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Guest House
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Retreat & Conference Center
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318 West Main Street
Chester, Connecticut 06412
(860) 322-5770
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are guest rooms like, and what amenities are offered?
Guest House was built as a country inn, and offers beautiful and comfortable accommodations while maintaining the atmosphere of a retreat center.
Most of our spacious bedrooms have one queen and one twin bed. Each guest bedroom has its own full bathroom. A few bedrooms are furnished with one king or queen size bed. Every room has heat and air conditioning.
In your bedroom you will find a comfortable bed made for you upon your arrival, a set of towels, an alarm clock, ecologically-sourced soap, and a drinking glass. Extra blankets and pillows are available in each closet.
There are no televisions or telephones in guest bedrooms. Hair dryers and irons are available upon request at the front desk.
Guest House is a smoke-free facility. We have two outdoor smoking areas with receptacles for cigarettes.
We have a small store where you may purchase a limited number of toiletry items, bottled water, chocolate, batteries, and sundries. Guest House does not accept credit cards; we invite you to bring checks or cash.
What should I bring?
You should bring toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrush and paste, and shaving items. If you plan to enjoy the outdoors, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy shoes, and a hat are advisable. Remember to bring a swimsuit and beach towels if you think you may visit Cedar Lake or the Long Island Sound.
What are the grounds like? What activities are available?
Guest House is situated on 17 wooded acres. Our tree-shaded, three-tiered deck overlooks a pond, for dining or relaxing. We also have a tennis court, an indoor pool table, and ping pong. Badminton, volleyball, and croquet sets are available for you to enjoy. Our woods are adjacent to a 17,000 acre state forest offering unlimited hiking. Cedar Lake, a beautiful lake with public beach, is just one mile from Guest House, and ½ mile beyond, the Cockaponset State Park has another lovely lake with picnic areas and hiking. We are a 20-minute drive from salt water swimming on the Long Island Sound. If you bring your bicycle, or rent one in town, the area’s paved roads offer miles of lightly trafficked, scenic biking. Keep in mind that this is tick country; use of insect repellant while engaging in outdoor activities is advised.
What are meals like and how are they served?
Prior to your retreat, you will receive a food preference form on which you may indicate your choice of entrees (all entrees, chicken and fish but no red meat, vegetarian, or vegan) and any dietary restrictions.
Meals are served buffet style. Guest House prides itself on the quality and creativity of our meal offerings.
Tea, coffee, and healthy snacks are available all day in the dining room.
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I have special dietary needs. Can you accommodate them?
Yes, once Guest House is informed by means of the meal form, (which will be sent along with your registration information), the kitchen will make every effort to meet your needs and preferences.
A refrigerator is available for guest use 24 hours a day if you need to bring medicines or supplies. A microwave also is available.
Does Guest House have wireless internet access?
Yes, you will have free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the building.
Is it possible to stay extra nights before or after a retreat?
Yes, under most circumstances this is possible. The rate is $65 per person per night. This charge is for room only; no meals or services are included, as the Guest House kitchen is closed before and after retreats.
How can I travel from the train station/airport to Guest House?
The Old Saybrook train station, 20 minutes from Guest House, is served by Metro North from Grand Central terminal in New York to New Haven, and on to Old Saybrook via Shore Line East. Old Saybrook also is served by Amtrak from Boston and New York. (Travel from New York is much less expensive via Metro North.) Taxi and private car services are available from the train station to Guest House, but you must make arrangements in advance. For service from the Old Saybrook train station, we recommend calling CAR-MAC at least one hour in advance: 860-388-2842.
For details or other arrangements, contact janet@guesthousecenter.orgWhat kind of seating is available in the meeting rooms?
Guest House provides conference chair seating. We also offer sets of meditation cushions. If you wish, you may bring your own backjack. For some smaller retreats, livingroom-style furniture may be available.
How are children accommodated?
Guest House has certain rooms large enough to accommodate parents and children, using rollaway beds. Rollaways can be added to any room to allow for additional family members registered for the retreat.
What accommodations are available for disabled individuals?
Guest House is wheelchair accessible, and the dining room and most meeting rooms are located on the first floor. We have elevator service to all residential floors. We also have several handicapped bathrooms, with wheelchair-accessible toilets and safety handles in the bathtubs.
Can I bring my pet?
In accordance with regulations pertaining to the Guest House kitchen, pets are not permitted at Guest House.
What is included in the commuter rate?
Commuters attend the full retreat, including all meals, but are not provided overnight accommodations.
What attractions are there in the local area?
The nearby town of Chester is a charming New England town featuring several fine restaurants, a cafe, art galleries, and boutiques. In addition to lakes, salt-water swimming and miles of hiking trails, Chester is near the town of Mystic with its world-famous aquarium and world-class boutique shopping. Gillette Castle, an early 20th-century mansion built in the style of a medieval castle, is a popular local attraction.