North Stonington, CT is a small town (if you can call it that) in southeastern Connecticut. It’s pretty touristy since Foxwoods Resort & Casino is located in neighboring town Mashantucket. There is more to do than just gamble, but you have to take a close look at activities available. There are also a few places to stay, including Foxwoods, Two Trees Inn and, of course, my favorite place to stay when visiting Connecticut, Hilltop Inn & Suites.
LOCATION Hilltop Inn & Suites is located right on Route 2, three miles east of Foxwoods. If you’re arriving by ferry, it’s about 19 miles from the New London ferry terminal. There are several restaurants and shops nearby, so there really isn’t a lack of things to do. Hilltop Inn & Suites is right nearby Mystic Pizza II. (For those of you that don’t know, Mystic Pizza is a film based on a real pizza place in Mystic, CT, which is also relatively close.) North Stonington is within driving distance to many interesting towns where there is lots to do, including Mystic, New London, Wallingford and Bridgeport.
Even though Hilltop Inn & Suites is located right off of Route 2, it is set back a bit. You will hear absolutely no traffic from your room. making a left onto Route 2 from the entrance to the Inn is a pain in the butt, but it can be done. You just have to be patient and wait for the traffic to clear.
With the exception of Foxwoods being nearby, North Stonington is a bit of a sleepy town. There really isn’t much to this town, except for what you see on Route 2. If you’re looking for a lot to do and don’t want to drive to Foxwoods, you probably should find another place to visit. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet place to stay, Hilltop Inn & Suites is just the place.
PRICE
The second thing I usually look at when searching for a hotel is the price. You simply can’t beat the price at Hilltop Inn & Suites. The rack rates (rates that are told to travel agents) start at $69 for weekdays and $99 for weekends. Of course, the rates go up and down with the season. Plus, they are listed on places like Travelocity and other discount travel search engines. I reserved my room for $56 through Travelocity… But that was before I realized that I get an even better rate for working in the travel industry.
You can book through websites, travel agents, or just call Hilltop direct at 877-965-0500 and you will get a very low rate. (PLUG: You can always email me for rate information! [email protected]) You get so much more than what you pay for, too.
AMENITIES Hilltop Inn & Suites offers a lot of amenities to their guests. Every morning, there is a complimentary continental breakfast. On Saturday evenings, there is a complimentary cocktail hour with hors d’ourves, wine and champagne. The spread is very, very nice.
The big attraction for this place is the complimentary stretch limousine service to Foxwoods. All you have to do is sign up for your trip at the front desk, and hop in the car when your time comes. I have taken the limo before, and it is awesome. You aren’t even expected to tip– but, of course, it’s always nice for the driver when you do.
Other amenities include a business center, conference rooms, workout facilities and a spa. Spa services, of course, are additional. (I have never used the spa here, so I can’t comment on it.)
ROOMS
There are two classes of rooms in this 139 room hotel. The first is your deluxe room, which includes either a king bed or two queen beds, a 27″ television, nightstand, dresser, cable TV, digital safe, full bathroom and in-room coffee. The other is the jacuzzi suite, which offers a king-sized bed, dresser, two comfy chairs, bistro table and chairs, 27″ television, cable tv, digital safe, and a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi for two people, vanity, lots of mirrors, separate shower stall and toilet. All of the rooms also come with hairdryers, travel-sized lotion, shampoo, soap, mouthwash and shower gel, towels and mint candies.
You will find your stay very, very comfortable. The only thing that I don’t like is that you can hear outside noise from your room. The building is only two stories high, so you can hear noise in the parking lot in which ever room you may be in. Also, I didn’t notice a guest elevator anywhere. However, the rooms on the ground floor are easily handicap-accessible.
STAFF
You will be hard-pressed to find a staff as wonderful, friendly and accommodating as the staff at Hilltop Inn& Suites. The managers are readily accessible to you, and will do whatever they can to ensure that you have a pleasant stay at Hilltop Inn & Suites. There is always someone at the front desk, which is very reassuring. If my toilet overflows at 3am, I want to know that it will be taken care of immediately. At Hilltop Inn & Suites, I know that I am well-taken care of.
OVERALL
In conclusion, you simply must give Hilltop Inn & Suites a try. They are so worth the trip. It is very relaxing… Exactly what a traveler needs when stealing away for a day or two.
