Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at Hartford’s train station after traveling from Trenton, New Jersey, on an electric Amtrak bound for Boston. At New Haven I changed across the platform to a diesel train that runs north to Springfield, Massachusetts, and beyond. It felt good to complete the journey by rail rather than the replacement buses that served the corridor during line upgrades and construction of new stations at Meriden, Wallingford, and Berlin. The return aboard the Amtrak Vermonter offered through service with only a brief change to an electric locomotive.
The 15-minute drive to the hotel in West Hartford dropped me off at a circular drive centered on a bubbling fountain. A valet greeted me immediately and the doorperson opened the entrance before I reached for it, offering a warm welcome. That friendly, proactive service proved typical across the staff, who consistently offered assistance, bottled water, and clear directions. I checked in at a modest reception desk by the main entrance; the clerk explained complimentary WiFi throughout the property, the time and location of the free breakfast, and the 24-hour coffee and hot chocolate station in the lobby. Within five minutes I was in my suite.
Guest Quarters: Opened in September 2017 in West Hartford’s commercial center, the hotel is one of three boutique luxury properties run by the same company. Public spaces display pulp fiction artwork on loan from the New Britain Museum of American Art and feature designer furnishings, including a custom glass-topped baby grand player piano in the reception area.
The suite opened into a small foyer with a clothes closet that included an umbrella matching those at the hotel entrance, a wet bar, refrigerator, and a Nespresso machine stocked with bottled water. A well-appointed minibar rounded out the refreshment options. The separate living room offered a generous space suitable for meetings: a table with side chairs, a large sofa, and a comfortable armchair with an ottoman. A bathroom off the living room provided direct access so the bedroom door could remain closed for privacy and a professional appearance. The bath featured a freestanding modern tub and a large glass-enclosed shower.
The bedroom contained a king-sized bed facing a large-screen TV set above a shelf that held the remote, informational materials, and writing supplies. A Tivoli radio sat on a side table with instructions for use; the table also supplied multiple outlets for charging devices. Traditional turndown service included large chocolate squares and bottled water, while slippers and plush bathrobes were provided. The only noticeable omission was a clock in the bedroom.
Services/Amenities: The hotel offered evening snacks on a corridor buffet—small takeaways such as M&M’s, fruit chips, and cashews. Breakfast was a highlight: fresh-baked pastries including mini muffins, rugelach, and chocolate croissants; frequently replenished fresh-cut fruit; well-prepared scrambled eggs rather than the usual buffet-staple texture; bacon; and potatoes.
The hotel’s full-service restaurant, Artisan, was busy both nights of my stay and is well regarded locally. The property sits in an upscale district near Blue Back Square, with many dining options, coffeehouses, and casual eateries within walking distance. An evening stroll showed a lively neighborhood with numerous people dining and enjoying entertainment nearby.
A 24-hour fitness center is well equipped with treadmills, Peloton bikes, and free weights; complimentary single-use earbuds are provided. A full-service spa occupies the second floor. The hotel has 114 rooms and suites and offers more than 5,000 square feet of private event space.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ Before this property opened, the closest quality hotels serving West Hartford were either downtown Hartford or 15–20 minutes away in Farmington or Avon. Having a high-end option in West Hartford itself is a major convenience for visitors and local business travelers.
◆ Unlike many standalone hotels located farther out, this property offers walkable access to numerous restaurants and a Whole Foods Market directly across the street.
◆ Complimentary limo service is available within a five-mile radius, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are readily accessible for trips to the train station and to Bradley International Airport, about 20 minutes away.
Delamar West Hartford
1 Memorial Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
tel 860 937 2500
delamar.com