The New London center point is approximately the area of Hempstead Houses and the area of Garde Arts Center.
New London experiences its highest tourist traffic during the summer. Temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, so pack plenty of lightweight clothing, and prepare to face lots of crowds and lines at entertainment venues. Hotel prices go up starting in May and stay high until late August, so you might want to skip this season if you're traveling on a budget.
Fall is the ideal time to visit New London, especially if you don't live in a city or town that experiences four distinct seasons. During autumn, the colors change on the trees and foliage throughout town, and a simple stroll through the city will delight most travelers. Plus, the fall months don't get much precipitation, so you won't have to worry about getting caught in a downpour.
Spring brings more rain, but you'll love the signs of renewal as flowers and plants come back to life. The temperatures remain comfortable through May, so you can participate in as many outdoor activities as you want. The nights can get chilly, though, so pack a sweatshirt or jacket just in case.
Hotel prices are lowest during the winter months, and for good reason. Most travelers avoid New London during the winter because of the extreme temperatures and the high chance for snowfall. Though the city looks lovely when it's bathed in a sea of white powder, you'll probably spend most of your time indoors.
Some hotels in New London offer discounts that can help you better budget for your vacation. For instance, the Hampton Inn Groton offers discounts for AAA and CAA members. Just flash your membership ID card at the reception counter to receive your discount. This venue also reduces its prices for senior citizens, government workers, and military personnel.
The Ramada Groton offers AAA and senior citizen discounts, while the Red Carpet Inn & Suites will shave up to 10 percent off your bill for AARP members. You might also get discounts for booking your hotel room early at most New London hotels, and you can also score big discounts for booking several rooms at the same time.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel with lots of amenities, you might want to stay at the Clarion Inn New London - Mystic. This Choice Hotel offers excellent value for your dollar, featuring an indoor heated pool, a fully equipped exercise room, free wireless internet, and a free hot breakfast every morning. You'll also get a free daily paper and access to premium cable channels on your room's flat-screen television.
Every guest room at this establishment comes with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker. You'll also have large windows that you can open when you want to get some fresh air, and there's an on-site gift shop for guests who want to pick up a souvenir or two.
You can take several historical tours in New London if you want a guide to offer tidbits of information about each site. However, you can also tour the city on your own and find local landmarks to save money and enjoy more freedom.
Start your historical journey at the Maritime Museum. It's an amazing venue that offers a glimpse into naval history, much of it related specifically to Connecticut and the harbor. Next, visit the Hempstead Houses, which feature medieval architecture and gorgeous grounds. There are two homes on the property that were built by the Hempstead brothers in 1678 and 1759, respectively. Both still have their original furnishings and decor.
You'll find the Civil War Monument in the downtown neighborhood, and the historic Royal Hotel is just a few blocks away. Several churches are found throughout the city, each of which extends from a different period in history. The beautiful architecture will charm you as you learn about each church's history.
A trip to New London is perfect for history buffs, but even if you prefer to live in the here and now, you'll still get plenty of value from your vacation. Investigate the hotels recommended above, choose the best one for your needs, and make your reservations today.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in New London, CT excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to New London
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2026, 2025 | September 30, 2027, 2027 | $149.00 | $86.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of New London, CT from an actual visitor's perspective.
We didn't visit N London, only to board the ferry to Long Island; for a hicktown, it has a lot to offer..
I like New London because of ocean beach park, the sound of the trains, and it's convenient to my ultimate destination. I have enjoyed walking around New London many times. It's a nice little city.
It is nicely located to plenty of entertainment and eateries are very convenient.
Quiet and comfy!
This was a place to stay for concert.
Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Village were fun!
Beautiful area!!
The close proximity it is to various venues.
Navy Base
We went to Jake's Diner on State Street for breakfast. It was amazing and Jake cooked it himself! For dinner we went to Hot Rod Cafe which was excellent too! Both within walking distance of the hotel. Both excellent food, service and prices!
Hotel is close to Mohegan.
Submarine Museum
Near Navy Submarine
I went to a family funeral. Did not sight-see.
Stores and restaurants very easy to get to.
Stores and restaurants very easy to get to.
Garde Center was very good and had dinner at La Luna's the food was fantastic.
Nothing but good hotel accommodations.