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Room & Suite (26)
Dining (25)
About
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.3
Value
3.8
Located in the picturesque and historic village of Essex, Connecticut, The Griswold Inn is a destination experience. With 33 guest rooms, unique shopping, historic dining, a stunning wine bar featuring a tapas-style culinary experience, and an award-winning taproom voted "Best Bar" over and over by Esquire Magazine and countless others, the 'Gris' offers visitors an authentic and spirited adventure. Come make your own history here. The oldest continually operated inn in America. Fine Food, Spirits and Lodging....Since 1776!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Boating
Highchairs available
Shuttle bus service
Meeting rooms
Street parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Evening entertainment
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Car hire
Taxi service
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
24-hour front desk
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Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Hotel links
Location
59Somewhat walkable
Grade: 59 out of 100
122Restaurantswithin 5 miles
53Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426-1132
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Essex rental cars
Nearby restaurants
Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant
410 reviews4 miAmerican
Liv's Oyster Bar & Restaurant
332 reviews4.1 miAmerican
Aspen Restaurant
301 reviews3.8 miAmerican
Whistle Stop
141 reviews3.7 miAmerican
See all nearby restaurantsNearby attractions
Florence Griswold Museum
255 reviews3.6 miHistoric Sites
Connecticut River Museum
204 reviews3 minSpeciality & Gift Shops
Essex Indoor Golf Center
44 reviews14 minGame & Entertainment Centers
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Museum
100 reviews4.3 miTheaters
See all nearby attractions450Reviews3Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 215
- 126
- 59
- 28
- 22
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Most Recent
Our family has been celebrating many occasions from birthdays to graduations and others and always thought of the Gris as our special place. The Hunt Breakfast was always our favorite when gathering with multi age groups. We were very disappointed that they had not reinstated the Hunt Breakfast since the pandemic. The menu choices were too few and expensive, pancakes and bacon, $19. The empty dining room reflected the disappointment of the public because in the past there would be a steady stream of people from 11 to 2. I really hope you will rethink the decision not to return the Hunt Breakfast. While we love celebrating there, it won't be for Sunday Brunch.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Property's Favorite Review
Today I had Sunday brunch at the “Gris” for the first time. My stuffed French toast was excellent with apples and walnuts and was served piping hot. My companion’s pancakes were excellent as well and again were served piping hot. We eat here quite often and always enjoy the experience. There’s a good reason why they have been serving meals for over 245 years.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
most amazing saturday night we've had in a long time!!!!!! the hospitality was great. our room was small but only needed it to sleep. the furnishings were beautiful original antiques. we had dinner in one of three historic dining rooms and the food and service were fantastic. went into the tap room for a drink after dinner and spent the entire evening there. there was a local band (local honey project) that was really really good. great people everywhere you turned.. the town of essex it's self was picturesque. i highly recommend the GRIS (as the locals call it). only a two block walk to the ct river and the sunrise was amazing. do your self a favor and go........
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: tap room gets busy but worth it
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We went in for a lunch with family and were not disappointed. The beautiful decorations and the overall ambiance was truly in the spirit of the holiday season. The staff was very friendly and didn’t miss a beat. Our waitress was very attentive and the food was exceptional. I would highly recommend a visit during the holiday season. We did have a reservation and it became very busy so I would definitely recommend calling ahead to make sure there’s room! I would definitely recommend a visit.
