Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

As a 2025 Christmas gift, I gave my wife Joanne a culinary get-a-way weekend at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, hosted by Executive Chef Jeff Renkl. The name of the event was “Tides & Tastes – A Seafood Experience.” Chef Jeff called me a few days before our arrival out of concern, because due to the anticipated harsh weather conditions for the weekend we may be the only couple participating in the event. As a result, he decided to change the schedule to include a private one-on-one cooking experience, and he wanted to make sure that we were ok with the change. The change included two amazing seafood dinners and breakfasts prepared and served to us by Chef. In addition, we enjoyed a private 3-hour seafood cooking demonstration with my wife as his Sous Chef. We had a wonderful time. Chef Jeff was so nice and patient, answering all our questions and walking my wife and me through all phases of the 3-hour cooking preparation. Not only did we have a wonderful weekend, but we also garnered a new friend! Cheers Chef and look forward to seeing you in the Spring!

I booked a 2-night weekend stay as a Christmas gift for my girlfriend and me. The booking included pedicures, massages, facials, and Fresh Salt dinner reservations. The Spa was simply outstanding. No other way to describe it. Best massage I've ever had, and the staff was was, kind, and attentive. Two big issues, however. First, the room. I very specifically booked a room with a water view and a fireplace. We arrived a little early, and the nice gentleman at the desk made some adjustments to get us into a room before official check-in time. Super nice! The 2nd-floor room was beautiful. Roomy, great water view, big bathroom, lots of sunlight, big windows and a big glass doors to the balcony. The fireplace, though, was one of those electric Walmart units with a light bulb and a rotating drum that simulated flames. What the heck? I went down to the front desk, now being managed by a young woman (also very nice) and was told "all the rooms have working fireplaces." Did I completely miss that this unit was in fact a real fireplace? No. I went back and checked again. Electric. No flame. No heat. Decorative only. So my partner and I went back to front desk, explained that I really wanted a real fireplace (as advertised, as paid for). The woman was gracious, and after several minutes, got us a new room on the 3rd floor. Before moving our stuff out of our original room, we went up to check this new one. Definitely a real, working fireplace. The problem was that the room was half the size of the one we were about to give up, and had only a single window, very little sunlight, and a much smaller bathroom. It was still beautiful by any standard, and if we had never seen the 2nd-floor room, we probably wouldn't have even given it a second thought. But having seen the original room, we really wanted the layout and luxury of that room, but with a working fireplace. Back to the woman at the front desk. We explained: Same type of room as we had originally plus working fireplace. Again, very gracious and kind, and another 3rd floor room. Nope. It was identical to room #2. We decided to keep the original room, but were a little disappointed with the lack of fireplace. I want to emphasize here that this was not a huge deal. I'm just surprised that the resort wouldn't be more up front about the fact that "fireplace" in the room description might not mean what you think it means. And that the nice people managing the front desk wouldn't be a little more familiar with the rooms. Second issue: Fresh Salt. The restaurant is probably fine, but our server -- though very nice -- was sort of clueless. She inaccurately described one of the entrees. She struggled to describe another. She disappeared for long periods of time. My partner's dinner came out cold. When we asked to simply have it warmed up, our server took it away, then disappeared again for 15 minutes. When she returned with a replacement the kitchen had totally remade (which I guess explained the long delay), I had already finished my meal. The server was very kind and genuinely wanted to make things right, and she did not charge us for the entrée. We asked to see the dessert menu, which we were promptly given, then .... nothing. No server for another 15 minutes. We skipped dessert, too. The next night, we ate in the Choo Choo Lounge. It was great! The gentleman working the bar that Saturday night was perfect. Knowledgeable, prompt, attentive, a real hustler, even with a pretty big crowd in the pub. Meals and cocktails were delicious. A good server makes all the difference.

The actual overnight was wonderful-house & rooms were so clean and facility staff was so helpful and attentive. The spa and services were also wonderful. My only challenge was attempting to clarify information on the "wellness packet" we had purchased- what was included in the price, cost, etc.... despite numerous calls to the front desk cays before, and during the visit. Although front desk staff was very polite-they did not have any information on the package services and instead referred me to the reservation desk....which was closed. Maybe a print out to accompany check in would be beneficial?

My best friend and I make an annual pilgrimage to Saybrook Point, and it never disappoints. The rooms are cozy and well-appointed, the spa services are always excellent, and the food at Fresh Salt is consistently delicious. We have made the trip in both winter and summer, and we personally prefer the quiet of the off-season, but there is never a bad time to stay at this resort.

Accommodations were lovely. food was good and service was great