Centerbrook, one of the Essex villages, was once the central part of town and various farmhouses located there date back to the late 1700s. Some of the most significant homes in the Ivorytown area date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The local factory paid to construct these homes for immigrants who were willing to come to Essex to work. Walking along Chestnut, Walnut, Blake, and Oak Streets offer a look into what life might have been like for town residents in its early days. Essex sits on 10.4 square miles of land and approximately 6,700 residents live within its limits.
What is the best time to visit Essex, CT?
The climate in Essex includes four separate seasons, with cold, snowy winters, cool fall and spring seasons, and warm, humid summers. The area receives about 30 inches of snow per year, with average temperatures in the low 20-degree range in the winter months. In the fall, the leaves change color and the temperatures drop to around 50 degrees or lower, so many people enjoy visiting during this time of the year. Since the weather is fairly predictable and not too drastic at any time of the year, it usually doesn't impact hotel rates much.
Essex hosts a few small events throughout the year. These events typically don't bring in large crowds, so they won't cause hotel prices to spike. Some of the most popular events among locals include the annual “Burning of the Ships” commemoration, which includes a parade and ceremony, as well as the annual fall festival in mid-October.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Essex, CT:
Essex by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Essex, CT. You can use these charts to calculate the best time to book in Essex during the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Essex, CT?
4 Star Average Prices: $109.00
For an upscale stay in the area, you can book a room at Baron's Cove, which is a four-star resort located about 24 miles from Essex in Sag Harbor, New York. The recently renovated property showcases high-end accommodations that allow you to have a relaxing getaway. Each of the guest rooms offers a view of either the harbor or the charming village and comes with complimentary designer toiletries, free wireless internet access, Belgian cotton sheets, a TV with cable programming, and cotton terry robes for use during your stay. At the hotel, you can also take advantage of the tennis courts, heated saltwater pool, fitness studio, full-service spa, and complimentary transportation to and from the beach.
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale is another four-star option that sits about 28 miles from Essex. At this modern property, you'll be within a short walk of the Yale University campus. Within the rooms, amenities include wireless internet access, LCD TVs with premium channels, tea and coffee makers, phones, complimentary toiletries in the partially open bathrooms, and separate workspaces. On the property, you can use the fitness center, concierge services, or business center. The hotel also has a restaurant with a bar and serves room service during select hours. Full breakfasts are offered daily for an additional fee.
Marriott Hartford Downtown is a bit farther from Essex, although it's worth the 32-mile trip for the high-end amenities. It's in the downtown area of the state's capital and offers easy access to the convention center and entertainment venues. Every room has a smart TV with a video game console and cable channels, free wired and wireless internet access, complimentary toiletries, a phone, a private safe, and a desk. You can dine on authentic Italian cuisine at one of the two restaurants, grab snacks at the coffee shop, or enjoy a night in with room service. A continental breakfast is served daily for a small fee.
Which hotels in Essex, CT are budget-friendly?
3 Star Average Prices: $158.12
Several hotels in and around Essex provide reasonable room rates that will fit into your budget. One of these is Pier Blue Guesthouse, which is in Old Saybrook near Saybrook Manor. Each of the 50 guest rooms features high-quality furnishings, a refrigerator, a TV with cable programming, a tea and coffee maker, and an iron with an ironing board. You can take advantage of amenities like nearby hiking and biking trails, bicycles available for rent, laundry facilities, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a business center, and free on-site parking. A free breakfast buffet is available on the weekends.
Enjoy an economical stay at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Old Saybrook Westbrook. This hotel is on Boston Post Road near the center of the town. Amenities for guests include an outdoor pool that is open from May to July, a private garden, a picnic area, free wireless internet access in the rooms and common areas, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk for your valuables. The front desk staff is also available 24 hours a day to assist you. The rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs with premium programming, phones with free local calls, separate workspaces, microwaves, and refrigerators.
2 Star Average Prices: $129.46
What are the best hotels in the Essex, CT for discounts?
Seniors traveling to the area can qualify for lower rates at Quality Inn Old Saybrook Westbrook, which offers clean, spacious rooms and access to nearby restaurants and shopping areas. The property has a gift shop, a restaurant, a bar, a computer station, and complimentary daily newspapers in the lobby. In the rooms, you'll find flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea and coffee makers, phones, complimentary toiletries, and free wireless internet access. The private terrace also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
AAA members can save when staying at Springhill Suites by Marriott, which is about 14 miles from Essex in New London. Every suite has a kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator, along with a separate sitting area, a desk, an LCD TV with cable programming, free wired and wireless internet access, and a phone. The property has a 24-hour fitness center, a convenience store offering snacks and drinks, a TV in the common area, an indoor pool, and a business center. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items comes with your stay.
For government employees and military personnel, Holiday Inn New London Mystic Area offers discounted room rates. At this hotel, you can take advantage of the picnic area, indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and dry cleaning and laundry services. If you want to gamble, hop on the complimentary casino shuttle. The on-site restaurant serves American fare, while room service is offered during select hours. The guest rooms feature separate workspaces, refrigerator, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary toiletries.
What hotels in Essex, CT have the best value?
Super 8 by Wyndham Old Saybrook offers affordable pricing and appealing amenities. This oceanfront property has a seasonal, outdoor swimming pool, a business center, free parking, and express check-in and check-out services. Within your room, you'll have a refrigerator, a microwave, a private bathroom with a shower, a desk, and a TV with cable channels. A complimentary continental breakfast is included with your stay, where you can enjoy fresh waffles, fruit, coffee, juice, and other tasty options. Parking is also free for guests, as is high-speed wireless internet access.
What are the things to see and do in Essex, CT?
One of the top attractions in Essex is the Connecticut River Museum, which offers unique insights into the shipbuilding history for which the area is known. The museum is open daily until 5 p.m. and discounted admission is available to AAA members. Exhibits are spread over three levels and offer insights into colonial ships and the process of building them, the British raid during the War of 1812, the fur trade, navigation, ports, and other maritime histories. You can also pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to the museum at one of the gift shops.
If you're in the area when the weather is pleasant, you can spend some time at Main Street Park in Essex Village. It offers beautiful views of the ships coming into the harbor, along with a covered gazebo and expansive green space. Explore the local art scene at Cooper & Smith Gallery, where you can see paintings and other art pieces on display from a range of styles and genres, including abstract, representation, and more.
During a visit to the Pratt House, you can feel like you've taken a step back in time. This house was originally constructed in 1732 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms feature furniture and household items that date back more than a century.
Essex is a fascinating town to visit, showcasing unique historical structures and elements from the time when the nation was first founded. Enjoy a relaxing and quaint visit to this area where you can find hotel options that offer plenty of appealing amenities.
FAQs about hotels in Essex
How much does a cheap hotel in Essex cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Essex can be as cheap as $129.46 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Essex cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Essex has been $158.12 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Essex cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Essex has been $109.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)