Mayflower Inn- Washington, CT

After staying at the Mayflower Inn, I became obsessed with Auberge resorts. Everything at the Mayflower was so intentional, so design forward, and so focused on the experience. Indeed, Auberge properties are all about sense of place, and local experiences. And I wanted more…but, I am getting ahead of myself. Today, let’s focus on the Mayflower.

Built in 1894, the Mayflower Inn originally functioned as a private boy’s academy called the Ridge School. When the school closed in 1919, a former student, Harry Van Sinderen, purchased the property and converted the space into a country inn.

After his death, the inn changed hands several times, losing a bit of its luster along the way. Fortunately, in 1990, the storied space was purchased by local Washington residents with deep pockets, and the Inn was returned to its former glory. After 17 years, new owners purchased the inn, culminating in Auberge Resorts Collection taking over management of the Mayflower in October of 2018.

In 2020, the inn received a complete refresh from design star Celerie Kemble, imbuing a modern take on the staid property. While no doubt too whimsical for some old guard, the new décor is a great foil for the classic architecture.

Each of the 35 rooms, scattered across the main inn building and four cottages, have a unique design and furnishings. My room, located in the Standish cottage, had previously functioned as office space, but was converted during the pandemic to a luxuriously large room. It featured a fabulous terrace and enormous bathroom, in addition to a large closet and sitting area. It certainly ranks on my top ten list of favorite hotel rooms ever.

The grounds at the Mayflower are as immaculate as the rooms. With 58 acres, there is a lot of exploring to do, including both formal and natural spaces such as gardens, mazes, and hiking trails. Firepits dot the landscape, and include beverage service. The pool is a relaxing space, where both lunch and drinks can be ordered.

At the far end of the property, a secluded spa provides a variety of treatments. For those that don’t take a break from fitness, it also houses a gym and indoor pool.

The hotel’s only weak spot was its food offerings, which may well have been impacted by the pandemic. Both the Garden Room and the Tap Room featured the same menu, and while they tout the local farm to table nature of their restaurants, they struggled to accommodate my vegan friend, even given advance notice. Despite being assured the chef would provide options during her stay, she was offered only the same lentil dish both nights.

For a longer stay, more options would be nice. That said, there are many fabulous restaurants nearby, including the Market Place Tavern in Litchfield, located in a former jail.

As well as perfectly capturing the essence of a New England country inn, the Mayflower also offers several local experiences to enhance your stay, which change seasonally. So, if you want to spend an afternoon learning about the art of distilling, archery or fly fishing, this is your place.

Although not perfect, my stay at the Mayflower was amazing. I was impressed with their attention to detail, and it left me with not only the desire to return to the Mayflower, but to explore other Auberge properties around the world, which were introduced to me via a fabulous large format photo book located in the room.