Under $100

Acres of quiet woods surround the cozy Fox Trail Lodge (682 Norwich Westerly Rd., N. Stonington, 860/535-2721, www.foxtraillodge.com, $59–99), but while it may feel out of the way, it’s actually a short drive to all the action in Mystic and the casinos. Simple early-American decor reigns here; think antique hutches and tables, fireplaces, and plush settees. All rooms have private baths.

$100–150

Owned and run by a family of ex-Manhattanites, Old Lyme Inn (85 Lyme St., Old Lyme, 860/434-2600, www.oldlymeinn.com, $135–175) is a perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation. Rooms all have queen or king canopy beds, pretty views, and include an excellent (and filling) continental breakfast.

Close to both Mystic Seaport and the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos, Groton Inn (99 Gold Star Hwy., 860/445-9784, www.grotoninn.com, $80–173) is ideal for families, thanks to its plentiful, inexpensive suites with kitchenettes and microwaves.

$150–250

Its majestic views overlook Mystic Harbor and Long Island Sound, but that’s just part of what makes The Inn at Mystic (Rtes. 1 and 27, Mystic, 860/536-9604, www.innatmystic.com, $95–325) so darn pretty. Between the beautifully manicured flower gardens, the rooms outfitted in designer fabrics and massive beds (some with fireplaces, whirlpools, and patios), and the charming mansion itself, it’s hard to decide where to look next.

With three rooms to let and a host of antiques to sell, Antiques & Accommodations (32 Main St., N. Stonington, 800/5547829, www.antiquesandaccommodations.com, $110–229) lives exactly up to its name. The two restored Victorian carriage houses have incredibly homey chambers with four-poster beds, and one with a fireplace. Meanwhile, breakfasts are no mere danish: the kitchen rolls out treats like cantaloupe mint soup, crab soufflés, and fresh-baked lemon-blueberry bread.

All ten rooms at the Steamboat Inn (73 Steamboat Wharf, 860/536-8300, www.steamboatinnmystic.com, $150–275) overlook the Mystic River, are a stone’s throw from the sights of the Seaport, and come stashed with perks like DVD players and whirlpool baths. Complimentary tea, hot chocolate and coffee are offered all day long in the common rooms downstairs, as are sherry and cookies in the evening.

$250 and Up

All the major travel magazines have raved about Inn at Stonington (60 Water St., Stonington, 860/535-2000, www.innatstonington.com, $160–440) at one point or another, and with excellent reason. The superbly run, impeccably kept spot offers personal (but never intrusive) service. The 18 rooms all look as though Martha Stewart herself decorated them; each comes with fireplaces and oversized bathrooms, and most have whirlpool tubs and modem ports, to boot. There’s also a homemade continental breakfast, free bike loans, and use of the exercise room.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition