Water's Edge Resort & Spa draws visitors for weddings, the spa, Sunday brunch and live shows. The right place to stay depends on your group size, budget and whether you're bringing a dog.
Here's the quick answer:
- Best for groups and families: Sunset Skies
- Best for couples who want to stay on site: Water's Edge Resort rooms and suites
- Best for small families who want ocean views: Water's Edge Villas by the Sea
- Best for a romantic, historic stay: Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Best for a full resort weekend nearby: Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
Places to Stay Near Water's Edge at a Glance
| Place | Distance to Water's Edge | Sleeps | Pets | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Skies | About a 5-minute walk | Up to 14 | 1 dog or cat under 50 lbs | Groups, families, wedding parties |
| Water's Edge rooms and suites | On site | 2 to 4 per room | Service animals only | Couples |
| Water's Edge Villas by the Sea | On site | Up to 6 | Service animals only | Small families |
| Westbrook Inn B&B | Short drive in Westbrook | 2 per room, 9 rooms | Dogs in 2 rooms | Couples, romantic stays |
| Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | About 15 minutes by car | 2 to 4 per room | On request | Spa and marina weekends |
1. Sunset Skies: Best for Groups and Families
Sunset Skies is a renovated coastal home about a 5-minute walk from Water's Edge. It's a two-family house rented in its entirety, so your group gets both floors to itself.
Why it stands out:
- Space: 6 bedrooms, 8 beds and 3 bathrooms for up to 14 guests.
- Location: Walk to the ceremony, brunch or a show and walk back. No parking, no rideshare.
- Outdoor living: Big decks with shoreline views, a fire pit, a grill and backyard games.
- Pet-friendly: One dog or cat under 50 pounds is welcome. That's rare this close to the resort.
- Value: From $1,000 per night. Split 14 ways, that's about $71 per person per night before fees.
- Proven quality: A 5.0 rating from 20+ verified reviews, and featured on Season 2, Episode 1 of the Emmy Award-winning travel series Staycation.
Good to know: The main renter must be 23 or older, and the house is non-smoking. Booking direct on the Sunset Skies website skips the platform fee.
Best for: Bridal parties, extended families, friend groups and anyone traveling with a pet.
2. Water's Edge Resort Rooms and Suites: Best for Couples
If you want to stay right where the action is, book a room at the resort itself. You can choose from standard rooms, ocean-view rooms and suites.
Why it stands out:
- You're steps from the restaurants, spa, pools and private beach.
- Overnight guests get beach chairs, towels and access to the outdoor pool and beachfront.
- Free valet and self-parking are included in the resort fee.
Good to know: A $15 per night resort fee applies. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. Rooms in wedding blocks can sell out fast.
Best for: Couples and solo travelers who want everything on site.
3. Water's Edge Villas by the Sea: Best for Small Families
The resort's Villas by the Sea sit directly on the oceanfront in a separate building.
Why it stands out:
- 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a sleeper sofa for up to 6 guests.
- A full kitchen with Viking appliances, a gas fireplace and private balconies.
- Direct views of Long Island Sound.
Good to know: Same pet policy as the resort. Six guests is the cap, so larger groups will need more than one villa.
Best for: Families of up to six who want resort access and a kitchen.
4. Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast: Best for a Romantic Stay
The Westbrook Inn is an 1876 Victorian on Boston Post Road, restored with antiques, gas fireplaces and gardens.
Why it stands out:
- 9 guest rooms, each individually decorated.
- Full breakfast every morning.
- Complimentary beach passes, towels and bicycles.
- Dogs are welcome in two of the rooms.
Good to know: It's a short drive to Water's Edge rather than a walk. Rooms are sized for couples, so a big group would need to book out much of the inn.
Best for: Couples who want charm and a home-cooked breakfast.
5. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina: Best for a Full Resort Weekend
Saybrook Point sits where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook, about 15 minutes from Water's Edge by car.
Why it stands out:
- A full-service spa, an indoor pool and outdoor pools.
- An on-site marina and waterfront restaurant.
- Close to the Old Saybrook train station, served by Amtrak and Shore Line East.
Good to know: You'll need to drive or arrange a ride to Water's Edge events. Plan this ahead for a wedding night.
Best for: Couples who want a second resort experience nearby, or guests arriving by train.
Budget option: If price matters most, chain hotels like the Quality Inn Old Saybrook - Westbrook are about 10 minutes away by car.
How to Choose Where to Stay Near Water's Edge
Use these three questions:
- How many people are in your group? Two people: a resort room or the B&B. Up to six: a villa. Seven or more: a whole house like Sunset Skies.
- Do you want to walk to Water's Edge? Only the resort itself and nearby rentals like Sunset Skies let you skip the car.
- Are you bringing a pet? The resort doesn't allow pets. Sunset Skies and the Westbrook Inn do.
For more planning tips, read the Water's Edge wedding guest guide or our guide to planning a Water's Edge weekend getaway.
Places to Stay Near Water's Edge FAQ
What is the closest place to stay to Water's Edge? The resort itself is closest. For groups, Sunset Skies is about a 5-minute walk away.
Are there pet-friendly places to stay near Water's Edge? Yes. Sunset Skies welcomes one dog or cat under 50 pounds, the Westbrook Inn has two dog-friendly rooms, and Saybrook Point allows pets on request. Water's Edge itself only allows service animals.
Does Water's Edge charge a resort fee? Yes, $15 per night. It covers parking, Wi-Fi, the fitness center, pools and beach access.
How many people can stay in a Water's Edge villa? Up to 6 guests, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a sleeper sofa.
Where can a group of 14 stay near Water's Edge? Sunset Skies sleeps up to 14 guests across 6 bedrooms, 8 beds and 3 bathrooms.
Is it cheaper to rent a house than book hotel rooms near Water's Edge? Often, for groups. Sunset Skies starts at $1,000 per night, about $71 per person for 14 guests before fees, and includes a kitchen and shared living space.
Why Groups Book Sunset Skies Direct
If you're coming with family or friends, Sunset Skies gives you the space of a home and the location of a resort room. Book direct to skip the platform fee, and message Kelly, the host, with any questions before you book.