What to expect: Guests at this smoke-free hotel will find a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Connecticut—or for doing business in downtown Hartford, just eight miles away. The 149-room low-rise property is close to I-91, and provides complimentary Internet access and a complimentary airport shuttle. The hotel features one of the largest indoor heated pools in the area.

Amenity highlights: In-room amenities include premium bedding with separate seating areas, spacious desks, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. The Courtyard Cafe offers a daily breakfast buffet. The lobby area has wireless Internet access, and a large indoor heated pool and a fitness room are on site. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport Sunday night through Friday morning.

Insider tip: One of America's greatest writers, Mark Twain, lived and worked in a 19-room Victorian mansion on Farmington Avenue in Hartford for many years. Over the past century the house has been restored and transformed into a museum and interpretive center devoted to the life and times of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday, admission $13, $11 seniors, $8 children.