Norwalk's modern history appears in the year 1640 when a Dutch navigator spotted the area. The land was purchased that same year from the Norwake and Makentouh tribes. The settlement's first meeting house was built in 1659 where the men of the town would gather to discuss business, which was mainly agricultural in its early days. Norwalk played roles in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War, and became such a prominent site for oyster cultivation that it was nicknamed Oyster Town.
Today, much of Norwalk's historic architecture has been preserved and historic neighborhoods revitalized. This lovely coastal town is home to culinary delights, maritime activities, and museums, making it a popular destination for visitors. Whatever your reasons for visiting Norwalk, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Norwalk, CT
As part of the New York City metro area, there really isn't a bad time to visit Norwalk. Fall is a popular season to plan a trip as the air is crisp, but the city does get an average of 45 inches of rain each year, so be sure to pack an umbrella regardless of when you plan your trip. Hotel rates can still be quite steep in September and October, but if you steer clear of the Thanksgiving holiday, you might score a great deal in November.
If you don't mind enduring frigid winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s, winter is a great time to enjoy discounted hotel rates in Norwalk. Being only an hour from New York City's major points of interest, Norwalk hotels are smart options for experiencing Rockefeller Center's massive Christmas tree or the Times Square New Year's Eve event. You'll also find plenty of indoor attractions in Norwalk to hold your interests away from the cold.
With spring's warmer weather comes gradually increased hotel rates, but since this is also Norwalk's rainiest season, you're more likely to land a great deal on a hotel room if you book in late winter or early spring. Spring also kicks off the New York metro area's festival season, so you're more likely to find a local event happening during your stay.
Summer is the hottest and most popular time to visit Norwalk. Both visitors and local families begin to frequent the attractions, forming crowds. The air can also get sticky from the high humidity, so you'll want to pack accordingly. Due to the area's high humidity, though, hotel rates tend to stay pretty steady during the summer, and many accommodations offer special summer deals to entice travelers.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Norwalk, CT:
Norwalk, CT: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Norwalk, CT. Browse these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time to stay in Norwalk for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Norwalk, CT
4 Star Average Prices: £111.28
If you're looking for luxury hotels in Norwalk, there are several options.
Set on 66 gorgeously wooded acres, Dolce Norwalk is a stately brick hotel close to downtown Norwalk and the Oak Hills Park Golf Course. There's even a picturesque pond on the grounds. All guest rooms and suites are decorated in modern décor and offer flat-screen TVs with cable, free Wi-Fi access, work desks, and coffeemakers.
Dolce Norwalk also features an on-site American restaurant with terrace seating, a bar that features games like shuffleboard and billiards, a wooded jogging trail, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. Parking is complimentary and a local shuttle service is provided.
Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa is located in nearby downtown Stamford, but is one of the area's most luxurious accommodations. Located one mile from the University of Connecticut, the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa provides easy access to the Connecticut Turnpike and is less than ten miles from central Norwalk.
The modern hotel offers traditional guest rooms with high-thread-count sheets, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and available Wi-Fi. Upgrading to a club level room adds access to the weekday executive lounge, which provides free snacks and breakfast. Suites with separate living rooms are also available. The property features an upscale bar, an American bistro, outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness room, and a business center. Wi-Fi is free in all public areas.
Affordable Hotel Options in Norwalk, CT
3 Star Average Prices: £105.36
Finding an affordable hotel in Norwalk is easy if you know where to look.
The Econo Lodge on Westport Avenue is a modest two-star property in Norwalk's business area, just a 5-minute drive from I-95. It also provides easy access to MTA Metro-North trains, which provide direct service to New York City. Rooms at this Econo Lodge feature free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, and pillow-top mattresses. Some rooms add mini-fridges and microwaves, while suites add whirlpool tubs. Guests can enjoy free coffee in the lobby, a continental breakfast, an on-site car rental service, and free large-vehicle parking.
Garden Park Motel is an older roadside lodging offering quiet rooms and nicely kept grounds. Guests can enjoy a hot shower, comfortable beds, plenty of towels, and other basic amenities.
Norwalk Westport Motel is another budget-friendly accommodation offering straightforward guest rooms and no-frills amenities. The building is conveniently located near several restaurants, including fast food joints and casual eateries. If you prefer affordable roadside lodgings with a friendly staff, this one might just be for you.
2 Star Average Prices: £61.85
Best Discounts in Norwalk, CT
If you plan your trip carefully, you can save even more money during your stay in Norwalk by taking advantage of discounts. For example, most area hotels extend special rates to specific types of travelers. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Stamford is just one property offering discounted rates for seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, government employees, and military families. Depending on where you stay, these discounts can save you as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Other accommodations, such as DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Norwalk, offer special package deals that give you even more bang for your buck. These special offers include perks such as late check-out, sparking wine, breakfast, premium Wi-Fi access, early booking deals, and attraction packages. These deals tend to be seasonal and change throughout the year, so keep an eye out on your favorite property to see what discounts will be available next.
