Inn on the Harbor
Thirteen rooms right on the Stonington waterfront. Named after windjammers. Built from four 19th-century storefronts that were barged to the site and stitched together over the decades. You can see the lobster fleet from your bed.
The cluster of buildings at 45 Main Street started life as four small commercial spaces around the 1880s: Fred E. Webb's shoe store (literally barged to the property), Central Grocery Store, a post office, and Charles W. Brimigion's barber shop. The first owner assembled them into an inn called The Captain's Quarters. Long-time proprietor Christina Shipps — a former fine jewelry executive from New York City and Tokyo — bought it in disrepair, renamed it the Inn on the Harbor, and systematically rebuilt it: new electrical, plumbing, furniture, decking, and a full aesthetic overhaul. She gave each room a windjammer name — Stephen Taber, Lewis R. French, Timberwind — and made it work.
Shipps ran the inn for years before selling to Dana Durst and Jay Brown after their three-year search for a B&B. Brown, a former photojournalist, brought his own eye to the place. The inn now operates under the Ohana Inns model — "Ohana" being Hawaiian for family, the philosophy being that guests come and go freely, the staff is present when needed, and the property is as much yours as it is theirs during your stay.
Nine of the thirteen rooms face the harbor. The 19th-century fabric is still there — antiques, fireplaces, the architectural honesty of four old buildings leaning on each other. The location is unbeatable: the Stonington co-op dock, Isle au Haut ferry, Boyce's Motel, and Main Street restaurants all within one block.
What Visitors Say
"This place is the very best. Clean, comfortable, responsive, in a wonderful location next to restaurants and shops, in a quaint, beautiful town and above all they are thoughtful and kind! We were able to leave our luggage before going on a tour and I also forgot my pillow. I didn’t even realize it when I received their message, thank you so much for your kindness! The hospitality room is well thought out, comfortable and all around amazing. Do not hesitate to stay here!"
"Just got home from a magical week in Maine. We stayed at the Inn on the Harbor for 5 nights and we were in the Nathaniel Bodwich room. It was so cute and so clean and had everything we needed right down to two umbrellas hanging by the door. Although we didn't need them, the weather was gorgeous. If you are looking for a place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy locations, this is the spot for you. I HIGHLY recommend 44 North, an awesome coffee shop right down the street. Parking was a breeze. We parked in a lot off of Pink Street right across from the hotel and had no problems at all. We loved it here and will definitely be back next year. I can't recommend Inn on the Harbor enough. What a magical place!"
"I stayed at Inn on the Harbor for three nights and absolutely loved it. It’s peaceful and quiet, right in the heart of Stonington, so everything is just a short walk away. You’ll find great food, coffee, ice cream, and some really lovely galleries nearby. The room was super clean and comfortable. The common room had snacks and bottled water, which was a thoughtful touch. The best part for me was the deck overlooking the harbor. The view is incredible, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or relaxing in the evening. The staff were also wonderful. They were friendly, welcoming, and very helpful. After we checked out, they let us store our luggage so we could go kayaking, and they even found and saved something we accidentally left behind in the room. If you are looking for a tranquil and relaxing place to stay, I’d def recommend it."
Local Tips
- Harbor-view rooms book early for peak summer. The water-facing rooms are meaningfully better than the village-side rooms.
- The inn has a 4.9 Google rating across 200+ reviews — the highest of any lodging on the island.
- Walk everywhere: you're dead center in the village.
- No pool, no spa — this is a harbor inn in a working fishing town. Lean into it.
Connected To
- Boyce's Motel — across the street; same harbor, lower price, longer family history
- Stonington Lobster Co-op — a block away, fresh lobster off the dock
- Stonington Opera House Arts — a short walk; catch a performance during your stay
- 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille — nearby for dinner