Bee and Thistle Inn

Georgian inn with free breakfast and spa services

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Room Five | Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Excellent

Popular amenities

Spa
Breakfast included
Room service
Bar
Housekeeping
Free WiFi

Explore the area

100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371

Florence Griswold Museum
‪1 min walk‬
Goose Island
‪5 min drive‬
Essex Steam Train
‪8 min drive‬
New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional)
‪41 min drive‬

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Room options

Room Eleven

179 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room One

280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Two

325 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Seven

133 sq ft
Sleeps 1
1 Double Bed

Room Three

338 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Room Five

195 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Eight

255 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Nine

210 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Ten

249 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Room Four

195 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Old Lyme

Bee and Thistle Inn places you next to Florence Griswold Museum and within a 15-minute walk of Old Lyme Historical Society. This 3.5-star inn has 10 guestrooms and offers conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

View more Inns in Old Lyme

What's nearby

Florence Griswold Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Ferry Landing State Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
Goose Island - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
Essex Steam Train - 8 min drive - 7.3 miles
Rocky Neck State Park - 8 min drive - 6.6 miles

Getting around

Old Saybrook Station - 9 min drive
Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
‪Coffees Country Market - ‬4 min drive
‪Mystic Market Kitchen and Eatery - ‬5 min drive
‪Mad Coffee Roasters - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Bee and Thistle Inn

Georgian inn with free breakfast and spa services

Guests of Bee and Thistle Inn enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and spa treatment rooms. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours/tickets and luggage storage. Other amenities at this spa inn include coffee/tea in a common area, free newspapers, and a picnic area.

Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

$511 nightly

Jun 18 - Jun 19

Total includes taxes and fees

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

$749 nightly

Jun 17 - Jun 18

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

Free self parking on site

Food and drink

Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

The Chestnut Grille

Conveniences

Free newspapers in lobby
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage

Guest services

Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Wedding services

Business services

Meeting rooms

Outdoors

Garden
On a river
Picnic area

Spa

Aromatherapy
Couples treatment rooms
Deep-tissue massages
Facials
Hot stone massages
Swedish massages
Treatment room

Accessibility

No elevator

1 building
3 floors
Built in 1756
Designated smoking areas
Fireplace in lobby
Georgian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

Premium bedding

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Private bathroom

Food and drink

Free bottled water
Room service

Individual decor
Individual furnishings

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - 9 PM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

This property doesn't allow children 16 and younger (only guests older than 16 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

The inn can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the inn at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
There are no elevators.
No cribs or infant beds are available.
No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Bee & Thistle Inn

Bee & Thistle Inn Old Lyme

Bee Thistle Inn

Bee Thistle Old Lyme

Bee And Thistle Hotel Old Lyme

Bee Thistle Inn Old Lyme

Bee Thistle

Bee and Thistle Inn Inn

Bee and Thistle Inn Old Lyme

Bee and Thistle Inn Inn Old Lyme

Frequently asked questions

What can I see close to Bee and Thistle Inn?

This inn is located in Old Lyme, just steps from Florence Griswold Museum. You'll also find Connecticut River and Goose Island within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Bee and Thistle Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the inn.

Is there a spa available at Bee and Thistle Inn?

Spa services at the inn include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, aromatherapy, and couples treatments.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn include a casino?

No, Bee and Thistle Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Bee and Thistle Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What do couples enjoy most about Bee and Thistle Inn?

This riverfront inn offers many amenities for couples such as a bar and a garden-view restaurant with some guestrooms featuring fireplaces.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this inn.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Bee and Thistle Inn serves free full breakfasts at The Chestnut Grille each morning.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Bee and Thistle Inn.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this inn.

Where is the closest airport to Bee and Thistle Inn?

The closest major airport to Bee and Thistle Inn is New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London), which is 19 mi away (24 minutes by car). Another top airport is Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field), which is located 22.9 mi away (93-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Bee and Thistle Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Bee and Thistle Inn.

Does Bee and Thistle Inn offer wedding services?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Bee and Thistle Inn if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Bee and Thistle Inn Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

4.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner

Feb 19, 2021

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS!!!! YOU BOOKED ME A HOTEL THAT NO LONGER EXISTS!!!!!

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Jan 3, 2021

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

2/10 Terrible

Dean

Dec 21, 2020

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Nov 30, 2019

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Nov 10, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

Oct 21, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I was billed twice for my final payment. First when I checked in and then when I checked out.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Oct 16, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Inn and staff was very friendly and helpful. Dinner was beyond excellent!

