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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Thames Inn & Marina

Simple riverfront hotel in Groton offering casual rooms with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, parking, pet-friendly stays, and easy access to Mystic attractions.

193 Thames St, Groton, CT 06340, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 128 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Airport shuttle
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable and friendly riverside stay with practical amenities

Recent guest feedback highlights the hotel’s welcoming staff, convenient riverfront location, and well-equipped rooms with kitchens. While the décor is modest and some features are worn, the overall experience is positive for travelers seeking a casual and budget-friendly option near local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and accommodating staff who go out of their way to help guests
  • Clean, spacious rooms with functional kitchenettes and updated appliances
  • Scenic riverfront location with pleasant views and peaceful surroundings
  • Convenient free parking and on-site laundry facilities
  • Pet-friendly policy appealing to travelers with animals

Worth knowing

  • Décor and furnishings are simple and somewhat worn, reflecting a modest style
  • No on-site restaurant or pool; guests should plan to dine elsewhere
  • Located in a quiet area that some may find “offbeat” or less polished
  • Limited fitness and recreational amenities; best suited for relaxation and local exploration
  • Nearby public transit options require a walk; vehicle highly recommended for convenience

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an affordable, no-frills stay with kitchen facilities
  • Visitors who appreciate a quiet riverfront setting with scenic views
  • Pet owners looking for a welcoming hotel that accommodates animals
  • Guests wanting close proximity to Mystic attractions and outdoor activities
  • Road trippers needing easy parking and flexible accommodations
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About this property

Welcome to Thames Inn & Marina

Located on the riverfront at 193 Thames St in Groton, CT, Thames Inn & Marina offers a casual and straightforward lodging option ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed setting. The hotel features rooms equipped with kitchens, making it convenient for longer stays or guests who prefer self-catering. Open parking is available free of charge, and the property operates on a pet- and kid-friendly basis, though it does not offer on-site dining, a pool, or fitness facilities.

The inn occupies a modest riverside area complemented by views of the New London harbor and access to the adjacent marina. Its location places guests near several notable attractions such as Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, providing options for family outings or cultural exploration. The Shennecossett Golf Course is also nearby, and convenient airport access is possible with three regional airports within about an hour’s drive.

Guest feedback often highlights the friendly and accommodating staff, who have been recognized for problem-solving and hospitality even in busy situations. While some reviewers note the décor and furnishings as simple and somewhat worn, many appreciate the cleanliness, updated rooms, and practical amenities including on-site laundry and a peaceful garden area. The property suits visitors looking for an unpretentious, riverfront stay rather than upscale hotel luxury.

Travelers planning to explore New London County’s historical sites and coastal attractions may find Thames Inn & Marina a functional and affordable base with a welcoming atmosphere. Its soundproofed rooms, kitchens, and waterfront views have garnered positive remarks, though prospective guests should be mindful that on-site dining and recreational facilities are limited.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Airport shuttle

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

SH
Steve Harris Mar 20, 2026
10

I almost never leave reviews for hotels but I thought I would make an exception for the fine folks at the Thames Inn. Upon arriving for checkout, I was informed by the attendant that my travel app mistakenly allowed me to make a reservation despite the hotel being full for the evening. Instead of saying “sorry, out of luck,” she made a couple phone calls and was able to hook me up with an apartment on the same block as the hotel. The staff had it fully cleaned and even installed a brand new AC unit in about a half hour. They went one step further and offered me a much later check-out time which I didn’t need, but it was still very nice of them. While waiting, I talked to some of the locals hanging around, and while I could see where people who spent their entire lives in the suburbs might find them “sketchy,” they were as friendly and welcoming as anyone I’ve ever met and gave me some cool suggestions for stuff to check out in the region. Being right on the river was a nice plus with great views of the New London harbor. All in all, my brief stay in Groton ended up being one of the most memorable parts of my road trip, and I highly recommend the Thames Inn for a fun, off-beat New England experience

RR
ralph riley Feb 24, 2026
8.0

We liked this place. Funky little harborside hotel, friendly and helpful staff. The place, furniture and decor are nothing fancy and a little worn but we like that kind of place. Convenient to two restaurants, 30 minute walk to convenience stores. 15 minute walk to catch bus to New London. Big parking lot if you are driving (we came on Amtrak and taxied to the hotel).

MB
Melissa Badeker Feb 08, 2026
10

Husband and I stayed here to visit Mystic and Stonington. Thames Inn was much cheaper than other options and it was a great experience for the price. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and our room was spacious, newly renovated, and very clean. Don’t be fooled by its offbeat location, you’ll be comfortable for the price!

MDK
M Don't know Jan 27, 2026
10

In traveling, came across this Inn on the web. Very pleased with the room availability, and room is absolutely fantastic, and pet friendly. Very clean, nice, and great kitchenette with full size appliances, very clean bathroom, with full towels. Will definitely stay here again if traveling through Groton. Thank you Thames Inn.

GE
gh enrique Jan 21, 2026
8.0

Love this place. Love the view of river. Hearing the ferry and train across the river

AB
Andreas Breitschopp Jan 18, 2026
8.0

We were initially a bit worried about this hotel due to not so super good past ratings, but still gave it a shot as it fitted the location we wanted to be at during this night. At the end we were very happy with our choice: Despite ordering just a single room, we could a significant free room upgrade to a full suite with two bed rooms and a balcony which was really nice. The very friendly staff also mentioned that they are currently renovating all rooms. They still need to work a little on their room cleaning (we e. g. found a toothbrush apparently from a previous guest in the bathroom), but beds seemed very clean and overall it was still acceptable. In general, for us it was very good value for money and would recommend based on our experience.

UG
Uber Girl Jan 09, 2026
10

I LOVED staying here, I could live here. The rooms are updated and cute, sea themed which matches its location. It has just about everything you need to feel right at home, including a full kitchen and what it doesn't have the inn keeper is happy to oblige. The rooms are pretty sound proof. There is washer and dryers on site at a fair price. Plenty of parking. There is a garden and a couple of picnic areas as well as a few types of grills. I especially loved the view being right out on the water. The beds and linens were great! Right next to everything in New London County including a nice piece of history at Fort Griswold just up the hill.

MB
Maranda Boyd Dec 26, 2025
10

Stayed here last week for one night and the rooms were super clean! Right on the water with gorgeous sunset views off the pier. The owner was great, he was super friendly and accommodating. There is free laundry on site too, if you're on a longer trip and need to wash clothes! Would definitely stay here again.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Thames Inn & Marina

Groton, Connecticut, USA

Modest riverside area with summer homes, Long Island Sound beaches & Shennecossett Golf Course

  • New London 1 hr 22 Walk
  • Bridge St & Broad St 17 min Walk
  • Mitchell St & Griswold Ave 15 min Walk
  • Bradley International Airport 1 hr 9 Car · 3 hr 12 Transit
  • Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport 52 min Car · 1 hr 44 Transit
  • Tweed New Haven Airport 50 min Car · 1 hr 46 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Connecticut. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Mystic Seaport Museum 4,305 reviews

Mystic Seaport Museum

75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355, United States

4.6 · Museum
Mystic Aquarium 17,615 reviews

Mystic Aquarium

55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, United States

4.5 · Aquarium
Submarine Force Library & Museum 613 reviews

Submarine Force Library & Museum

1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, United States

4.8 · Museum
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