Waterford is located about 44 miles east of New Haven in New London County. The town has a long history that dates back to 1637, when English settlers arrived at its current location. It was named “Waterford” because of its location between two rivers. The settlers built dozens of houses, as well as mills, ponds, and dams in the area. Later on, immigrants from other countries began to immigrate to the town, including the Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italians, and Russians.
In the 19th century, Waterford became a huge agricultural town, with sheep-farming being its main activity. It was also known for its granite industry, which lasted until the early 20th century. Its granite was used in many important construction projects on the East Coast, including the Statue of Liberty and Fort Sumter. During the 20th century, the town replaced its sheep farms with dairy farms. After World War II, it experienced an economic boom, along with the construction of many new buildings and roads. Today, Waterford is an affluent town with a population of about 19,000.
When is the best time to visit Waterford, CT?
Over the course of a year, temperatures in Waterford typically range from 23 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely go below 8 degrees or above 87 degrees. The weather is warm and humid in the summer and extremely cold and windy in the winter. The best time for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September, when average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s.
The busiest time for tourism in Waterford is from June to August. While you'll have access to more activities and attractions during this time of the year, you'll also have to deal with higher accommodation rates and heavier crowds. If you want to save money and have a more relaxing vacation, consider visiting Waterford in late May, early June, or early September, when the weather is also suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Waterford, CT:
Waterford by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Waterford, CT. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Waterford for any future trips.
What are the best hotels in Waterford, Connecticut?
4 Star Average Prices: $312.90
If you're in the mood to splurge, consider staying at Saybrook Point Inn, Marina & Spa. Located about 12 miles west of Waterford in Old Saybrook, this spa hotel provides easy access to attractions such as General William Hart House, Harvey's Beach, Crystal Mall, and Ocean Beach Park. It features 100 individually decorated rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, coffee maker, and premium bedding. You can enjoy a relaxing massage and facial at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor and indoor pools, rejuvenate at the health club, and have a nice meal at the on-site restaurant.
For a truly unforgettable stay, opt for the 19th-century Old Lyme Inn. This charming hotel is situated about 10 miles west of Waterford in Old Lyme, 11 miles from Gillette Castle State Park, 12 miles from Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and 13 miles from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. It has 13 uniquely designed guest rooms that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, separate sitting area, coffee maker, hair dryer, and premium bedding. Additionally, it offers amenities such as a beautiful garden, nightclub, on-site restaurant, and concierge services.
What are the affordable hotels near Waterford, CT?
3 Star Average Prices: $181.29
If you prefer to stay in a budget hotel during your Waterford vacation, Red Roof Inn Mystic – New London is a good option. Situated about 1.8 miles northeast of Waterford in New London, this hotel is close to attractions such as Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Connecticut College Arboretum, Garde Arts Center, and Fort Trumbull State Park. It offers in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, safe, and hair dryer, as well as a picnic area, TV in the common area, vending machines, and laundry facilities.
Super 8 by Wyndham Groton is another affordable hotel near Waterford that's worth your consideration. It's located about 3.4 miles east of Waterford in Groton, 1.1 miles from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, 2.8 miles from Monte Cristo Cottage, and 4.4 miles from Ocean Beach Park. This hotel has 97 rooms that feature complimentary Wi-Fi, LED TV, cable programming, refrigerator, and hair dryer. During your stay, you can use a nearby fitness center free of charge and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast every day.
2 Star Average Prices: $113.64
What are the best discounts in Waterford, CT?
Many hotels around Waterford have special rates for AAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel. If you're eligible for one of these discounts, you can save a substantial amount of money without compromising the quality of your stay.
Rodeway Inn in Waterford is one of the hotels that offer discounts to AAA members and seniors. Located about 1.8 miles from Waterford, it's within a 15-minute drive of popular attractions such as Ocean Beach Park, Crystal Mall, Harkness Memorial State Park, Mystic Aquarium, and Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort. This hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms that come with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerator, microwave, and hair dryer. It also has an outdoor pool and picnic area for your recreational enjoyment. Complimentary continental breakfast is available every day.
If you're serving in the military or working for the government, you can get lower rates at Holiday Inn New London – Mystic Area. This hotel is situated about 1.8 miles east of Waterford, 0.8 mile from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, 1.6 miles from Connecticut College Arboretum, and 6.9 miles from Mystic Seaport Museum. It has 120 air-conditioned rooms that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, refrigerator, and hair dryer. As a guest, you can take advantage of amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, picnic area, on-site restaurant, business center, newsstand, laundry services, and complimentary casino shuttle.
What are the best value options in Waterford, CT?
If you want more bang for your buck, consider booking a room at Groton Inn & Suites. Located 3.6 miles east of Waterford in Groton, this hotel is a few minutes away from Fort Trumbull State Park, Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and Monte Cristo Cottage.
The rooms in Groton Inn & Suites are individually decorated and equipped with amenities such as complimentary wired and wireless internet connection, flat-screen TV, digital programming, DVD player, refrigerator, and pillow-top bed. While you're staying there, you can have a nice picnic around one of the barbecue grills, work up a sweat in the fitness center, get things done in the 24-hour business center, and enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant.
Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton is another great value option in the area. This Groton hotel is about 4 miles east of Waterford, 1.5 miles from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, 2.2 miles from Garde Arts Center, 5 miles from Crystal Mall, and 5.4 miles from Mystic Aquarium. All its rooms come with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. In addition, it features amenities such as an indoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour fitness center, on-site restaurant, bar-cum-lounge, 24-hour business center, and laundry services.
What are the top attractions in Waterford, Connecticut?
Spending time on the beach is one of the most popular recreational activities in Waterford. If you enjoy having fun in the sun, head down to Waterford Beach Park. This park features almost one-quarter mile of sandy beach, an extensive tidal marsh, and spectacular views of Long Island Sound. It's an excellent example of an intact dune system and gives you the rare opportunity to experience a truly natural beach. Park amenities include lifeguards in the summer, walkways, a picnic area, and bathrooms. Ocean Beach Park and Pleasure Beach are two other favorite haunts for beach lovers in Waterford.
Harkness Memorial State Park also has a beautiful beach, but you aren't allowed to swim there. Instead, you can enjoy a nice stroll or picnic, fish, or fly kites on the beach. In addition, this 230-acre park features stunning gardens and the stately Eolia. Built in 1906, the 42-room mansion was once the summer home of philanthropist Edward Harkness and features Roman Renaissance Classical Revival architecture. Other notable historic buildings in Waterford include the 1740 Jordan Schoolhouse, the 1848 First Baptist Church of Waterford, the 1860 Seventh Day Baptist Church, the 1878 Graniteville School, and the 1934 Seaside Sanatorium.
After a long day of exploring attractions, spend a relaxing evening at Mago Point. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoy wonderful views of the harbor and Niantic Bay, and experience unforgettable waterfront dining at The Dock Restaurant, Sunset Ribs, or Sunset Landing.
Waterford has so many attractions that you probably need to stay there for a few days to thoroughly explore it. Choosing the right accommodation can help reduce your travel expenses, avoid inconveniences, and make your vacation more enjoyable. Do some research to pick a hotel that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
FAQs about hotels in Waterford