Old Lyme Inn, Old Lyme, Connecticut

The Old Lyme Inn welcomes visitors to the heart of historic Old Lyme, Connecticut with its perfect blend of charm and modern comfort. Fully renovated in 2012, this quaint New England inn features thirteen beautifully restored guest rooms that offer traditional appeal alongside contemporary amenities. You’ll find yourself immersed in the authentic character of Connecticut while enjoying all the conveniences you expect from a quality getaway destination.

The Old Lyme Inn isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a complete experience featuring indoor and seasonal outdoor dining options plus live music in their world-renowned jazz club, The Side Door. After enjoying a delicious meal in the restaurant (which guests rave about for its great menu and attentive service), you can unwind with some incredible jazz performances. This combination of comfortable lodging, excellent dining, and cultural entertainment makes the Old Lyme Inn an ideal choice for your next weekend escape in Connecticut.

Connecticut 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

Old Lyme Inn

The Old Lyme Inn is a charming getaway nestled in the historic Art District of Old Lyme, Connecticut. This elegant establishment offers a perfect blend of comfort and culture, with 13 beautifully appointed guest rooms for your relaxation.

When you visit, you’ll be treated to a unique experience that combines lodging with entertainment. The inn features a celebrated restaurant serving delicious meals in both indoor and seasonal outdoor settings. You can enjoy a meal while taking in the peaceful wooded grounds surrounding the property.

What truly sets the Old Lyme Inn apart is its world-renowned jazz club, The Side Door. Here you can unwind with live music performances in an intimate setting, making for unforgettable evenings during your stay.

Located halfway between New York City and Boston, the inn serves as an ideal base for exploring the Connecticut Shoreline. You’ll find yourself minutes away from museums, galleries, specialty shops, and outdoor activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, and beautiful beaches.

Rating: 4.4 (280 reviews)
Location: 85 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Contact: (860) 434-2600
Website: Visit Website

History of the Old Lyme Inn

The Old Lyme Inn has a rich history dating back to 1856 when it was first constructed as a farmhouse by the Champlain family. This charming building stands in Old Lyme’s historic Art District on the beautiful Connecticut Shoreline.

In the early 1900s, the inn became a popular destination for impressionist artists. You can feel their creative influence throughout the property even today, connecting you to Connecticut’s artistic heritage.

At one point in its colorful past, the building housed a riding academy. Did you know that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis reportedly took riding lessons here? This adds a touch of presidential history to your stay!

The inn has undergone several transformations over the years. In 2012, it was carefully renovated and restored, preserving its historic charm while adding modern comforts.

Today, the Old Lyme Inn features 13 beautiful guest rooms, a restaurant, and even a jazz club. When you visit, you’re not just staying at a hotel – you’re experiencing a piece of Connecticut history that spans more than 165 years.

As you walk through the inn, you’ll notice how it perfectly blends its historic roots with contemporary amenities. The inn continues to welcome travelers just as it has for generations, offering you a unique glimpse into Old Lyme’s past.

Architecture and Design

The Old Lyme Inn blends historic charm with thoughtful modern updates. The building’s structure maintains its 1856 farmhouse roots while offering guests contemporary comforts throughout the property.

Colonial Era Features

When you enter the Old Lyme Inn, you’ll immediately notice the authentic Colonial-era features that have been carefully preserved. The farmhouse, built around 1856 by the Champlain family, showcases traditional New England architecture with its classic proportions and symmetrical design.

Original wooden beams stretch across several ceilings, giving you a glimpse into 19th-century construction techniques. Many rooms feature period-appropriate moldings and trim work that craftsmen painstakingly maintained during renovations.

Wood-burning fireplaces with historic mantels serve as focal points in common areas, creating cozy gathering spaces during Connecticut’s chilly months. The wide-plank hardwood floors throughout much of the inn have been restored to their original beauty, showing subtle wear that only adds to their character.

Modern Renovations

The 2012 renovation thoughtfully updated the inn while respecting its historic integrity. You’ll appreciate how modern amenities blend seamlessly with the building’s authentic charm across all 13 guest rooms.

Each room now features updated private bathrooms with high-end fixtures and custom tilework. The designers incorporated period-appropriate lighting fixtures that use modern technology for better efficiency and comfort.

The inn’s restaurant space balances historic elements with contemporary dining needs. Large windows allow natural light to flood the dining areas while offering views of the grounds and historic Lyme Street beyond.

Climate control systems have been discreetly integrated throughout the property, ensuring your comfort year-round without disrupting the historic atmosphere. The renovation also included careful updates to the inn’s jazz club space, creating an intimate venue with excellent acoustics that respects the building’s original layout.

Dining Experience

The Old Lyme Inn offers a charming dining atmosphere with several distinct spaces including three dining rooms, a grand bar, and a fireplace library. Their seasonal New England fare changes throughout the year to capture fresh flavors.

Cuisine Highlights

The restaurant at Old Lyme Inn serves contemporary New England cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. You’ll find a thoughtfully crafted menu that changes with the seasons. Their Friday and Saturday dinner service runs from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, perfect for a relaxing evening meal.

For something different, try their Afternoon Tea on Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Their Jazzy Sunday Brunch from 9:00am to 2:00pm combines delicious food with lively music – a wonderful way to end your weekend!

Lunch is available on Fridays from 11:30am to 2:00pm. The restaurant features smaller dining rooms that create an intimate atmosphere, making your meal feel special and cozy.

Local Ingredients

The chef at Old Lyme Inn embraces Connecticut’s seasonal bounty, crafting dishes that showcase the region’s best ingredients. You’ll taste the difference in their carefully prepared meals that highlight local flavors.

The changing menu reflects what’s fresh and available nearby. This farm-to-table approach ensures you’re getting the most flavorful experience possible during your visit.

When you dine at the inn, you’re also supporting local farmers and producers. Their commitment to regional ingredients creates a true taste of Connecticut that you won’t find elsewhere.

If you’re attending a show at the Side Door Jazz Club within the inn, you can enjoy 10% off your dinner when you present your ticket!