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
A bad start and a great finish. My wife and I went to the Griz for our 55th anniversary. I ordered the special. After a wait of over 20 minutes our very pleasant waitress said they were out of the special so I ordered the duck. Soon after we received a text from our son telling us that his order for a bottle of champagne was not filled because we were not there. When our meals arrived I told the waitress of our sons text and she said she would report it to the manager. Our meals arrived and were excellent. Frank, the manager arrived at our table with an apology and offered us an excellent bottle of champagne to take home and a discounted dinner bill. We left quite satisfied and will come back sgain.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I really wanted to give a higher review but some things needed to be said. Folks definitely were friendly in terms of service etc. However we found them to be distracted. Two of us needed new forks after apps - 8 minutes of entrees sitting there grabbed from another table. Potato pancake very good. Caesar salad almost no dressing and lettuce pieces far too big and an army of too many croutons. Bread lovely but the butter (even if inside with the warm rolls was as hard as a rock and the whole piece came out in one knife attempt to remove (pull some out of the fridge a bit before service perhaps.) Decorations were lovely - bar is seaside rustic - nice. Some drinks took a WHILE to come - when you want to toast or enjoy with food nice for people to have timely drinks -- again this is not an inexpensive place at all - service should match the pricing. When you bring the little "Chinese to go" style "to go" boxes for left overs - bring a bag as well - watched more than one table then ask for a bag. Your bags are paper so not too environmentally unfavorable, just don't send folks off with a box that is likely to come open in the car. Bathrooms clean (but wish the ladies was not right by tables - ask for a table away from the bathroom door) - the latter perhaps can't be changed in a historical building - but worth considering if it can -- the traffic etc is not nice for other tables eating expensive meals. ---- You should be a 5 out of 5 --- needs a bit of work. …
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The restaurant. We had a family get together at the Griswold Inn for 8 family members from Pa , NY and CT. for which we had tried to have a convenient date for the get together at the Inn for several years! Our table for 8 was in a room off the main section of the restaurant. Soon it became so noisy from nearby tables that hearing our conservations were very difficult. We attempted to close the accordion door - it was broken. Then the dinner. Chowder was sent back because it was not hot. The dinners came and the cod was barely warm and was sent back. Such a disappointment for this special occasion. The restaurant did provide desserts for all of us due to our problems and the desserts were excellent! Overall we were very disappointed with the evening at the Griswold Inn Restaurant.…
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
What a treat to have dinner in this historic Inn. My husband has wanted to go for a while and we he surprised me with a family birthday dinner. 1. Service was outstanding 2. Atmosphere was nice and felt very private and not cramped. 3. Food was good
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I am a ten-year resident and now consider myself a local. I have a few friends that work here, and my daughter worked here for a bit. I was in on Saturday night just to catch the last set of the band. I managed to maneuver myself to the bar which was an absolute mess. Waited about 10 minutes to order a soda water, was served a 10 oz. glass, mostly ice, and the bartender curtly said “3.50”. I looked at him and laughed, said “seriously?” For a glass of ice…..basically. His reply was “that’s the price.” I grudgingly put down $4.00….he then came back with the change and said-“you want this, right”? The attitude was nasty, demeaning, and unnecessary. So disappointed, and honestly disgusted. I remembered why I do not frequent The Gris. A shame, because I really love the music and atmosphere. My advise is to drop the attitude….…
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We have been coming back for years at the Tap room for their music. The Monday night sea chanty guys are great. We arrive almost 90 minutes early to snag the last table for 2 in the pub where the music is. We orders dinner which was basically average to weak. Clam chowder came out room temperature filled with mostly potatoes. In complaining I got it changed for another bowl with less potatoes and still not hot. If you want potato soup with clam flavor this will work. Fish and chips just basic with cold fries. Wife's chicken dish was described a lot better than it tasted. As for music, we were able to see the band the 1st set by asking people not to stand in front of our face. Most moved, one guy told me to coukd nscrew off and then moved. By the second set the place was packed and we could see the band so we leaned on our table not to be blocked. By the second set it was wall to wall people. I think there must be a fire code issue here somewhere. Bottom line, come for the music and good tap beer 10 minutes before the band starts and eat elsewhere. If you worry about covid, this is not the place. To be clear, the Gris has good music and worth going…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$219 - $253 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
griswold hotel essex
LOCATION
United StatesConnecticutEssex
NUMBER OF ROOMS
34
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Claim Your ListingTHE GRISWOLD INN - Updated 2023 Prices & B&B Reviews (Essex, CT)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Griswold Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Griswold Inn?
Nearby attractions include Florence Griswold Museum (3.6 miles), Connecticut River Museum (0.1 miles), and Essex Indoor Golf Center (0.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Griswold Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Griswold Inn?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a fireplace, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at The Griswold Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Griswold Inn?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Griswold Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant, Liv's Oyster Bar & Restaurant, and Aspen Restaurant.
Does The Griswold Inn have an airport shuttle?
Yes, The Griswold Inn offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Griswold Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Essex.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Griswold Inn?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to The Griswold Inn?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Florence Griswold Museum (3.6 miles), Lyme Art Association (3.6 miles), and General William Hart House (4.5 miles).