This November I had the opportunity to spend a 3-day weekend in West Hartford, Connecticut! I was really excited to visit the state for the first time right in the middle of Fall foliage season. On Friday, we arrived at the Hotel Delamar and were greeted by the complimentary valet & doorwoman. By the time I had finished checking in at the front desk, our luggage was unloaded, and a staff member was waiting to carry it upstairs to our room for us! Complimentary prosecco & water are also offered upon your arrival. If you need something to warm you up, the lobby also features a complimentary espresso machine brewing lattes and hot chocolate!
Our room was a “Deluxe King” and I could not recommend it more. I loved how spacious the room (and bathroom!) were; plenty of room for two people to unpack and spread out comfortably. If you’re an interior person like myself, you will be highly impressed with the décor & color schemes used both in your room and throughout the hotel. From the luxe, fur throws to the lighted mirrors, all the way to the curated art on the walls, it’s absolutely top-notch. I even had the chance to tour the Executive & Governor Suites, which are a very popular option for brides with ample “getting ready space” for wedding parties. I did review all of the room options online, and honestly, each one looks just as desirable as mine; I don’t think you can go wrong!
I had the privilege of touring the hotel and learning about all it has to offer; future brides, you’ll want to pay close attention to this info! Not only does Hotel Delamar boast large ballrooms for wedding receptions, but they also have what you never knew you needed: an in-house florist, spa, and tailor! Yes, you heard that right, IN HOUSE, meaning if you have a last-minute issue, all you have to do is go down to the lobby! Truly a wedding dream come true. The décor around the hotel is worth mentioning again because it’s constantly changing. Curated by Diane Birdsall, the art around the hotel is refreshed every few months with different pieces. You can always find a brochure at the front desk that walks you through the current art being featured; a very unique touch.
While I only popped in and out of the florist & tailor shops, on Saturday I was able to experience a Delamar Signature Pedicure at the spa on the second floor! This pedicure included a paraffin wax service, and OMG was it good. If you have dry skin or are visiting in the colder months this is a must-do! Erin, my technician was absolutely amazing; she explained every product in detail and even gave me a few tips for nail care at home. My appointment was just under 2 hours; it was the perfect way to just relax and unwind for a moment. When you schedule your visit, be sure to request Erin, she was the best! Advanced appointments are encouraged, but it never hurts to pop in and see if something is available during your stay! You can view all of the services offered, and book your experience right online.
Saturday afternoon, we made our way about 25 mins to Wallingford, CT to check out Gouveia Vineyards. Unfortunately, on the way there, a huge thunderstorm rolled in; we had to do our tasting indoors and missed out on the view their website boasts about. Maybe next time! The selections were great, I really enjoyed my tasting flight of mostly sweet wines; I highly recommend the Stone House White. I did however read online that cheese & meat selections would be available, but unfortunately, they were not. Definitely stop and pick up your own food for pairing on the way there.
After our trip to the winery, we headed back to the Hotel Delamar for our 7:00 dinner reservation at Artisan. The in-house restaurant offers a dimly lit, cozy atmosphere, serving fresh farm-to-table New England dishes. I ordered the Lobster Fra Diavolo, a yummy lobster pasta dish topped with a marinara sauce; it is a bit spicy but you can request for it to be mild! Obviously, in New England, I had to order a lobster dish and it did not disappoint! If pasta is not your thing, there is a Lobster Roll on the “all Day Bites” menu, as well! All of the food is locally grown and made in-house, even the pasta! End your meal with 2 or 3 scoops of their homemade gelato; it was to die for!
Aside from having a restaurant and bar in-house, the Hotel Delamar is conveniently located by many other offerings! Directly across the street is a fun spot for brunch called The Place 2 Be; a really cool spot to snap a few photos for the ‘gram! Also within a short drive, you’ll find Starbucks, local cafes, and shopping! The Hotel Delamar is in a perfect location whether you’re just stopping in town for the night, or you plan to spend a few days exploring West Hartford! The staff & accommodations truly make you feel like an A-lister from check-in to check-out. You can browse the West Hartford Hotel Delamar’s site by clicking here, as well as view other locations they offer.
Travelers Notes Worth Mentioning:
- No pool
- No ice machines are available to guests, you must call the front desk to have ice sent to your room. They will also bring complimentary bottles of water; just ask!
- Chocolate is left on your pillow by turn down service
- Continental breakfast is inlcuded buffet style in the Artisan bar area, first floor
- BVLGARI products are provided in your room: lotion, shampoo, body wash, soap, etc.
- Complimentary valet parking
