The Griswold Inn

We had a terrible experience at "the Gris." My family was traveling in Connecticut from Hawaii and made a special trip to the Gris to hear the sea shanties on a Monday evening. I specifically told the Gris the purpose of our trip and that I was traveling with my two small children when I made the reservations. They told me there would be no problem attending the shanties and suggested a suite room to accommodate the little ones. We arrived to find no bed made up for my young children despite paying extra to have the "suite" room to accommodate them. The room was also not on site. Rather is was across the road located above another business up a steep set of outdoor stairs very reminiscent of an airbnb. This would be impossible to navigate with suitcases or any walking impediment. It was very difficult for us with our children. We travelled to the Gris specifically to hear the shanties on Monday nights. This was told to the Gris when we made our reservations. They told us to make a 7:45 reservation in the dining room which we did. We arrived to find ourselves seated as far as possible from the tavern, unable to hear, unable to see. I expressed my disappointment to the management after our stay, and was met with no concern at all. For a single night we paid about $450.00. This is highway robbery for the product and customer service provided.

My husband and I stayed Friday to Sunday at this historic gem. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious Tap Room meal, followed by dancing and singing with the locals to the Psychedelic 60s band in the bar area. We splurged on a superior suite with a king bed. It was over the chocolate store across the street from The Griswold Inn. It was very spacious with ample seating, a large bathroom with a stall shower, views of the square/Griswold Inn as well as a small side view of the water from the bathroom window. No TV, but it wasn't missed. The cool, quiet, dark room was perfect for us Brooklynites! The continental breakfast included filled us up until lunch both days. Every staff member we encountered seemed genuinely happy to serve/help us. Without a doubt, we'd recommend The Griswold Inn as well as stay here again.

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

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.

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.