A total of nine outstanding restaurants and hotels in Greater Hartford and eastern Connecticut have earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award for 2015. Saybrook Point Inn & Spa in Old Saybrook and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville share the distinction as Connecticut’s longest-honored AAA Four Diamond recipients; both have been honored with Four Diamond status since 2002.
“It’s a testament to Connecticut that we have so many Four Diamond winners,” said AAA Public Affairs Manager Aaron Kupec. “These establishments consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler – the AAA inspector. We are proud to have these dedicated businesses in our region.”
AAA inspectors have observed hotels increasingly using technology to complement the white-glove service guests expect at the ultra-luxury level, allowing options such as mobile check-in and touch-screen access to concierge services. Similarly, at restaurants they have observed the emergence of tablet-based digital menus, with electronic ordering and tableside payment features.
For 2015, the 2,233 Four Diamond winners (1,544 hotels and 689 restaurants) include the following local establishments:
Hotels:
·Hartford Marriott Downtown, Hartford
The stunning lobby features a rotunda, made up of marble and mosaic tile accents, that includes a library and Starbucks coffee shop perfect for relaxing and socializing. The penthouse floor pool, hot tub and fitness center all offer fantastic views of the city and river below. Rooms have remote jack pack capabilities, which allow guests to bring electronics such as DVD players and video gaming systems to play in their rooms.
·Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket
This luxury hotel is attached to Foxwoods Casino, which includes food and retail outlets, entertainment facilities and a spa. Request a high-floor room for an expansive forest view above the trees. All bathrooms feature a deep tub and marble shower combination with a large vanity area. For the ultimate experience, splurge and stay in one of the Tower Villas complete with butler service.
·The Fox Tower, Mashantucket
This impressive glass high-rise features modern rooms with flat-panel HDTVs and extra-large showers with built-in seating. The lobby is stunning with large pillars framing a central water wall. This hotel tends to attract a young affluent and hip crowd looking to spend the summer days ordering food and drinks by the outdoor fan-shaped pool then dancing the night away at Shrine, the Asian-theme nightclub. This place is located within the Foxwoods Resort Casino complex. Weekends are packed with bachelor or bachelorette parties and others celebrating birthdays.
·Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, Old Saybrook
Large guest rooms, many with a balcony and fireplace, are featured at this resort overlooking the river, sound and large marina filled with boats. Guests will be treated to luxurious bedding, robes, white marble-topped bathroom vanities and oversize flat-panel HDTVs in all of the rooms. Both saltwater pools are open year-round, including the outdoor pool that's heated warmly enough to allow for swimming.
You won't want for things to do around this property, which features a self-contained casino, luxury-level guest rooms, a welcoming staff, a shopping mall and tempting restaurants.
Restaurants:
·Octagon, Groton
Amid crisp, contemporary décor, this restaurant features an eight-sided open grill, where artfully presented and multi-dimensional choices—including fresh, local seafood and the highest caliber beef—are prepared. The room is highlighted by large colorful paintings and glasswork. A large glass case and bar area showcases the many bottles of wine. Service is sharp.
·ON20, Hartford
Local and organic ingredients are freshly prepared on the premises of this restaurant. Highlights of the changing menu include watermelon and stone fruit gazpacho and braised pork shoulder with chestnut farrota, cabbage, sunchoke and apple dumplings. Finish a memorable dining experience with huckleberry crumb cake topped with yuzu creme. Dinner is served on Thursday and Friday nights only.
·Paragon, Mashantucket
On the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower, the restaurant has some tables that offer excellent views of Connecticut woodlands. A classical pianist often handles the music throughout the night. This elegant spot's Continental cuisine includes many French- and Asian-inspired dishes and table-side preparations.
·Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook
Guests who relax in the intimate dining room, which overlooks Long Island Sound, can select from an innovative menu of seafood and meat entrées. The active marina is a delight to observe while dining, especially from a table by the window. The chef prepares delectable dishes, including an organic roast chicken, fresh bass and swordfish and prime cuts of beef. An extensive raw bar also is offered.
AAA inspectors visit more than 58,000 hotels and restaurants over the course of the year, allowing them to identify emerging trends in the industry. A complete state-by-state list of Diamond Award recipients for 2015 is available at NewsRoom.AAA.com.
For 79 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property inspections. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. AAA’s rating system spans the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
AAA provides travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services to 54 million members nationwide. AAA is committed to keeping its members on-the-go by providing outstanding roadside assistance, valuable online resources on buying and maintaining vehicles and through the Approved Auto Repair program, which has inspected and approved over 7,000 auto repair facilities in North America. For more information about AAA, members and non-members can visit one of eight offices in Greater Hartford and eastern Connecticut, go online to AAA.com or call 860-236-3261.