Pier Blue Inn Old Saybrook - Essex

The hotel offers a charming and rustic New England setting, making it a memorable choice for travelers seeking a cozy and authentic experience. Its signature feature is the exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff, who consistently go above and beyond, even assisting guests with unexpected issues like car troubles, which significantly enhances the overall stay. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, its convenient location near local attractions, and the excellent value for money it provides, often exceeding expectations for its price point. This makes it an ideal fit for budget-conscious travelers, pet owners due to its welcoming policy, and those looking for a quiet, comfortable short stay or a base for exploring the Connecticut coastline. To enhance your visit, consider taking advantage of the highly-rated dining options directly across the street and be aware that while many rooms are updated, some retain an older charm, reflecting the property's ongoing improvements.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides practical amenities designed for guest convenience and a self-sufficient stay. Each room is typically equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, allowing guests to store snacks, prepare simple beverages, and enjoy the comforts of home. While there are no on-site dining facilities, the property offers ample parking for guests, which is a significant advantage in the area. The outdoor areas are often praised for being beautifully landscaped, featuring outdoor seating and picnic tables, creating a pleasant environment for relaxation and enjoying the fresh air. Some guests also noted the presence of a barbecue area, adding to the outdoor appeal for casual meals. Wi-Fi is generally available, though a few guests reported occasional connectivity issues, which could impact those relying heavily on internet access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, noting them to be immaculate and well-maintained, which is a significant positive for many. However, feedback on room comfort and decor is mixed; while some rooms are described as recently renovated and modern, others are noted for their dated decor and older feel, with some furniture appearing careworn. Bed comfort also varies, with many finding the beds cozy and comfortable, while others reported them to be too firm or uncomfortable, sometimes due to a plastic mattress protector. A recurring concern for some guests is the presence of musty smells or residual smoke odors in certain rooms, though many experienced no such issues. Noise levels are generally quiet, but some ground-floor guests reported noise from above. Bathrooms are mostly clean, but some are described as small or outdated, with occasional issues like mold or faulty fixtures.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer on-site dining or food service, which is a consistent point across reviews. However, this is largely mitigated by the excellent and convenient breakfast options available directly across the street. Guests frequently highlight a specific breakfast and lunch spot, often referred to as "The Kettle" or "Himalaya Cafe," praising its food quality as amazing and delicious. This nearby establishment often provides complimentary drinks or discounts for hotel guests, making it a popular choice for morning meals. The absence of an in-house restaurant encourages guests to explore the local culinary scene, which is well-regarded, providing a diverse range of nearby restaurants within easy reach. This setup is generally seen as a positive, offering flexibility and access to high-quality local eateries.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, consistently praised by guests for its convenience and accessibility. It is ideally situated near the Main Street of Old Saybrook, placing guests within easy reach of numerous shops, restaurants, and local attractions. The property is also conveniently close to various beaches and other points of interest along the Connecticut coastline, making it a great base for exploring the region. Guests appreciate the walkable proximity to many dining options and the ease of access to public transit, with a bus stop located just outside. Ample parking is available on-site, which is a practical benefit, though some guests noted that parking could be more challenging during peak season. Overall, the location greatly enhances the guest experience, providing a perfect balance of tranquility and access to amenities.

Staff & Service
The staff and owners at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of the guest experience. They are frequently described as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, helpful, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to assist guests with various needs, from providing local recommendations to helping with car issues. The check-in and check-out processes are noted as quick, easy, and smooth, contributing to a hassle-free arrival and departure. Guests appreciate the attentive service, including prompt responses to requests for assistance with in-room amenities like televisions or air conditioning. While most guests commend the daily housekeeping service, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained, a few reported inconsistencies with room servicing or towel replenishment, though staff were generally quick to rectify issues when informed.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing ongoing renovations, which explains the varying room conditions reported by guests, with some enjoying newly updated spaces while others encounter older decor. Despite some rooms being dated, the property is frequently highlighted for its excellent value for money, offering an affordable stay compared to other options in the area. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for many travelers, and provides designated outdoor areas for pets. Guests should be aware that there is no elevator for second-floor rooms, which may require carrying luggage up stairs. While most experiences are positive, a few guests reported issues with the cancellation policy, experiencing charges despite early attempts to cancel. Additionally, some guests noted being assigned smoking rooms without prior request, which impacted their comfort.