The Delamar West Hartford
When Abe and I were thinking about where to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this April, we wanted it to be someplace extra special. Japan has been on our ultimate to-travel list, but I didn’t want to sit on a plane for 12-14 hours. Then, Abe suggested Hawaii, where we’ve visited a few times before and always loved. We were all set on Oahu, until I got an unexpected invitation to screen “I Will Make You Mine” at Wesleyan University — our alma mater.
I know most people would choose Hawaii over Connecticut, but for us — this was a no brainer. The screening would only be the second (and most likely last) time I would see my movie in an actual theater. And to do so at the place we first met 26 years ago? It couldn’t be more perfect, especially since Abe edited IWMYM, and we could celebrate what we had made together.
Our last trip to CT was for our reunion, and we didn’t love the hotel options available at that time. They were mostly chains or non-anniversary-worthy motels. I said to Abe, “There’s gotta be SOME luxury boutique hotel in the area.” He did some research and showed me photos of the Delamar West Hartford (opened in 2017). We immediately knew it was our kinda place.
And gratefully, they agreed to host us for a sponsored stay! And what incredible hosts they were.
The flight schedules from LAX to Hartford are less than ideal, so we arrived at the hotel on a red eye at 9am. Lucky for us, they were able to accommodate our very early arrival. We immediately took advantage of the gorgeous bathroom, Bulgari bath/shower collection, and ultra plush Monarch Cypress robes.
And the bed! It was so huge and comfy.
After showers/naps, we went to Middletown for the screening. Upon return, we had some surprises waiting for us! An incredibly thoughtful anniversary gift from the staff - cheese/fruit plate, Prosecco, and chocolate covered strawberries.
The snacks went perfectly with a board game, available in the lobby for guests.
We played Scrabble while noshing and watching basketball playoffs. Abe was in heaven, as I passed out at 9pm and slept a blissful 10 hours. The next morning, we had our (complimentary) breakfast at Artisan Restaurant in the lobby.
There were hot eggs, bacon/sausage, and potatoes + a selection of pastries, granola, and yogurt. Also, some truly excellent coffee, even in a carafe! After consulting with the hostess on celiac-safe options, I decided to have some oatmeal and fresh fruit. She very thoughtfully hooked me up with a to-go container of more fruit to enjoy for later.
When we got back to the room, they emptied out the mini bar fridge to help make some space for my fruit. That actually came in handy because the hotel is within walking distance of a Whole Foods (plus a lot of other really cute shops/conveniences).
By the way, this is what some of the mini bar options are.
There is a gym (with cold eucalyptus towels). And a spa, but they were totally booked (there was a wedding the night before, so I’m assuming that’s why).
We had to wake up at 3:30am to head back to LA (told you those flight options were not good) and it was really hard to say goodbye to our room.
We had rented a Tesla (our first time driving an electric car) and I had a bit of range anxiety, but the valet was able to recharge it overnight in the garage. We safely got back to the airport for our 6am flight.
Despite the airline inconvenience, this was such a dream anniversary. Yes, it was a hosted stay, but honestly? This hotel’s up there with our other favorite luxury boutique hotels. Our trip was made extra special by the Delamar West Hartford’s hospitality and amenities. There are other Delamar Connecticut locations in Greenwich Harbor and Southport, plus one in Michigan in Traverse City… maybe we need to visit all of them?
You can check out more of the hotel (and our Wesleyan trip) in my IG highlights.