Best Pool Hotels in Connecticut

When planning a quick gambling getaway, it's easy to overlook Connecticut. But one stay at this sprawling resort located in Uncasville — just 133 miles north of New York City — will change your mind. Mohegan Sun houses three casinos and features a state-of-the-art poker room, several thousand slot machines and more than 250 table games. If you're not looking to test your luck, there's numerous activities to choose from including shopping, golfing or eating at one of more than 40 dining outlets, bars and lounges. For an extra dose of luxury, retreat to the Elemis Spa for a relaxing treatment or massage, or catch a show at one of the resort's entertainment venues. But while a versatile selection of amenities is nice to have, recent guests attribute their satisfactory stay to the exceptional service and comfortable accommodations, appointed with large beds, lounge chairs, flat-screen TVs and in-room iPads. When picking a tower to stay in, however, guests recommending opting to stay in the Sky Tower over the Earth Tower.

Sitting about 4 miles east of downtown Groton, Connecticut, on the Pohegnut Reservoir, the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa is a convenient home base for business travelers. The hotel features a full-service business center – complete with copy and fax machines, as well as a notary public – and more than 19,000 square feet of meeting space. If you're in town to see the sights, you'll quickly notice that the Mystic Marriott is a hike from Groton's main attractions. Yet the hotel does receive a thumbs-up from recent visitors for several key areas, including comfortable rooms. All accommodations come equipped with flat-screen TVs, plush linens and cozy robes. Though some guests suggest asking for a room away from the elevators, which can get noisy at peak times. Most guests were also pleased with the on-site dining, which includes a Starbucks and the Octagon steakhouse. There's also a pool guests can take advantage of and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, perfect for those seeking a little extra R&R. The Mystic Marriott allows guests participating in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program to earn or use points by choosing to stay here.

Nestled in the tiny town of Washington near the western edge of Connecticut about 92 miles northeast of New York City, the Mayflower Inn & Spa earns its romantic reputation according to past visitors. The entire property is quaint and calming, with a startlingly wide spectrum of white and cream colors on display. Guests adore the spacious guestrooms that feature classic New England decorations, including canopied beds and historical artwork. The spa is also beautifully designed, with a romantic ambiance of pastel hues and more contemporary patterns. Guests say the spa's services, which range from relaxing massages to Pilates classes, left them feeling rejuvenated. The hotel also features an acclaimed restaurant, which serves up dishes classic, seasonal dishes. Keep in mind that this hotel is also a part of the Relais & Châteaux family, so Club 5C members can earn and use rewards by staying here.

Formerly the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino, The Fox Tower is just one of the outposts located in this massive complex. Accommodations here feature 32-inch flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook southeast Connecticut. Of course, the casino is a big hit with guests looking for a taste of Vegas without the desert climate, but another big standout at this hotel is the pool. Sprawling across 5,500 square feet, this fan-shaped swimming spot is lined with plush lounge chairs and shady cabanas housing flat-screen TVs and minibars. For more pampering, guests can book a treatment at the G Spa and Salon. What's more, Fox Tower guests will have full access to the Foxwoods complex's numerous restaurants (there are more than 30 eateries on-site), nightlife options and shops. Guests say if you're coming in on a weekend, the crowds may yield longer wait times. 

Sitting about 39 miles north of New York City in the Stamford, Connecticut suburbs, the Hyatt Regency Greenwich offers guests a break from urban living. Upon entering the lobby, visitors are greeted by the verdant trees, lush lawn and trickling brook of the hotel's garden atrium (the adjacent Gazebo Bar & Grill makes a great place to unwind). And if that's not relaxing enough, the on-site Enzo Riccobene Salon & Spa offers a full menu of massages and skin treatments. Recent visitors exalt this Hyatt outpost's spacious accommodations, which come equipped with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi access, 37-inch flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. When hunger sets in, head to Winfield's in the lobby. If you participate in the Hyatt rewards program, you can earn or redeem points by choosing to stay here.

Overlooking the Connecticut River, the Hartford Marriott Downtown sits close to some of the city's most beloved attractions, including the Connecticut Science Center and the Mark Twain House & Museum. Recent guests applaud the hotel's locale for its convenience, putting guests within walking distance to multiple restaurants (guests recommend visiting The Capital Grille across the street) as well as the Connecticut Convention Center and XL Center. On-site, the hotel also offers an indoor pool, two restaurants of its own, a Starbucks (a guest favorite) and spa services at Prossage Wellness. Guests report a satisfactory stay thanks to the hotel's cozy accommodations, complete with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and Marriott's signature 300-thread-count bedding. If you're a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, you can earn or use points by choosing to stay here.