Upon arrival at the Delamar West Hartford Hotel, the valet greeted us warmly. I checked in at the front desk while my boyfriend waited in the car with our dog. The attentive staff assigned us room 311, offered a glass of Prosecco, provided dog treats from a local pet boutique, and included a complimentary wine tasting for two at Gouveia Vineyards. I appreciate when local businesses collaborate— it creates a real sense of community.
After checking in, I returned to the car to gather our bags and our happy pup, who needed a brief walk to stretch after the drive. (Traffic on the New York stretch added extra time; without it the trip would have been closer to 3.5 hours.)
- Photos by Audrey Lee
The lobby and corridors are thoughtfully decorated with rotating works from the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, so each visit brings something new. Subtle historic touches appear in the hallway stencil art, referencing local pastimes and industry—from tobacco leaves to wooden pipes—adding character and a sense of place.
- Photos: Audrey Lee
Our room felt cozy and well-appointed, featuring a comfortable king bed with a soft faux-fur throw. Two large windows opened onto the courtyard and vegetable garden, where the hotel sources produce daily for its on-site restaurant, Artisan, creating an authentic farm-to-table experience. The windows allowed our dog, Sniper, to peek outside and enjoy the view as well. The plush robes provided were among the nicest I’ve experienced. A full minibar offered beer, wine, spirits and snacks, and an espresso machine with pods, cream, and sugar made it easy to grab a hot coffee before heading out. Because we booked a dog-friendly room, a bed and bowls were already set up for our pup—Sniper loved it.
The hotel sits adjacent to the West Hartford promenade, lined with shops and restaurants. We enjoyed strolling up and down the sidewalks without needing the car, which made exploring easy and relaxed. After returning, we picked up a complimentary cup of coffee in the lobby and settled in for a restful evening.
The next morning, the hotel offered a complimentary buffet breakfast in the restaurant. The spread included classic breakfast items—bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, bagels, pastries, coffee and juice. My favorite was the house-made yogurt topped with cinnamon granola and fresh berries: light, creamy and slightly sweet, a perfect way to start the day. I enjoyed it in the garden, soaking up the morning sun.
- Photos by Audrey Lee
Delamar West Hartford is a clean, modern and welcoming hotel that suits both leisure and business travelers visiting Connecticut’s capital. Its convenient location, thoughtful amenities, and pet-friendly accommodations make it an excellent choice for a short getaway or a longer stay.
1 Memorial Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
tel 860 937 2500