Where to Stay in Hartford: A Guide to Connecticut’s Capital
Hartford is the capital of the state of Connecticut. Located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, Hartford is the third most populous city in the state after Bridgeport and New Haven and is considered the “Insurance Capital of the World “. Connecticut’s capital is especially famous for being the wealthiest city on the East Coast of the United States and for its historic Victorian-style architecture. In this post, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in Hartford.
The stately character of this city is evident in its extensive collection of mansions and historic buildings located in its oldest neighborhoods. Many of these Victorian homes have been transformed into museums and galleries and are open to the public. The top cultural attractions in the city include the Mark Twain House Museum, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, the Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library, and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. View accommodation in Hartford’s Historic City Center.
Other attractions in Hartford include the Connecticut Science Center, the Connecticut State Capitol, or the Old State House. This city is also home to beautiful urban parks such as Elizabeth Park & Rose Garden, Bushnell Park, and Riverside Park.
Hartford has a humid continental climate. Winters are very cold and snow is common. Winter temperatures are usually between 18 and 35ºF (-8 – 2ºC). In the summer, average temperatures rise to 61-79ºF (16-26ºC). The best time to visit Hartford is from late spring to early fall (May through October).
To get to Hartford by air, the city is home to Bradley International Airport. Located 16 miles (26 km) north of the city, this major airport (it ranks second in traffic in New England after Boston Logan) has daily connections to various domestic destinations and even some international connections.
As is common in the region, Hartford also has excellent rail connections. Amtrak connects the city with places like Boston and New Haven. Additionally, the Hartford CT Line offers commuter service to Springfield (MA). See train schedules and rates. Several bus companies like Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus connect Hartford to various destinations in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond. See bus schedules and fares.
As for public transportation in town, Hartford is a small city and the central neighborhoods are easy to navigate on foot. For longer distances, the city has urban buses, taxi lines, mobile applications, and bus services. Additionally, you can always rent a car.
The best area to stay in Hartford is its Historic City Center because it offers access to most of the historical attractions, transport links, nightlife, and shopping in the city. Other areas worth considering are East Hartford and West Hartford.
Read on for our list of the best areas to stay in Hartford, Connecticut.
Best Location in Hartford , Connecticut: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Hartford depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular area.
- Best location in Hartford for sightseeing: Downtown Hartford
- Best location in Hartford for first-time visitors: Downtown Hartford
- Best location in Hartford for nightlife: Downtown Hartford
- Best location in Hartford for nature lovers: West Hartford
- Best location in Hartford for business travelers: Downtown Hartford
Best Hotels in Hartford by Theme
Something specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the top hotels in Hartford. No matter your reason for visiting the city, we got you covered!
- Most unique hotel: Silas W Robbins B&B
- Best mid-priced hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Hartford Downtown
- Best budget hotel: Best Western Hartford Hotel and Suites
- Best luxury hotel: Hartford Marriott Downtown
- Best boutique hotel: The Goodwin
- Best hotel with a pool: Hilton Hartford
- Best motel: Carrier Motor Lodge
The Best Areas to Stay in Hartford, CT
1. Recommended area: Downtown Hartford (Historic Central District)
Downtown is undoubtedly the best area to stay in Hartford, whether you are traveling for sightseeing or business.
Located on the west bank of the Connecticut River, downtown Hartford is made up of a collection of historic neighborhoods with Victorian architecture and palatial buildings.
One of the main tourist attractions in the area is the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, which stands out for its eclectic display that includes European Baroque, Egyptian and classical sculpture, impressionist paintings, and contemporary American works. as well as collections of furniture and decorative arts.
The city center stands out for being home to the main administrative buildings of the state, such as the Old State House and the Connecticut Capitol.
Another museum worth visiting, especially if you are traveling with children, is the Connecticut Science Center, a science museum with futuristic architecture and more than 100 interactive exhibits.
Downtown Hartford is also the best-connected area of the city. The historic Union Station serves as a rail junction and the nearby bus station provides a connection to other points in New England.
Additionally, Downtown Hartford is the neighborhood with the best nightlife and gastronomy of the city, with a multitude of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
How could it be otherwise, the city center is also the place with the most varied offer of accommodation ranging from budget motels to luxurious hotels and tourist apartments.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Hartford, CT:
Best area for business travelers
Varied accommodation
Historical sites
Best area for tourists
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford Downtown
This Hartford, Connecticut hotel features a gym and suites with free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen. This all-suite hotel is less than 1 mile from Constitution Square.
-
Budget
Holiday Inn Hartford Downtown Area
Located 3 miles from Rentschler Field at the University of Connecticut, this hotel features dining options, a fitness center and free Wi-Fi.
-
Luxury
Hartford Marriott Downtown
The Hartford Marriott Downtown is located across from the Connecticut Convention Center and 1 km from the XL Center. It offers an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
2. East Hartford
East Hartford is an independent township in the greater Hartford area.
It is located on the east bank of the Connecticut River and connected to the City Center by numerous bridges.
This area of Hartford is quieter than downtown and has several tourist attractions that make it worth staying here.
The Great River Park , located along the Connecticut River offers great views of the city and pleasant hikes.
The Makens Bemont House, commonly called the Huguenot House, is a historic house museum dating back to 1761.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum has a collection of engines that covers the history of the famous aeronautical company.
East Hartford also has a variety of restaurants and shops, and is well connected by public transportation to the city center.
Being a more suburban area, if you decide to stay in the area of East Hartford further from Downtown you will find moderately priced motels and hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Hartford, CT:
Well connected to downtown Hartford
Pratt & Whitney Museum
Great River Park
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Hampton Inn & Suites East Hartford
The Hampton Inn & amp; Suites East Hartford offers spacious rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and plush bedding. Downtown Hartford is a 7-minute drive from the hotel.
-
Budget
Comfort Inn and Suites East Hartford
This hotel features a fitness center 5 minutes’ drive from Funny Bone Comedy Club and Buckland Hills Mall. It offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen cable TV.
3. West Hartford
Like East Hartford, West Hartford is an independent city.
This area is home to a variety of historic neighborhoods and some local attractions such as the Governor’s residence, the University of Hartford, and Elizabeth Park, the oldest and largest park in the country.
West Hartford is close to downtown, about a 10-minute drive away.
Downtown West Hartford and Blue Back Square are areas packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. These areas are ideal for walking, however, to move to the center it is advisable to use a car.
Some cultural attractions in this area include the Noah Webster House, the Children’s Museum, and the Saint Joseph University Museum of Art, with six galleries exhibiting around 2,000 works from the 1400s to the present.
West Hartford is also home to several green spaces and nature reserves, perfect to visit during the summer.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Hartford, CT:
Natural parks
Blue Back Square
Cultural sites in Hartford
