We are doing some college visits, including Wesleyan. I'll pay a little extra for a nice B&B or Inn, but will our only options in that vicinity be chain hotels, and if so, are there any standouts? Also welcome good locally popular dining spots that are not chains. Thanks.

I can't think of any nice hotels in middletown, but along route 9 (where you will be) toward the shore there are a lot of B&Bs- the Copper beach Inn in ivoryton, the Inn at Chester, The Bee & Thistle Inn. There is a Marriott in Rocky Hill. None of these are right next to Middletown, but they are not too far- within 20 minutes I would say.

In Middletown, Forbidden City is amazing higher end asian fare. First and Last is good basic italian. And again, along route 9 towards the shore there are great restaurants-- restaurant Du village in chester for french, the River Tavern in Chester for new american, to name a few.

Not much in the way of Inns or B&Bs in that area other than south on Rt. 9 as already posted. I've stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, CT at 100 BERLIN RD.
CROMWELL, CT 06416.

Agree with Forbidden City recommendation - FABULOUS.

A good standby for my friends and I is Baci Grill in Cromwell (nearby). Check them out at http://www.bacigrill.com/

Great views of the Conn. River - when it's not flooded - is Harbor Park. http://www.harbor-park.com/

There's a hotel/inn right in Middletown
http://www.innatmiddletown.com

I haven't stayed there, but Main Street is filled with restaurants. When I was there in the summer the Inn looked packed with wedding guests

thanks for the tips. unfortunately inn at middletown all booked up when we're there. the sweet b&b's require two night minimum on weekends. we'll figure it out.

If you wait until it's a little closer in time to when you want to go, you can probably get them to lift the 2 night minimum. for a back up you could book at one of the chains nearby- i'm sure there are marriotts or hiltons close enough by-- i know there is marriott in rocky hill- about 20 minutes away- but it's not quaint.