jaw-Dropping Connecticut Gem Overlooking the Long Island Sound

There’s still time one more seaside escape from NYC before the summer’s over—and look no further than Madison Beach Hotel in Connecticut . Just named one of the best waterfront hotels in the country in a new USA Today Reader’s poll, this Hilton Curio Collection property sits right on the shores of Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut —and it’s only about two hours from NYC by car or train. Madison Beach Hotel’s story stretches back to the early 1800s , when it began as a rooming house for shipbuilders. By the Roaring Twenties , it was welcoming guests from New York and Hartford who arrived by steamship and train, ready for elegant summer escapes. Generations of families returned year after year, and the hotel even hosted silent film stars and socialites seeking serenity by the sea. In 2012, the Duques family (longtime locals) lovingly rebuilt the property from the ground up—thoughtfully weaving its historic past with modern coastal luxury. The result? An award-winning 33-room boutique resort that still carries that timeless, “secret gem” New England vibe. Every guestroom feels personal and elevated, with ocean-view balconies, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and cozy touches like coffee makers and mini-fridges. With just 33 rooms in total, the hotel strikes a balance between intimacy and indulgence—you’ll feel more like a guest in a private beach club than a massive resort. Foodies will fall in love with The Wharf Restaurant, where classic New England cuisine meets chef-driven creativity. You can dine inside or outside with panoramic Sound views, enjoy “Mixology Moments” each week, or time your visit for one of their Epicurean Series dinners, which bring in acclaimed chefs and master mixologists for unforgettable experiences. From the Sounds of the Sea Spa to yoga on the sand , Madison Beach Hotel makes it easy to recharge. Guests can also enjoy the private beach with loungers and umbrellas, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards , or simply sink into the rhythm of the waves. Beyond the beach, the hotel keeps things lively with the Grassy Strip Music Series, Blues, Brews & Bourbon Festival, and seasonal special events. And if you want to explore, Madison itself is packed with hidden gems —like Hammonasset Beach State Park, RJ Julia Booksellers, Chamard Vineyards, and the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. What sets Madison Beach Hotel apart is its perfect blend of coastal nostalgia and curated luxury. It’s not just a hotel—it’s an *experience*: a private retreat by the water where you can sip cocktails at golden hour, bike through town, cozy up for stargazing on your balcony, and wake up to the sound of waves every morning . The 10 best waterfront hotel resorts in the U.S., according to USA Today poll ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach — Sunny Isles Beach, FL 2. Chatham Bars Inn — Chatham, MA 3. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa — Point Clear, AL 4. Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton — Madison, CT 5. The Lodge at Bodega Bay — Bodega Bay, CA 6. The Inn Above Tide — Sausalito, CA 7. Hotel del Coronado — Coronado, CA 8. Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui — Wailea, HI 9. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa — Manalapan, FL 10. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel — San Juan, PR 🏨 More info + booking: Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 📍 Location: 94 West Wharf Road, Madison, CT 🕐 Distance from NYC: About 2 hours by car or train (Metro-North to New Haven + Shore Line East) Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-waterfront-hotel-in-america-madison-beach-hotel-ct/