By Madison Duddy By Madison Duddy | February 10, 2025 | Feature, Travel, HBBO Travel,
Dock at Mystic’s new nautical-inspired stay, opening this winter.Guests can enjoy sumptuous comforts and river views in their rooms
It’s no secret New England has a love affair with history, from its cobblestone streets to centuries-old sail lofts. The region’s newest flirtation with the past awaits at Delamar Mystic (delamar.com/mystic). Founder Charles Mallory’s family began their prosperous shipbuilding business in the seaside town, and over two centuries later, he chose to leave his mark.
Nautical-inspired touches adorn the lobby.
The coastal-style boutique escape sits beside the Mystic Seaport Museum—housing the Charles Mallory Sail Loft exhibit—while overlooking the river. Inside the 31-room stay, historic inspirations marry modern sophistication, with details nodding to the stunning craftsmanship of ships. Mallory calls the design a respectful handshake between centuries. “My inspiration was to create a bridge between the striking modernity of the Thompson Building and the timeless elegance of Mystic’s historic architecture. I wanted the hotel to feel like it belonged to both the past and the present,” says Mallory, who designed the hotel with Richard Turlington Architects, Beinfield Architecture, HVS Design and Clearview Construction.
Every inch of the hotel features stunning details
Intricate woodwork and rippled glass details welcome wayward travelers inside. After enjoying a complimentary glass of Champagne, steal a glimpse of nautical chart wallpaper on the reception area’s vaulted ceiling. Contemporary coastal details flow upstairs into the guest rooms and suites, adorned with neutral tones, pops of navy blue and jute rope textures. However, nothing compares to each room’s floor-to-ceiling views of the Mystic River.
La Plage Restaurant & Oyster Bar offers a front-row seat to Mystic’s harbor life.
Continue your dalliance with the passing sailboats downstairs at La Plage Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Helmed by French executive chef Frederic Kieffer, the waterfront restaurant and oyster bar boasts even more captivating river views. Savor Maine lobster rolls and tangy pickled oysters fireside, or come May, secure a seat on their outdoor patio or bar. There truly is not a bad seat in the house.
Photography by: COURTESY OF DELAMAR HOTEL COLLECTION