Located about 48 miles southeast of Hartford in New London County, East Lyme comprises mainly of two villages: Niantic and Flanders. Each of these villages has its own distinct features, but they combine to form a charming, vibrant town with many historic buildings, shops, quality restaurants, cozy inns, and great opportunities for outdoor recreation.
East Lyme has a rich history that goes back to the 17th century. Originally formed from sections of Lyme and Waterford, it became an incorporated town in 1839. During its early days, its main economic activities were fishing, shipbuilding, and quarrying. When the railroad came through in the 1850s, the town began to develop a reputation as a summer vacation destination, thanks to its shoreline and beaches. Currently, East Lyme is home to about 18,700 residents. Many buildings from its storied past are still standing today, and some of them are open to the public for tours.
When is the best time to visit East Lyme, CT?
East Lyme experiences warm and humid summers and very cold, windy, and wet winters. Temperatures typically range from 23 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of a year and seldom go below 9 degrees or above 87 degrees. If you're planning to do a lot of warm-weather activities while you're in East Lyme, the best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September, when average temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-70s.
Other than the weather, you may also want to take accommodation availability and prices into consideration while you're planning your East Lyme trip. The town gets the largest numbers of tourists in April, June, and July. If you're going there during these months, you'll have to pay significantly more for accommodation because hotels are most expensive at these times of the year. Also, since many hotels will be fully booked, you may have difficulty finding a suitable accommodation. If you want a more cost-effective and hassle-free vacation, you should visit East Lyme in August or September.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in East Lyme, CT:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in East Lyme, CT. Analyze these charts to calculate the best months to stay in East Lyme for any future trips.
What are the best hotels in East Lyme, CT?
4 Star Average Prices: $179.50
For a truly unforgettable stay, book a room at Old Lyme Inn. Located 6.7 miles southwest of East Lyme in Old Lyme, this historic hotel is within a 20-minute drive to popular attractions such as Gillette Castle State Park, Ocean Beach Park, and Monte Cristo Cottage.
Each of the 13 rooms in Old Lyme Inn is individually decorated and comes with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, cable programming, coffee maker, antique furniture, custom duvets, and organic linens. During your stay, you can relax in the tranquil garden, enjoy a delectable meal at the on-site restaurant, have fun at the nightclub, and start your day with a free full breakfast.
If you're planning to try your luck at the Mohegan Sun casino, consider staying at Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun. Situated 9.3 miles northeast of East Lyme in Montville, this hotel is less than a mile from Mohegan Sun, 7 miles from Connecticut College Arboretum, and 8.8 miles from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park.
Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun has 176 ultra-comfortable and lavishly furnished rooms that feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, cable programming, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, sofa beds, premium bedding, and designer toiletries. Additionally, it offers a wide range of on-site amenities, including an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, restaurant, bar and lounge, business center, event facilities, and complimentary casino shuttle.
What are the low cost hotel options in East Lyme, CT?
3 Star Average Prices: $174.00
Motel 6 New London – Niantic is one of the most popular budget hotels around East Lyme. Located about 1 mile south of downtown East Lyme in Niantic, it's 3.2 miles from Crystal Mall, 6.1 miles from Fort Trumbull State Park, and 8.9 miles to Ocean Beach Park. This simple hotel features 96 air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and cable programming, as well as a vending machine, laundry facilities, and free coffee and tea in the common area.
Alternatively, you can opt for Super 8 by Wyndham Groton. This hotel is situated 7.4 miles east of East Lyme in Groton, 1.1 miles from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, 1.9 miles from Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and 5.8 miles from Mystic Aquarium. Despite its competitive rates, it offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, LED TV, cable programming, and a refrigerator. As a guest, you're entitled to free use of a nearby fitness facility and complimentary continental breakfast daily.