Best Value Options in Norwalk, CT
The Norwalk area offers many mid-range hotels that give you plenty of value for the money.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites near Route 137 is a contemporary lodging within walking distance of the Ridgeway Shopping Center. Its modern guest rooms feature work desks, flat-screen TVs, pull-out sofas, high-pressure showerheads, free Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Upgrading to a suite adds a separate living area, serving dishes, glassware, and silverware. Paid parking, an on-site business center, and a complimentary hot breakfast are also available.
Hotel Zero Degrees is a contemporary lodging in downtown Stamford offering sleek, stylish guest rooms with iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Suites add separate living areas with pull-out sofas, and additional amenities include a warm breakfast buffet, local shuttle service, and fitness facilities.
Norwalk Inn & Conference Center is a family-owned and operated inn within walking distance of the Norwalk Green Historic District. The traditional rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, and coffeemakers, while suites add separate living areas and full kitchens. You'll also enjoy a weekday breakfast, local shuttle service, an on-site American restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Norwalk, CT
With so much to explore in Norwalk, you may be wondering where to start. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is a popular destination that's home to river otters, harbor seals, jellyfish, sharks, loggerhead turtles, and a number of other species. The facility also features an IMAX Theater and year-round educational programs, making it a must-see attraction for families. Tickets range from $15 to $23.
The Stepping Stones Museum for Children is ideal for kids ages 10 and under. This hands-on museum features interactive exhibits, a broadcast studio, a multimedia gallery with a theater, and a toddler exploration area. General admission is just $15.
Pump It Up on Norwalk's Main Street is an exciting play facility for kids that features giant inflatables, including bouncers, slides, and an obstacle course. There are also soft, oversized blocks for building, a cyclone blast, and other fun attractions perfect for keeping the kids entertained and active. Open jumps start at $14, but be sure to make reservations to save your child's spot.
Exploring coastal Connecticut is a tall order, but no matter what your itinerary includes, you'll find that Norwalk serves as the perfect home base. Whether you're looking to splurge on an upscale hotel or you prefer an affordable roadside lodging, you can find the perfect hotel in Norwalk to meet your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Norwalk
What are the best Choice Hotels branded hotels in Norwalk?
Rodeway Inn Stratford and Quality Suites are the best rated Choice Hotels branded hotels (based on HotelPlanner reviews score).
What did travelers think of the city of Norwalk?
Below are reviews of the city of Norwalk, CT from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Lots of good restaurants and excellent seafood!"
Score
5.0 / 5
SoNo has really blossomed. The people in Norwalk are awesome. Lots of good restaurants. Seafood is excellent.
Cory A., from 26-Sep-2024
"Fun!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun time, easily accessible
Patricia M., from 05-Aug-2024
"Historic & Welcoming"
Score
5.0 / 5
It seems very welcoming and walkable. I look forward to walking to the old church and and the state buildings. There is a historic feel that I really enjoy.
Brian J., from 29-Jul-2024
"Convenient Stop!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Convenience, midway point when travelling to New Hampshire/Maine.
Noel C., from 23-Jul-2024
"Beautiful Historic City"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city was beautiful. Very historic and well kept.
Jessica C., from 30-Jun-2024
"Very Nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very nice!
George B., from 08-Feb-2024
"Love Norwalk and the History!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I use to live in Westport and worked in Norwalk so I am very familiar with Norwalk. Love the city and the history!
Mary T., from 04-Feb-2024
"Amazing Christmas Lights!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Christmas lights were amazing!
Sandy S., from 02-Jan-2024
"Cosmopolitan"
Score
5.0 / 5
Cosmopolitan
William M., from 01-Jan-2024
"Starbucks is Across the Street!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Having Starbucks directly across the street was awesome!
David B., from 11-Dec-2023
"Very Close to Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very close to restaurants.
Gretchen A., from 29-Jul-2023
"Weir Farm National Historical Park"
Score
4.0 / 5
Proximity to Weir Farm National Historical Park.
Lynn A., from 25-Jun-2023
"Excellent Local Eateries"
Score
4.0 / 5
Had a nice breakfast at the local diner. We had lunch at the Tavern on Bay which was excellent!
Stephen R., from 21-May-2023
"The beaches and the variety of stores!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beaches and the variety of stores!
Stacey S., from 20-May-2023
"The Beaches & Shops!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beaches and the variety of stores!
Stacey S., from 20-May-2023
"The room was clean, bed was comfortable."
Score
5.0 / 5
The room was clean, bed was comfortable.
Esther V., from 20-Feb-2023
"The room was clean, bed was comfortable."
Score
4.0 / 5
The room was clean, bed was comfortable.
Esther V., from 20-Feb-2023
"Cute town with ample shopping & dining!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very cute town center with ample shopping and food options!
Richard N., from 07-Feb-2023
"Cute town with excellent restaurant!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Cute town, Jordens restaurant was excellent!
Tracy T., from 26-Aug-2022
"Good Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good location.
Karsten M., from 05-Jul-2022
"Good restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good restaurants!
Madeline P., from 17-Jun-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Norwalk, CT shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 21 reviews