Thames Inn & Marina

Being right by the river, with great views of the New London harbor, was a nice bonus. I almost never review hotels, but the folks at the Thames Inn made my short stay in Groton one of the most memorable parts of my road trip. My travel app had let me book even though the hotel was full that night. When I arrived for checkout, the attendant made a couple of calls and found me an apartment on the same block instead of leaving me stuck. The staff got it cleaned and put in a brand new AC unit in about half an hour. They also offered me a much later checkout, which I didn’t need but appreciated. I chatted with some locals nearby. I can see how people who’ve spent their whole lives in the suburbs might find them “sketchy,” but they were friendly and welcoming to me, and had some cool ideas for things to see around the region. I highly recommend the Thames Inn for a fun, offbeat New England experience.

The one positive was the location near Mystic, and the staff seemed very kind. The building felt like low-income housing rather than a hotel or motel, though. There was a smell of cigarettes throughout the building and in every room. Our studio apartment had just been renovated after the previous tenant left after three months, but it was still dirty. The chairs were heavily stained, the pillows were small throw-pillow size and different shades of dirty, and the blanket had cigarette burn holes. There was no hair dryer or place to iron clothes, and no iron provided. Used condoms, food, and trash were scattered around the parking lot.

The bed was uncomfortable, the room was musty, and the shower smelled like mold. Even for one night, this was an unpleasant stay. I paid over $200 a night in June while taking the New London Ferry for a day trip to Block Island, and I can’t believe the room cost $235. It reeked of cigarettes despite being a non-smoking room, and there was noise from people coming and going all night. This place needs a lot of TLC. I don’t recommend it.

I stayed for a week because of work, and it was very close to my work site. The week cost $650, which wasn’t bad. The parking lot needs attention, the Wi-Fi barely worked, and the place needs remodeling. I wasn’t really sure who was running things since I was told the owner was on medical leave. Still, everyone I dealt with was kind and polite. Check-in and check-out were easy, and office employees were easy to reach. The scenery from the parking lot was amazing.