The Delamar West Hartford is a strikingly beautiful boutique hotel and spa in West Hartford, Connecticut – recently dubbed one of “America’s coolest suburbs” by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Conveniently located exactly midway between Boston and New York, West Hartford (and Connecticut in general) needs to be added to your list, especially if you enjoy small town charm, farm-to-table eateries, boutique shopping, historic attractions and more. 

A Warm Welcome: 

From the moment you pull into the Delamar West Hartford, you are welcomed by the friendliest valet and then hotel staff inside. There is a tranquilness to the Delamar, along with a luxurious atmosphere thanks to their open lobby’s gleaming marble, spiral staircase, French-Canadian & Northern European architectural design, and impressive art collection on display. Speaking of the art, the Delamar has rotating exhibits curated by the New Britain Museum of American Art, so be sure to walk around and enjoy every piece. 

Part of the tranquility I mentioned is due to soft piano music playing in the lobby. That music is coming from a magnificent Blüthner Player Piano which was custom-made for the Delamar West Hartford. This piano plays on its own and is certainly another work of art to be admired. 

Luxury Accommodation: 

I had the pleasure of staying in a Deluxe Terrace King Room decorated in neutral tones, upscale yet comfortable furnishings, and plenty of natural light. A highlight was having a private, and very expansive, terrace with a mix of chairs, a dining table, and views over the Delamar West Hartford’s lawn and garden. I also loved the large marble bathroom with Bvlgari amenities and luxurious bath robes. 

There are 114 rooms and suites total at Delamar West Hartford, and after touring many of them, it’s safe to say that they are all perfectly contemporary while also being traditionally elegant. If you are planning on a longer stay, I’d recommend their Executive Studio King rooms as they come with a separate seating area and kitchenette. But no matter which room you are in, they all feel like a luxury oasis where you are sure to get a fabulous night’s sleep in their plush beds. 

Wellness Treatments: 

While I didn’t have time for a full pampering session, I was able to pop into the Delamar Spa and enjoy a gel manicure. Their spa is an oasis for anti-aging and wellness, offering cutting edge, custom treatments from Europe by two of the world’s leading skin care brands: Biologique Recherche and Valmont. I was also fascinated to learn about their state-of-the-art Remodeling Face Machine which offers a groundbreaking treatment known as the “non-invasive facelift” or resculpting facial. Their full-service spa menu also offers an array of other facials, massage therapy, and a nail salon. 

Farm-Fresh Dining:

An absolute highlight for me at the Delamar is their restaurant – the Artisan West Hartford. After checking in, I quickly went downstairs for lunch at the Artisan where I loved my experience so much, I not only returned for breakfast the next morning but also dinner on my last night. In my opinion, the Artisan West Hartford is both a casual and fine dining restaurant thanks to their three different dining spaces you can choose from. 

You can enjoy outdoor seating in their garden when the weather is nice enough, which makes it the perfect place for lunch in my opinion. You also have a choice of sitting inside near the bar in a tavern-like space with tables and a few booths. They have a great happy hour during the week here. In the morning, there’s a wonderful breakfast buffet laid out across the bar where you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. The selection was perfect with a variety of continental items such as pastries, bagels, yogurt, fruit, and then hot food consisting of eggs, bacon, and more. 

For dinner, I loved being in the main dining room which is definitely more upscale but still warm and inviting. Speaking of warm and inviting, that is exactly how I would describe each and every waiter I encountered. They were so helpful with recommendations not only regarding the menu but the local area. No request was too much for them, and they truly went out of their way to make you feel so welcome. 

The Artisan West Hartford’s cuisine is farm-fresh and New-England inspired, so several dishes on the menu change depending on the seasons. While only offered seasonally, I loved their mussels along with an autumnal dessert of homemade cider donut bites with candied pecans and vanilla ice-cream. However, one standout dish that seems to be on the menu all year round is their Creamy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with local mushrooms from Mystic. The mushrooms were out of this world and the gnocchi were so delicate and delicious. I cannot say enough good things about the Artisan West Hartford, it’s definitely worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. I’d recommend booking ahead, especially for dinner. 

Quaint & Convenient Location: 

As for the Delamar West Hartford’s location, you have all the shopping and dining you can want around the corner in Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. The streets are so charming, especially at night, with a lovely small-town feel. There are also quite a few historical and cultural attractions nearby including the Mark Twain House, New Britain Museum of American Art, Wadsworth Atheneum and so much more. 

Connecticut is full of wonderful hidden gems, and West Hartford is no exception. Treat yourself to a stay at the Delamar West Hartford, I know you’ll enjoy every minute like I did. Their luxury accommodation and fine dining is what drew me in, but their five-star hospitality, appreciation for art, and tranquil surroundings is why I will absolutely be returning.