Thirty-five years ago we spent the first night of our honeymoon at the Griswold Inn. It was charming then and it is just as charming, if not more so, now. The bedroom was beautifully appointed, the bed was comfortable (a super mattress). We had dinner in the Library - service was excellent and food was very good. Essex has to... More

I stayed here with a few friends and overall found it to be a well run inn situated in a quaint and quiet little town. The rooms are clean and have what you need but since the buildings are old it all felt cramped. I was here with friends and wouldnt put this on my list for a romantic get... More

Spent four nights of a supremely beautiful and warm Connecticut River week in two different rooms at the Gris. First room was a superior cottage -- couldn't stand up in the shower (I'm 6'6"). Second room was on 2nd floor of one of the outbuildings -- shower worked fine, but I carved my scalp a few times walking under the... More

We stayed at the Gris for a random Friday night to get away from the stuff at home that distracts us for enjoying each others company and having a good time. We had dinner at the Inn, which was good comfort food and slept soundly in our rooms.. with no TV. We then explored Essex and went up to Chester... More

This is the oldest continuously running Inn and charming. Crooked, wavy floors (be careful if you have had too much to drink!), low ceilings, etc. There is a balance between liking charm and being comfortable however, so just know what you are getting into before you go. We stayed in one of the outbuildings, which has 2 lovely sitting rooms... More

The Gris is in the heart of this small town; the location, on Main Street, is ideal. My room was ok; the bathroom was retrofit with a fiberglass stall shower; toiletries , linens and continental breakfast, included in the price of the room, were adequate. The inn has a monopoly on location, but misses the mark with the details. More

Our suite at the inn was large, very comfortable and furnished with beautiful antiques. There were on two small problems....no TV in the rooms (my fault for not asking) and we had to cross the street to get to the main building to eat. Not a big deal because we picked an extraordinarily unseasonable February day but if the weather... More

Love the food and the atmosphere at "The Gris." In the summer try the Monday night "Sea Shanties" gathering for songs and the Wednesday night, "Wine Bar" specials. Have not stayed in the Inn, but greatly enjoy the warmth of this old Connecticut establishment near the Connecticut River. The village of Essex is very nice as well. It is an... More

great wine bar and really fun tap room- good food choices More