The hype
Guests love the walkable village location and harbor views but are often disappointed by the tired room interiors and noise levels.
Danfords Hotel And Marina
$180-300/ night
Book this if You want a nautical weekend getaway where you can park the car once and walk to everything in a charming harbor village.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right on the Port Jefferson Marina
- Walkable access to the ferry, shops, and local dining
- Dog-friendly 'Ulti-Mutt' pet program
Quick Take: A charming harborfront location that relies heavily on its views to distract you from the motel-style layout and lack of a pool.
Reviewed by @longisland_foodie: I spent the weekend at Danfords and it was the perfect coastal escape. My room had the cutest nautical wallpaper and a lovely terrace filled with flowers. Plus, the giant chair on the pier is such a fun photo op right next door!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'balconies' are often just shared outdoor walkways where people walk past your window, offering zero privacy.
- You are attending a wedding or event on-site
- You want to bring your dog to a walkable town
- You love watching boats and ferries dock right outside your window
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally responsive, but recent reviews mention missed details like cobwebs and trash in exterior hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss; reports of mildew in showers and peeling grout in older bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Showing age; complaints about peeling paint, broken blinds, and radiator panels falling off.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, generally reported as clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Frequent complaints of 'musty' smells in rooms, likely due to the waterfront humidity and older carpets.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding/event bass from the ballroom
- Cars and motorcycles revving in the parking lot
- Ferry horns and harbor traffic
Before you book
Good to know
- The $29+ destination fee includes a parking pass, which is actually a deal since village parking is metered and aggressive.
- Check-in is at 4:00 PM and they are strict about it; early check-in is rarely granted without a fee.
- You can text 'Ivy', the digital concierge, for housekeeping or requests during your stay.
What to pack
- White noise machine or high-quality earplugs
- Slip-on shoes for the exterior corridors
- A sweater for the breezy harborfront deck
Room Genie
Best picks
- Harbor View Suites (Captain's Building) for the best water vistas
- Village View Fireplace Room for couples wanting ambiance over water views
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the ballroom (ask specifically to be away from event spaces)
- Ground floor rooms facing the parking lot (privacy and noise issues)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room as far as possible from the ballroom and event spaces. If available, a top-floor room in the Captain's Building would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool or gym?
No. Despite the resort pricing, there is absolutely no pool or fitness center on the property.
Is parking free?
Technically yes, it's included in the mandatory daily destination fee ($29+), which covers one vehicle per room.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, they have a 'Ulti-Mutt' pet program, but call ahead to confirm restrictions and fees.
Does the ferry drop you off nearby?
Yes, the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson ferry terminal is literally steps away, making this a perfect car-free trip from Connecticut.
Do all rooms have balconies?
Many have access to a 'common balcony,' which is essentially a shared outdoor walkway. Private balconies are rare and must be specifically booked.
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is a la carte at the on-site restaurant, but there is a morning coffee station in the lobby included in your resort fee.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'Ivy' text service to request extra water or towels; it's faster than calling the front desk.
- ✨
The 'destination fee' covers parking, so don't pay the meters in the lot if you have your pass displayed.
- ✨
For a quieter stay, request a room in a building separate from the main banquet hall.
5 things to know before you go
💡It's a motel layout: You will likely be dragging your suitcase over concrete exterior walkways to get to your room.
💡The 'Balcony' trap: Most 'balconies' are shared public walkways where other guests walk right past your window.
💡The Destination Fee value: It's one of the few times a resort fee is worth it, solely because it covers the expensive village parking.
💡No elevator access: Some buildings are walk-up only, so warn them if you have mobility issues.
💡The Wedding Tax: If you stay on a Saturday in summer, you are effectively an unpaid extra in someone else's wedding video.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Danfords Hotel And Marina is located and what's nearby.