Springhill Suites by Marriott Mystic Waterford

The pool seems like a reason to make sure your vaccines are current and have an antibiotic on hand, if you choose to use it. The rooms are gross, musty, and dated, with ripped, stained furniture and peeling wallpaper that still smells like cigarettes from the 90s. I don't know how they charge so much for a place that feels on par with a Motel 6. Save yourself the trouble and book somewhere else.

This was our second stay at SpringHill Suites, and it'll be our regular choice for weekends in Mystic. The staff are what make it stand out: professional and helpful, and we're already planning trip number three. The room smelled clean and felt spacious, though a few spots could use refurbishment. The heated indoor pool was a great temperature, had lots of seating, and we noticed it being cleaned every day. Breakfast had a great selection. On our February visit there was a hot chocolate station in the lobby during the day, and this summer they offered lemonade and ice tea. Thanks for an amazing trip.

The front desk staff, Housekeeping Managers, and housekeeping team were pleasant and very helpful. They put out warm cookies in the afternoon, along with lemonade and iced tea, and guests can get coffee and water in the lobby. I checked an hour before check-in and they accommodated me. It's a busy hotel, perhaps because it's the closest place to US Coastguard A and people may drive for hours to see loved ones or prospective attendees. The building needs upkeep and no longer looks like the photo, and the carpet needs replacing. I could smell something unpleasant in it, like wet dirty clothes left in a dryer. Maybe it was just my room, I'm not sure, but it bothered me.

The staff were great and friendly. Breakfast included eggs, sausage, basic continental items, and fresh coffee every morning, plus grab-and-go choices. I'm lactose intolerant, and I appreciated that they had lactose-free milk. There was extra parking around back.