Hartford has a smaller hotel stock than the cities around it, and the choice of where to stay shapes the trip more than it might in a larger city. Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of the Capitol, Bushnell Park and the Wadsworth Atheneum, but the best hotel values are often in the suburbs, and some of the most memorable stays are in nearby towns. This guide explains the main areas and what each is good for.
Downtown Hartford: the walkable base
Downtown is the right choice if you do not have a car, if you plan to see the museums and civic landmarks, or if you are attending an event at the convention center, the arena or the Bushnell. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown is the full-service option, with a restaurant and bar, meeting space and a location near the convention center. The Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and Candlewood Suites in the downtown area offer suite-style rooms with kitchens, which suit families and longer stays. From these hotels, you can walk to Bushnell Park and the Capitol in minutes, and the Wadsworth Atheneum and Main Street restaurants are close. The Mark Twain House and Stowe Center are a few miles west, so plan a rideshare or short drive.
What downtown is like in the evening
Hartford is a business and government city, and its downtown is quiet on many weeknights compared with larger cities. That has advantages, including lower noise and easier restaurant reservations, but it means you should plan your evenings. Check the calendars at the arena, the Bushnell and the ballpark before you book, because event nights fill hotels and raise rates. Weekends are often cheaper than weekdays, a reversal of the usual leisure-travel pattern.
Glastonbury: the quiet suburban option
Across the Connecticut River to the southeast, Glastonbury offers calm streets, easy parking and reliable chain hotels. The Homewood Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn there are good for families and road-trippers who want a restful base and do not mind a fifteen-to-twenty-minute drive to downtown. It is also convenient for Old Wethersfield, Dinosaur State Park and routes toward the shoreline.
Farmington: art, hiking and shopping
West of Hartford, Farmington is the right base for visitors who want to see the Hill-Stead Museum, the Farmington River and the trails of the valley. The Hampton Inn & Suites there is a practical, value-minded choice with free parking at many properties and quick access to Westfarms mall and the highways. It is also convenient for the literary houses and for a day trip to New Britain.
Simsbury: the charming inn
For couples and travelers who value atmosphere, the Simsbury 1820 House is the choice. The village of Simsbury has a classic New England center, and the inn is close to Talcott Mountain and Heublein Tower. It is a longer drive to downtown Hartford, roughly twenty-five minutes, so it works best when you plan to spend a good part of the trip in the valley. Book early for foliage season, when small inns fill quickly.
The airport: Windsor Locks
The Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport is the practical choice for early flights, late arrivals and visitors who want to visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum, the Connecticut Fire Museum and the New England Air Museum. The hotel offers full-service amenities in an airport setting, but it is not a place to stroll to dinner.
Budget stays
The Days Inn on the edge of downtown offers a simple, inexpensive option for drivers. Extended-stay properties such as Candlewood Suites can also be good value when a kitchen lets you save on meals. Compare cancellation terms and parking charges, which can change the real cost of a stay.
Parking and transport
Many downtown hotels charge for parking, while suburban hotels often include it. If you plan to use the Hartford Line train for a New Haven day trip, a downtown hotel near the rail station saves time. If you plan to drive to Farmington, Simsbury and Rocky Hill, a suburban base saves money.
Choosing quickly
First-time visitors without a car should stay downtown. Families who want space should choose a suite hotel, downtown or in Glastonbury. Couples who want charm should choose Simsbury. Airport travelers should choose Windsor Locks. When in doubt, check dates: rates in Hartford are driven by conventions, college weeks and foliage season, and the cheapest nights are often Friday to Sunday downtown.
