The Abner Hotel is the Perfect Connecticut Getaway

Mar 3, 2025 Kelli Carpenter

There are some places that are special and tell a story. The Abner Hotel in Litchfield, Connecticut, is one of them.

Located in the hills of Litchfield, Connecticut, this newly opened boutique hotel by Salt Hotels is a seamless blend of modern luxury and historical charm. Our two-night stay at The Abner was lovely, making for an ideal East Coast escape.

A Hotel with a Story

The Abner Hotel, like the town of Litchfield itself, is steeped in history. Litchfield, founded in 1719, is one of Connecticut’s most charming and historically rich destinations. Once home to the first law school in the United States, the town is filled with colonial-era homes, tree-lined streets, and a deep appreciation for its past. The Abner, a fantastic addition to Salt Hotels’ collection, brings a fresh and sophisticated experience to this historic town.

Salt Hotels, known for their curated approach to luxury, have a reputation for transforming properties into unique, community-driven destinations. Their focus on exceptional design, local culture, and service is evident throughout The Abner. Take a tour with this slideshow:

Dining and Drinks at The Abner

Before dinner, we indulged in cocktails at The Parlor, an intimate and stylish space that felt like a hidden gem. The expertly crafted drinks, cozy ambiance, and conversation with fellow travelers made for a memorable end to our first night. While the rooftop bar was not yet open during our stay, we’re already planning a return visit just to experience what promises to be a spectacular vantage point over Litchfield.

Our first evening began with dinner at The Courtroom, the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a refined take on farm-to-table cuisine. The menu showcases locally sourced ingredients prepared with creativity and finesse. Every bite—from the fresh seafood to the perfectly cooked steak—was a delight, and the service was just as impeccable.

The following morning we headed back to the courtroom for a beautiful continental breakfast that also included a couple of warm options.

Exploring Litchfield County

The next day, we set out to explore the area, beginning with a visit to Litchfield Distillery. Known for its handcrafted small-batch spirits, this family-run distillery offers an informative tour that provides insight into their process of creating bourbons, vodkas, and gins. The tasting was fun and of course we had to bring some bottles home with us.

Lunch was at Marketplace Tavern, a restaurant that perfectly merges history with modern dining. Housed in Litchfield’s old jail, built in 1812, the tavern retains much of its original charm while serving up delicious, elevated pub food. Sitting inside the former jail cells while enjoying lunch was an adventure.

Next, we ventured to Thorncrest Farm in nearby Goshen. This family-run dairy farm is home to some of the happiest cows we’ve ever seen, which, in turn, produce the highest quality milk for their delicious Milk House Chocolates. We took part in tasting some of the chocolates, where each piece was crafted with care and farm-fresh ingredients. Needless to say, we couldn’t resist taking home a selection of their treats.

A Cozy Evening at The Village

After a full day of exploring, we wrapped up our Litchfield adventure with dinner at The Village, a local favorite that exudes charm and warmth. The food was comforting and the relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect spot to wrap up a fun couple of days.

The Perfect East Coast Escape

We loved our stay at The Abner Hotel and our time in Litchfield. From the rich history and welcoming community to the luxury of Salt Hotels’ hospitality, this trip was a reminder of why small-town getaways can be so rewarding. Whether sipping cocktails in The Parlor, indulging in local farm-to-table cuisine, or exploring Litchfield’s historical and artisanal treasures, we had a great time.

And the best part? We’re already planning our next trip back—this time, with plans to sip cocktails on The Abner’s rooftop bar, taking in the views of this truly special town.