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COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more
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Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for guests in public areas
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors marked for social distancing
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Updated 06/24/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from The Griswold Inn
Updated 06/24/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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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Full view
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 cofffee
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
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
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Hotel links
Location
Full view
61Somewhat walkable
Grade: 61 out of 100
140Restaurantswithin 5 miles
49Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426-1132
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Essex rental cars
414Reviews3Q+A96Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
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Popular mentions
The hotel is beautiful and very clean, the food is excellent. We had dinner NYE and since we live in CT we have eaten here often. But it was our first time staying at the inn. It was a nice room but the inn is old so for elderly and disabled people (there are no elevators) most of their rooms are second floor rooms. What was not good was the staff and NYE manager. Very cold and unfriendly. We realize at this time of uncertainty with Covid-19 people are uncertain and a little on edge. We decided since we could not leave our state to travel we would try it here. In times like these people need friendly, helpful staff members. When we would ask a simple question, like, (can we take food and or drink back to our room), our questions were met with cold, unfeeling responses. Each time, not just once. The only staff member whos first name is Mattea, was so kind and friendly and helpful. The rest acted as though we were being bothersome. Then when we went to check out, our bill was higher then expected. It was due to being charged twice for one night. When making a reservation here they take the first night and charge the credit card but they tried to get it through again. I fixed that situation. I was not happy by the way they acted towards guests and ourselves. We also asked for a room facing the water when making the reservation, we didn't get that.…
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
Although a limited menu, the food was really good. We were sat in an alcove and other diners were far away. The service was impeccable and we felt really comfortable. We stayed for almost 3 hours and were never hassled about the amount of time we were there.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
We chose the Griswold Inn for our annual family get-together this year and really glad we did! The meal this past Saturday night was outstanding from the appetizers to the drinks to the dinners, oooh and the deserts! We had the full range from steak to scallops (fab!) to pasta, honestly everything was THAT GOOD! The staff waited on us very attentively which made the whole time even more enjoyable. The Chef readily handled our special requests, and we topped it off with a round of House Special hot-buttered rum. We also stayed that night at the Griswold in one of it's buildings across the street (above the Coffee Room) & it was a gift! In reality, it was a suite with a fireplace that we continued our annual family trip into the wee hours the next day. Sunday morning came with fresh coffee and continental breakfasts all boxed up for us ready within 5 minutes of my phone call. Truly, truly a memorable weekend and we spent the rest of Sunday exploring the shops and museum all along Main Street. Thank-you Griswold Inn for making our annual family trip a most excellent time!! John & Debbie Sedor, Branford, CT …
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Date of stay: December 2020
Helpful
We were shopping in Essex and stopped at the Griswold for lunch. It is a nice Inn with a great history. The food and service were very good. We ate outside on a patio across the side street and the tables were spaced out properly and everything was very clean.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from The Paul Family, Owner at The Griswold Inn
Responded Oct 22, 2020
Griswold Greetings! We're delighted you enjoyed your experience with us and appreciate you sharing with potential visitors! Thanks so much for visiting!
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We have dined at the Griswold Inn Wine Bar on several occasions. It has always been very, very good. However, when we heard that the chef in charge when we had visited previously was no longer at the Wine Bar we were apprehensive about going back. Not to worry! Chef Ferrisi is on top of it. Tonight we enjoyed one of the best meals we have had in a very long time. You may have a better recipe (but I doubt it) for a scallop dish (on a potatoes cake with curried cauliflower puree) but you will never find better preparation of a scallop; perfectly seared and crusty on the outside and creamy on the inside. I raved to my wife as much about the potato cake as I did about the perfectly cooked scallop that she risked anaphylactic shock ( she is allergic to mollusks) to try the potato. She thought that it was worth it and yes, she is ok...thanks for asking. We also shared the Potato gnocchi with carmelized onion, gorgonzola and blue cheese and the white asparagus risotto. Both were very, very good. The only issue is white asparagus. I have never had white asparagus that was not tough and stringy. This was not the exception. But if you are looking for a truly exceptional meal at a very reasonable price, this is the place to go. Actually, it would still be worth it if the price were less reasonable. …
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Innkeeper1776, Owner at The Griswold Inn
Responded Feb 11, 2020
WOW! Thank you for the wonderful endorsement of our Wine Bar: we're glad you enjoyed a great experience! So that we give credit where credit is due... Though Chef Ferrisi certainly has culinary talent as evidenced by the delicious meals she prepared while she was with us, the experience you recently had was prepared by Executive Chef Toppin and his culinary team. Due to the demands - and joy! - of a young family, Chef Ferrisi decided to take a different path to allow more time with them. Our Wine Bar culinary experience will certainly not suffer: we have a very talented team in place! Personally, we too enjoyed an excellent meal at the Wine Bar recently: the Faroe Island Salmon Macro Plate is superlative! Truly!!! We hope you will come back for "more" and thank you so much for your patronage! With Gratitude, The Paul Family
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PRICE RANGE
$184 - $265 (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 Listing 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 Ivoryton Playhouse (2.9 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 Liv's Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant, and River Tavern.
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).