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Sep 30, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner

Sep 25, 2019

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Bee and Thistle was a huge letdown for us. The outward appearance of the property and grounds are very nice . The rooms however are a different story. Dark, dreary and desperate for deep cleaning and coat of fresh paint in cheery color. The bathroom is almost unusable. Small , dirty, shower that barely functioned. The bed was very uncomfortable , pillows etc. The owners need to give this place an overhaul. The dinner experience was also bad. A server touched our food with bare hands in front of us. We could not get coffee until 8 am so we had to go to a convenience store . 😭

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Aug 14, 2019

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2014

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Jul 31, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

6/10 Okay

Guillermo, USA / France

Jul 29, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Disliked: Staff & service

Lovely area, the hotel could improve in some areas

Overall we would have to say that this hotel was okay. Nothing special but also not horrible. It is a beautiful house that has a lot of charm to it. The grounds around the house are also nice to walk around. We had only a couple issues, though to us they were important. We knew we were going to arrive late, and called the day before to let them know. They contact us via hotels.com and informed us that if we arrived after 9pm then out keys to our room would be in the basket outside the front door. Easy enough. Well, when we arrived, around 11:30pm there was no key in the basket and no phone number to call. Luckily, the last restaurant worker was leaving, making sure the front door was locked, and saw us arrive. They were kind enough to open the door, find out key in an envelope that was inside the house (not helpful) and showed us our room. Definitely not their job, but they did it. Which was very nice. Unfortunately that was the last of the good customer service. The following day no one said hello, gave us a welcome talk or provided us with information. When we went to ask the front desk person didn't know the answers to most of our questions. The second issue was the bed, after two nights sleeping on it, our backs started to hurt. Could use better pillows as well. However, otherwise we really enjoyed our visit to Lyme, the sites and the beach. It is a lovely area to explore.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dawn, Hartsdale

Apr 10, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming inn

Friendly, helpful staff that provided great information about the area and things to do. Inn was a comfortable charming place with o stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Jul 30, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kim, Suffield, CT

Jul 22, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolutely amazing place, very comfortable accommodations. Ate dinner there too, and it was probably the best I have in a long time. A little issue with the hair dryer early in the morning and no one around, but it was such a minor inconvenience I don't want it to detract from the review. I would absolutely book there again in a heartbeat. Staff have limited hours, but when they were there, they were so attentive without being overbearing. Wonderful musicians on a Sunday night during dinner, great wine selections, and chef has a real creative way of using local items. Bar tender also creative with drinks, though I loved the wine selection. Bed SOOOO comfortable. Enjoy!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sandiphoto, Baltimore, MD

Jul 20, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Love the original art on walls, the garden with live music and happy hour. The restaurant was fantastic!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

4/10 Poor

Eli, NJ

Jul 18, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

For years we have passed the Bee and Thistle and always wanted to stay there. What a disappointment. Great staff and location but boy is the place run down. It looks like there must be absentee ownership that has either run out of money or just doesn’t care anymore. Many areas badly in need of painting, filthy windows and windowsills, poor AC, threadbare carpets, water stains on ceilings etc., etc. Considering the condition of the property the rates should be a fraction of what they are. I’m aware of the term “shabby chic” but the current Bee and Thistle is just shabby.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Jun 27, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Nice to experience how people lived in the past.

No TV in the room or on the premises. The breakfast was outstanding.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Pete

Jun 4, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unique place. Great outdoors

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Bridget

Apr 16, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful New England charm &art

My room was nice and quiet, staff were friendly and assisted with local outdoorsy info .The breakfast was delish. I love the shore area in ct.and the inns along the coast

10/10 Excellent

Warner

Mar 24, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Mar 21, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quick one night stay

Wish I had more time to explore the area, but the dinner at the restaurant was excellent and the breakfast was plentiful and pretty good too!

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patric N

Feb 6, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Jan 29, 2018

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing, quiet... beautiful

Great way to spend our anniversary....great food too

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Nov 19, 2017

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming inn

Very charming inn. Cookies were delivered to our room in the evening, and we received a bag with water and apples at checkout. The breakfast was very good, with an egg dish, bacon, toast, and assorted delicious pastries and gourmet coffee and tea. Staff was very friendly and helpful.Only negative was slow-filling tub on the third floor, but completely understandable with the age of the house.Lovely toiletries.

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017