The Griswold Inn

It's Revolutionary, The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT. The Griswold Inn is located in the centuries old Potopaug Village AKA Essex, CT. The building{s}stands alone as a testament to Yankee ingenuity. This museum, within itself, tastefully catches the eye with an array of historical original artifacts on display also offering fine fare, comfortable lodging and a hip local hot spot to socialize in this quaint and quite town. The Friday night gathering of family and friends also extends into Thursday and Saturday evenings when/where highly charged dancing flows into the foyer as some of the nation's coolest music rocks the house. Firmly entrenched along the Connecticut River since 1776 affectionately known as 'The Gris' does not boast about its {almost} seamless history, However, the best is yet to come when the place will burst with pride and a hell-u-va grand celebration on its 250th birthday in a year and a half. So, after a day in the park, sitting for some great wine and dinner then cutting a rug in the tavern til late evening, sleep will come easily in their clean, comfortable bedrooms. Some have gas fireplaces for that added ambience when relaxing. This overall quality experience is fondly shared by travelers the world over. Go and enjoy life at The Griswold Inn. Peace, James M

Beautiful Historic Hotel and Restaurant in the Heart of Downtown Essex The Griswold Inn is a beautiful and accommodating historic hotel located in the heart of Essex, CT. Upon arrival, parking was a bit confusing (not behind the hotel); however, the hotel has ample parking across the street. Check-In was fast and friendly, and a bellman assisted me with my bag up the many steps. The hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the US. The hotel does not have an elevator and could be a struggle for step challenged folks. My room was a huge suite with a living room and fireplace and view of the Main St. The bed was high (needed stairs) and comfortable. The bathroom was quite small, and the shower had not been updated in years. The living room is the true focus of the suite. The hotel has several excellent drinking and dining options. The Tap Room makes great cocktails and does not take reservations. The Wine Bar is a good place to enjoy small plates and great wines. The Main Dining Room offers fine dining cuisine and is excellent in every way. I ate and drank in all three. Service was excellent! The gift shop across the street has many local crafts and items and run by the wonderful and charming Jackie. The only negative note is the continental breakfast offered to in house guests. The selection was meager (worse than a Hampton Inn), and the servers were surly (and never smiled or offered coffee or water). The hotel really needs to improve the breakfast service even if they charge the guests. Overall, I highly recommend the Griswold as a beautiful historic venue; large rooms; amazing art works; and great dining and drinking options. I do plan to return.

beautiful day, lovely setting. We recently dined at the Griswold Inn for Father's Day, had lunch and sat outside. The weather was perfect, I wish I could say them same for the lunch we had. My wife and daughter ordered fish tacos and I had the $25 fish and chips.( $25 for lunch?) Smallest serving of fish and chips I ever saw. The two little fish tacos served were so wet they were hard to handle. I would rate the food below average at best.

Gristled at the Griswold On the Saturday before Easter, we dined at the Griswold Inn which was seemingly a delightful spot with an expansive menu. It was odd that only three minutes after our order the food arrived, and we all remarked on how fast it was. That should have been a signal. The short ribs ($42.00) were smaller than the fist of a small hand. But the problem was that more than half was grizzle. We told the waitress who said she would tell the chef, but nothing happened, so we asked for the manager. A young woman came to the table and as if this were a negotiation, whisked away the grizzle plate, and said she would credit a glass of wine ($12.00). No apology or concern – just a robotic reflex – evidently with a perfunctory and practiced solution to just move on. And move on we did, skipping dessert, with a bad taste about this place. The Griswold may be a historic building, but it is NOT a fine dining establishment.

A good time, all around experience. This inn is amazing, from check in to check out staff were so welcoming. Inn was built in 1700's. So much history everywhere throughout the inn. Room was charming, wide plank falls, uneven corridors which were great. Entertainment and food were top notch, can't wait to come back.