REVIEW-SAYBROOK POINT INN & SPA (29 & 11 & 22)

The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa (SPI) is located at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Across from the original settlement at Fort Saybrooke the SPI is an independent hotell/inn and offers full spa services, including a gym, pool and restaurant to boot.

When we arrived at SPI in the summer we had ordered a nice room with great views for our honeymoon. We booked via the web and direct via their site (saybrook.com) a package that included massage for two, dinner and a wonderful room with fireplace. Yes with fireplace even though it was 85 degrees we opted for a room with fireplace as it would add to the embiance.

We arrived at check in time about 3pm, a surpise that left my wife with a smile from ear to ear as she had no knowledge of what was to happen. We parked in front of SPI which is located a couple miles of Route 1 in Old Saybrook. Easy to get to by following the signs for Cornfield Point, Shore Points and eventually Fort Saybrooke we checked in with ease and were shown to our rooms. The entry was simple in a colonial style, clean and relatively well kept with the exception of some bumps on the paneling from suitcases. The decor of was nice and comfortable, most welcoming one could say and overall was clean.

Our room located on the 2nd floor was directly above the marina with perfect views of the Ct.River and LI Sound as well as Lynde Pt Lighthouse and the dozens of fine boats at the marina. The fireplace was not lit (thankfully as it was warm) but the decor was very nice and warm again, going inline with the entry and expectations. Bed, sofa area and desk were all handsome and the bathroom a modern throwback to the roaring 20s it appeared. Well kept and large.

Our double massage was scheduled for 4pm which gave us time to explore. The pool was filled with families from out of town, NY likely, the gym was small but adequate and busy as well. We walked the marina, were greeted by boat/deckhands and others talking a nice stroll. We peeped into the restaurant which was being set up for te nights guests, a handsome bar, all tables with views of the water and marina, overall a pleasant sight.

I went to down to the Spa to insure all was ready and on time when I was abruptly told..."sorry we only have single reservations available"... Although I had booked and confirmed they simply booked us separately and offered no other suggestion or even apology. Ok... I thought and we opted to enjoy individual massages.

The Spa is a most handsome spa, small but with a catacomb of rooms offering different services, decorated in 18th century Italian the decor was more than expected and welcomed. When it was my turn to the have a massage I was greeted by a guest of perhaps 75 or 80 from Manhattan, pleasant and with poodle of course, she too on a R&R / Honeymoon visit. The receptionist greeted me with "yes?" when I responded in a friendly tone she followed with "how will you pay your tip?"... I thought that was odd as tips are given based on service and not prior to service. I engaged the receptionist and she simple dismissed my concerns. Annoyed but not undetermined I told her that gratuities will be assigned once service is renderred... she then followed in front of other guests with "How much will that be?"... again dismissing my commentary and concerns. I simply ignored her and walked to the dressing room where I enjoyed a hot shower, sandles and bathrobe.

The Dressing Room featured a few showers, a basket for linens, soaps, shaving and hygiene kits and the like. Small but well taken care of and very clean. The massage itself was a very good one, lasting one hour. The masseuse was friendly and informative.

After relaxing in the waiting area which features teas, water and fruit...with some of New York's Finest Madison Avenue ladies I changed and checked out where again I was greeted the the "Gratuity lady". I offered a tip as the masseuse was very good and commented on her "frankness". Again she dismissed me... My wife experienced the same but opted to respond to her with "My husband takes care of such things"... and that was that. Perhaps the receptionist found it sporty to challenge my friendliness. I informed the desk clerk and she apologized as did the manager on duty.

Terra Mar Grille
Dinner was scheduled for 8pm and we were greeted by the host.  He was not aware of our reservation but quickly worked to find a romantic spot. Not sure what happened to the reservation system but it failed on 2 accounts! While waiting we opted for a glass of local vineyard wine (Chamard) and I for a glass of Mount Gay Rum. We sat outside on the patio and chatted with another couple from my old hometown of East Lyme. Our table was perfect. It faced the Marina and had night views of the boats arriving in the Connecticut River. Terra Mar Grille featured bistro like neuvo american/italian dishes. Highly rated in the area. the executive chef had worked in Naples,Fl. at the Ritz Carlton and Sagamore Hotel.

We were greeted again by the host who apologized for not having our reservation and something concocted by the chef for us. A Scallop with a fruit salsa that was outstanding! A sign of things to come. Dinner featured Chilean Sea Bass made with a Saffron based sauce tomatos and potatos! My wife opted for Pancetta Wrapped Yellow Fin Tuna which was excellent.

The portions were generous but not too large and the different tastes all accompanied eachother perfectly. For dessert we opted to share Macadamia Nut Tartlet with Bananas Foster Ice Cream with Coconut Banana Fritters & Rich Caramel Sauce which was filling and excellent. All in all a great experience with views to boot!

The Room and Breakfast
We opted to have breakfast the next morning at the grille and featured their Sunday Brunch. Omlettes and Hickory Smoked Bacon, lots of fresh fruit and breads. A nice call to end a nice weekend. The bed was comfortable and the porch which we sat on with a glass of wine was most enjoyable. One could feel the batteries being charged for the long haul while enjoying the fresh sea and river air.

Extras
SPI has old fashioned bicycles available for use to enjoy the local area. We opted to take a couple out and did. We followed the roadway toward Cornfield Point, the area that was the home of Catherine Hepburn. Located in a small hamlet of Saybrook called Fenwick it was created during the first settlement in the 1600s and became very popular in the 1890s as many of the finely kept homes and golf course originate from that era. Summer residents playing croquette and golf, enjoying the sun and more... a picturesque New England shore retreat for the wealthy residents of Hartford and Springfield (now New York as well). A perfect ending!

RATING
SCALE:1-Low/Check out other places, 3 "ok" to 5-Highly Recommended

Inn (29 out of 30)

Service   5
Room      5
View/Location   5
Dining      5
Experience 4
Compared to Advertised?    5

Total: 30 out of  30

Spa (11 out of 15)

Service    2
Massage   4
Mood/Decor 5


Dining (22 out of 25)

Main Course Food          4
Service                           4
Dessert                           5
Variety                            5
Atmosphere                    4


Summary

All in all a nice experience with excellent dining in a great location. The only help needed was in the Spa but then again I will try it all over again!


SPI Building- Rooms and Entry


Generic SPI Pictures-Featuring Lynde Point and Cornfield Pt at Fenwick.


Saybrook Point Marina




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