Located in Mystic, Connecticut, the new 59-room Commodore Motel is set to open in spring 2026. Originally opened in 1965 as a motor lodge, the newly reimagined boutique motel is undergoing a complete transformation into a vibrant, design-forward coastal retreat in one of New England’s most beloved seaside destinations.
Thoughtfully designed by local ownership in collaboration with designer Cate Mills of Ellison Mills Studio from Brooklyn, NY, and Mark Comeau of MCA Architect from Mystic, CT, The Commodore Motel blends early modernist influences with subtle nautical references, honoring craftsmanship, functionality, and life on the Connecticut coast.
“With the Commodore, we wanted to create something that feels distinctly Mystic, capturing its authentic spirit and maritime charm,” said Bill Middleton, owner of The Commodore Motel. “By restoring the original motor lodge, we were able to preserve a piece of the destination’s character while reimagining it for modern travelers. Every detail, from the materials, simplistic design, and coastal touches to the purposeful sustainable systems, reflects our goal to build something welcoming, responsible, and functional.”
Responsible touches shaped every stage of The Commodore’s renovation, beginning with the decision to restore rather than rebuild, a move that significantly reduced the project’s carbon footprint while preserving the integrity of the surrounding landscape. A rooftop solar array and high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system provide heating, cooling, and hot water with zero carbon emissions. Throughout the property, thoughtful details like chilled filtered water taps and complimentary reusable bottles in every guestroom, along with on-site EV charging stations, make sustainability a seamless part of the guest experience.
Upon entering the lobby, guests will be greeted by a vibrant space where burgundy epoxy-concrete floors, warm wood textures, and soft natural light set a playful, inviting tone. The bar and lounge anchor the room and connect directly to the pool terrace through expansive glass doors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Beyond the glass, the terrace unfolds as a relaxed social hub, where guests can swim in the seasonal heated pool, relax in the hot tub, sip cocktails at the poolside bar, unwind by fire tables and lounge seating, or enjoy outdoor games.
The guestrooms blend early modernism design with subtle maritime influence, creating spaces that are functional, thoughtful, and deeply comfortable. Curved, stateroom-style ceilings and ship-inspired lighting evoke the feel of a carefully crafted ship cabin, while materials such as oak, stainless steel, and cork flooring bring a sense of utilitarian elegance. At the center of each room, a custom oak bed frame with a pale green wood headboard serves as a warm focal point, framed by a circular opening that offers a glimpse into the bathroom, a subtle nod to classic ship design that adds depth and continuity. A color palette of cobalt, bright red, soft white, pale green, powder blue, and burgundy enhances the retro-coastal aesthetic, balancing simplicity with function.
The Commodore Motel is owned and operated by Mystic, CT-based hospitality management company, Cannonball Management. The company is best known for its portfolio of popular local restaurants including Rio Salado, Santa’s Sleigh Station, Rio Rapido, Taquerio, Andiamo, Pronto, and the recently opened Jeremiah’s Restaurant & Tavern.
The Commodore Motel is located at 251 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT, 06355. In keeping with its storied past, the property will welcome guests eager to enjoy the area’s many attractions, from the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium to the shops of Old Mystic Village and downtown Mystic, as well as nearby beaches. All within minutes from the breezily modern accommodations.
Additional amenities include complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. Weekend rates at The Commodore Motel will start at $209 per night with midweek rates starting at $159 per night.
