Stratford's origins date back to 1639 when Puritan leader Rev. Adam Blakeman and many other families sought a settlement for practicing religious freedom. The town was originally referred to as a “new plantation at Pequannock” and, later, Cupheag after a Native American word meaning “place of shelter.” In 1643, the town's name was changed to Stratford in honor of Stratford-upon-Avon in England, William Shakespeare's birthplace.
Today, many descendants of those original founding Puritan families still reside in Stratford. The town has a historical legacy in theater, aviation, and the military. Stratford contains five islands in the Housatonic River, although none of them are habitable. Many beaches, an area known as the Great Salt Marsh, the Roosevelt Forest, and two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites exist in Stratford.
Whatever your reason for visiting Stratford, you want to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer.
When should you travel to Stratford, CT?
Fall is the best time to visit Stratford and Connecticut in general. The state experiences four distinct seasons with vibrant autumns that are well worth the trip. High temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit in October and November, so pack some light layers and bring a jacket. Due to the state's fall popularity, hotel rates tend to remain high this season. Book your room several weeks in advance to secure favorable rates.
Spring is the second-best time to visit Stratford because the temperatures warm up enough to enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking. Spring may not be the best time to visit the beach, however, since chilly temperatures may keep most visitors away.
If you don't mind the heat and humidity, visit Stratford in the summer to take full advantage of outdoor activities such as boating and fishing. To avoid peak humidity levels and visitor traffic, visit in early June or in September. These shoulder months also bring discounted hotel rates you can't find in July and August.
Winters in Connecticut are very cold with average highs in the upper 30s Fahrenheit in January and February. Despite its coastal location, Stratford experiences the occasional snowstorm as well as sleet and freezing rain. As long as you remain flexible in your travel plans and book refundable hotels and airfare, a trip to Stratford in the winter is doable for those undeterred by the cold weather.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Stratford, CT:
Stratford by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Stratford, CT. You can use these line graphs to determine the least expensive dates to book a room in Stratford for your upcoming travels.
What are the top luxury hotel options for people traveling to Stratford, CT?
4 Star Average Prices: $165.25
If you're looking for an upscale accommodation in Stratford, you won't be disappointed.
Holiday Inn Bridgeport-Trumbull-Fairfield is situated near the junction of Interstate 95 and Wilbur Cross Parkway. This classy high-rise offers free wired and Wi-Fi internet access, the full-service Park City Grill, the Martini Lounge, a first-class fitness center, and an indoor pool. Rooms are tastefully decorated with modern decor and rich wood furnishings. Enjoy a pillow menu, blackout shades, ironing facilities, a hair dryer, a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV with premium channels, a work desk with desk-level outlets, voicemail, free local calls, and a complimentary morning newspaper. Upgrade to a suite for access to more amenities such as a refrigerator and microwave.
Nestled in a beautifully landscaped location, the Hyatt House Shelton is the ideal home base for business and leisure travelers visiting Fairfield County. The cozy guest rooms feature fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, work desks, free Wi-Fi, and spacious layouts that help you feel like home away from home. The property offers a business center, fitness facility, indoor pool, whirlpool hot tub, a chic lobby lounge, and a hotel bar. A guest market stocks grocery items, snacks, and prepared sandwiches.
For a more elevated experience, book a room at Delamar Southport. Located about 8.5 miles from Stratford in Southport, this luxury downtown accommodation provides everything you need for an indulgent stay. The boutique hotel features a spa offering facials, massages, and full-body treatments; private meeting, event, and other spaces; the delectable Artisan Restaurant, Tavern & Garden with a morning breakfast buffet; welcome drinks upon arrival; courtesy transportation; valet and self-parking; a fitness center; an electric vehicle-charging station; and 24-hour concierge services.
Residential-style rooms and suites at Delamar Southport feature handcrafted furniture, marble bathrooms, blackout drapes, large closets, plush terry robes, soaking tubs, high-definition flat-screen TVs, and other luxury amenities.
What are the most affordable hotel options near Stratford, Connecticut?
3 Star Average Prices: $124.33
Finding a budget-friendly hotel in Stratford is easier than you may think, but you may want to check the options in nearby communities to get the best deals.
Red Roof Inn Milford - New Haven is a discount hotel conveniently located off Interstate 95 between New Haven and Bridgeport. The property features a conference room, free Wi-Fi internet access, coffeehouse-style coffee and tea, an elevator, and pet-friendly guest rooms. Each room offers a flat-screen TV with premium pay-per-view channels, Serta mattresses, premium linens, and a modern work space. Some rooms offer hair dryers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Book the business suite for separate living and sleeping areas as well as an oversized work desk with multiple office chairs.
Another affordable option is Motel 6 Milford CT. Located near Silver Sands State Park, this budget-friendly hotel features smoke-free rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and mini-fridges. The property offers an on-site business center, a coin laundry facility, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free morning coffee in the lobby. Kids stay free with a paying adult, and pets are welcome.
Located more than 5 miles from Stratford, the Howard Johnson Hotel by Wyndham Milford/New Haven places you within easy access to area attractions via Interstate 95. Key amenities include ample parking, complimentary Wi-Fi access, an airport shuttle service, an indoor pool, and a sleek lobby with television for guest use. The guest rooms are a bit dated, but they feature flat-panel TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, work spaces, easy chairs, alarm clock radios, fluffy towels, and complimentary bathroom toiletries.
