Southington started out as a small rural farming community, dating back to 1698 and officially incorporating as a town in 1779. In the early 20th century, it became a manufacturing center — inventing products like the first cement able to harden under water, the first carriage- bolt-cutting machine, a new rat trap, and a revolutionary way to make tinware. In the 1960s, manufacturing in the town declined, but paradoxically, Southington grew exponentially as a bedroom community for nearby Hartford.
Southington's greatest claim to historical fame is that it was visited by then-General George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and key French ally, Comte de Rochambeau — whose men took shelter in a still-standing tavern and encamped on a nearby hill for four days. Southington's second-biggest claim is that it was made the subject of a photo book called "Southington: Microcosm of America," which was distributed in Europe during World War II to publicize the "American good life" available to those who joined the Ally cause.
Today. Southington appeals to visitors with not only such history, but also abundant natural beauty to explore. But before that exploration can begin, travelers will need a comfortable hotel in which to rest their heads.
When is the best time to visit Southington, CT?
In terms of weather, the best range of time to visit Southington is from early May to early July. Temperatures rise into the early 80s by the summer months, but this time also sees the most precipitation, cooling things off to a pleasant mix. However, July is also the second-most-popular month to visit, right behind April and followed by June. From a hotel-price standpoint, May through August are going to be the most expensive. But from a crowd standpoint, May is at least a more attractive break from the tourist crushes of April and June.
November is the least-popular month, which bodes well for getting the best possible deal on a hotel room. Temperatures drop into the 30s and then continue to drop until they bottom out in February. Any time in between those months, however, is a prime time to get a good travel deal if winter sports and layering up are your thing.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Southington, CT:
Southington by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Southington, CT. You can use these line graphs to determine the best dates to book a room in Southington for your upcoming travels.
What are the top luxury hotels in Southington, CT?
4 Star Average Prices: £98.65
Looking to indulge yourself? Try out Homewood Suites Hotel by Hilton- Southington. Every room is a suite with a separate living area in this comfortable enclave, which for business travelers is also conveniently located close to many corporate headquarters like ESPN and Smiths Medical. Homewood Suites Southington also offers an array of relaxation venues, from a fully stocked lending library to an outdoor patio area, the perfect spot to relax with a drink.
Not too far away in Farmington, you'll find comfort galore at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Farmington. Designed for the business-minded, it is close to the numerous Fortune 500 companies in Hartford. But it also happens to be a highly relaxing place to rest and work - offering a business center, ample workspace in each room, complimentary shuttle service, a nearby golf course, and a "grab-and-go" breakfast option if you can't make it to the buffet.
What are the most affordable hotel options near Southington, Connecticut?
3 Star Average Prices: £106.15
A good place to get a great deal on a hotel room is the Econo Lodge Milldale-Southington. Small but cozy, the Econo Lodge helps make the most of your travel dollar by offering free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. Not only that, it's located just a few steps from a popular Dunkin' Donuts, and many other restaurants.
The Days Inn Southington is another smart choice for the budget traveler. Adorned with cheery splashes of bright blue, this welcoming inn is pet-friendly and just off the I-84 highway, and visitors rave about its sumptuous breakfast buffets.
2 Star Average Prices: £62.15
What hotels in Southington, CT offer the best discounts?
Comfort Suites Southington Cheshire is a great place to get a discount if you're a member of AAA, a senior, or a member of the military or government. This 100 percent smoke-free hotel offers 79 rooms described as large and clean, as well as thoughtful amenities like complimentary newspapers, free on-site parking, and in-bathroom hair dryers.
In the same family, Comfort Inn & Suites in nearby Meriden has a number of deep AAA member discounts, as well as the same amenities as the Cheshire branch. It also appeals to business travelers with an assortment of meeting and conference rooms, and to nature-lovers with a pleasant outdoor picnic area.
Where are the best value hotels around Southington, Connecticut?
You'll get the most for your money by choosing to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Southington. For a moderate rate, you get a room packed with all kinds of comforts, from black-out window shades to a well-illuminated work desk to a stereo/radio and cable-equipped flat screen TV.
The Residence Inn By Marriott Southington doesn't come with the lowest price tag for a hotel, but you get a lot of value for what you pay. Besides the comfortable rooms with fully stocked kitchenettes that will make you feel like you're at home but better, there are many specific treats like "The Mix" (an evening social with drinks and food), an on-site basketball court, a hot tub, and a very pet-friendly policy.
What are the best things to see and do near Southington, CT?
Southington has no shortage of things to do outdoors. For hikers, or just those who like a beautiful view, the town is framed by mountains to the east and the west. Along the east is a ridge of peaks — Bradley Mountain, Ragged Mountain, and Short Mountain — all of which can be hiked by following the 51-mile Metacomet Trail, or at least part of it.
To the west of the town on Southington Mountain is an extremely rare geological formation — one of only a few in the world — known as the Great Unconformity. And about a mile northwest of that is Hushak Rock, known locally as White Rock. Whatever you call it, the rock offers panoramic views of the entire region and is so striking it can even be seen from Highway 229.
Getting a little more "down to earth," outdoors enthusiasts will also enjoy one of the area's seven large parks, including water activities at Crescent Lake or Soltys Pond. Golf enthusiasts can find plenty of things to do and play at Southington Country Club, Hawks Landing Country Club, or North Ridge Golf Club. And if it's a family outing you seek, why not try a day at Lake Compounce, America's oldest (and still operational!) amusement park.
If you're in town in October, you will not want to miss the annual Apple Harvest Festival. A Southington tradition since 1969, the Apple Harvest Festival spans six weekdays and two weekends and includes a parade, carnival rides and games, live music, and a wide variety of unique apple-based foods. Prefer to pick your own? There's a reason Southington is known as Apple Valley, and you can find it at one of its orchards, including Rogers Orchard, the largest in the state. If you're in town deeper into the fall and winter, Mount Southington Ski Resort has been a popular draw for skiers going back to the 1960s.
There's also a wealth of things to see for the history-minded visitor. For starters, the Marion Historic District features numerous sites of interest and still-preserved structures from the Colonial era. One of the more memorable is the Asa Barnes Tavern, where General Rochambeau took shelter when fleeing the British Redcoats — as well as the hill now known as French Hill, where he and his men encamped. The town's post office features a mural dating back to 1942 called "Romance of Southington" that's also worth checking out.
And, for those who wish to combine their hikery with their history, why not take a trek on the Linear Trail? The Linear is an urban trail built over the town's old rail line that follows the original route of the historic Farmington Canal — the lifeblood of the town's early agricultural history. Admittedly, the trail is still a work in progress and will ultimately involve a joint effort by many neighboring towns. But when it's completed, the Linear Trail will stretch from New Haven, CT, to Northampton, MA.
Southington, CT, has so many things to explore just on foot that your legs will not soon forgive you. But whether you're drawn to the town because of its history or beauty, or both, you will find countless avenues to adventure in Southington. And even better, you'll find accommodation choices ample enough to make your visit here seem truly historic.
FAQs about hotels in Southington