The Griswold Inn — Restaurant in Essex

We normally stay 5 star & routinely spend up to $1500 a night. This has become our go to stop over on the way to Newport, RI - That’s how wonderful The Gris is!! Some of the reviews here baffle me. It’s ‘the oldest continually run Inn in the ENTIRE United States! This place is for the lover of historic inns, not one looking for a 5 star experience- yes, not everything about the rooms is perfect- bathroom is a bit small…if you look up in room 4’s closet you can see whatever is above it around a gap in a pipe…those quirks by far do Not outweigh the allure of the period furniture, old books & artwork strewn about…Stayed for the 3rd time this MLK weekend. Food is phenomenal.|Thanksgiving dinner was buffet, which we normally detest, but was absolutely delicious. Then, literally overnight, woke to a Christmas Tree in the lobby & festive lit garland everywhere the eye could see!||Main inn can be loud on entertainment nights. Choose the King Suite above the toy store across the street if you desire a quieter stay & larger bathroom. No bar seating in tap room is a drag if you don’t expect it- but plan ahead & snag a table just beyond it to enjoy the band after dinner.|Only negative we found was that although It’s a romantic inn, due to the availability of the 2 bedroom cottage you’ll occasionally get the clueless gaggle who doesn’t have enough common sense to NOT yell ‘here’s a table for 5!!! while other couples are trying to enjoy a quiet breakfast at 8am.||Overall takeaway-|Very helpful & friendly staff! Due diligence a must! Know/understand room location before you go & you will not be disappointed. Get to the Continental breakfast BEFORE the cottage crowd across the street does unless you want to hear the details of a 30 something’s girls getaway while...

We normally stay 5 star & routinely spend up to $1500 a night. This has become our go to stop over on the way to Newport, RI - That’s how wonderful The Gris is!! Some of the reviews here baffle me. It’s ‘the oldest continually run Inn in the ENTIRE United States! This place is for the lover of historic inns, not one looking for a 5 star experience- yes, not everything about the rooms is perfect- bathroom is a bit small…if you look up in room 4’s closet you can see whatever is above it around a gap in a pipe…those quirks by far do Not outweigh the allure of the period furniture, old books & artwork strewn about…Stayed for the 3rd time this MLK weekend. Food is phenomenal.|Thanksgiving dinner was buffet, which we normally detest, but was absolutely delicious. Then, literally overnight, woke to a Christmas Tree in the lobby & festive lit garland everywhere the eye could see!||Main inn can be loud on entertainment nights. Choose the King Suite above the toy store across the street if you desire a quieter stay & larger bathroom. No bar seating in tap room is a drag if you don’t expect it- but plan ahead & snag a table just beyond it to enjoy the band after dinner.|Only negative we found was that although It’s a romantic inn, due to the availability of the 2 bedroom cottage you’ll occasionally get the clueless gaggle who doesn’t have enough common sense to NOT yell ‘here’s a table for 5!!! while other couples are trying to enjoy a quiet breakfast at 8am.||Overall takeaway-|Very helpful & friendly staff! Due diligence a must! Know/understand room location before you go & you will not be disappointed. Get to the Continental breakfast BEFORE the cottage crowd across the street does unless you want to hear the details of a 30 something’s girls getaway while...

The Griswold Inn is a beautiful and accommodating historic hotel located in the heart of Essex, CT. Upon arrival, parking was a bit confusing (not behind the hotel); however, the hotel has ample parking across the street. Check-In was fast and friendly, and a bellman assisted me with my bag up the many steps. The hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the US. The hotel does not have an elevator and could be a struggle for step challenged folks. ||My room was a huge suite with a living room and fireplace and view of the Main St. The bed was high (needed stairs) and comfortable. The bathroom was quite small, and the shower had not been updated in years. The living room is the true focus of the suite. The hotel has several excellent drinking and dining options. The Tap Room makes great cocktails and does not take reservations. The Wine Bar is a good place to enjoy small plates and great wines. The Main Dining Room offers fine dining cuisine and is excellent in every way. I ate and drank in all three. Service was excellent!||The gift shop across the street has many local crafts and items and run by the wonderful and charming Jackie. The only negative note is the continental breakfast offered to in house guests. The selection was meager (worse than a Hampton Inn), and the servers were surly (and never smiled or offered coffee or water). The hotel really needs to improve the breakfast service even if they charge the guests. ||Overall, I highly recommend the Griswold as a beautiful historic venue; large rooms; amazing art works; and great dining and drinking options. I do...