Hartford, ConnecticutBlue Back Square
Delamar West Hartford
Chateau-style boutique hotel
Blue Back Square   Hartford, Connecticut
Opened
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
DelamarChateau-style boutique hotel
Inspired by Parisian grand hotels, the property runs with quiet polish, pairing sun-flooded lounges with an outdoor evening firepit.
What it’s good at
Notable
A French chateau-inspired stone facade housing rotating museum art and custom sculpted benches.
Notable
Chauffeured vintage cars and welcome champagne set a warm, highly attentive service tone.
Listed
Treatment rooms feature amethyst bio-mat tables and European skincare from Valmont and Biologique Recherche.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The lobby has an embarrassment of windows, a rarity in my travels, with bountiful places to perch and work while basking in that natural light.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Blue Back Square's restaurants and shops sit right outside the doors. Walking paths wind along nearby Trout Brook.
1 of 4
The rooms
Rooms are tailored and plush, dressed in crisp cream linens with blue and coral accents.
The spa
Four private treatment rooms have en-suite showers stocked with Red Flower. Therapists perform tailored facials and body rituals.
The gym
The 24-hour gym has cardio machines and a Peloton bike. A steam shower sits inside for recovery.
Restaurant
Artisan
Seasonal New England dishes draw herbs from the on-site culinary garden, and tables extend onto a pergola-covered patio.
At the table
The tavern centers around a traditional Swedish tile fireplace for evening drinks. Mornings begin with a complimentary breakfast buffet.
How it began
The six-story hotel rose on four acres of town land previously used as construction fill for neighboring Blue Back Square.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.