The Delafield Hotel

Our family has a tradition of loading up the car, heading out the driveway, and making our travel decisions at each turn. Not adventure of the highest kind, but we sure do have a great time.

After a church service the Saturday before Easter, we decided that we were in store for another adventure. We had vacation plans at the Wisconsin Dells the next evening, but we let our feelings dictate our turns. As we traveled through the rolling hills of Waukesha County, we watched as flocks of wild turkeys grazed in corn fields and the sun set in blazing glory over the tree tops.

Announcing our hunger, we ended up at Ruggeri's, a newer Italian restaurant in Delafield's downtown area. Both the service and the food were excellent. After sharing our adventurous plans with the host, he made a call to the Delafield Hotel, a new upscale hotel a block away. We were offered an excellent rate, most likely due to the low pre-Easter crowds. Our family voted, and we had found a place to spend the night.

Just north of I-94, The Delafield Hotel is easy to find and has ample parking spaces. The signs indicated valet parking, but on-one greeted us at the outside entrance, which we thought was due to the holiday.

The lobby area is impressive, boasting elegant antique furnishings, including cherry wood paneling. With soft jazz emanating through the first floor, we were greeted courteously and efficiently at the front desk. Upgrading our room from the original call, the clerk chatted with us, and made our daughter more than welcome.

The room was nothing short of amazing. Our normal family vacations do not include visits to upscale hotels, so our accommodations were a rare treat for our daughter.

The suite, located on the second floor, offered two king-sized beds with Egyptian cotton linens, Baker furniture, two LCD televisions, a huge writing desk, and an oversized bathroom. The full spa bathroom was furnished with Kohler fixtures, a chromotherapy bathtub, and a shower that could fit at least two people. Included with the room was a CD/DVD player, access to a mini-bar, and Aveda spa products. We all felt pampered during our stay, enjoying the quiet room and hallways.

The only drawback we found was the "new paint" smell in our room. Every other detail was taken care of by the friendly staff.

Breakfast at Andrew's the next morning was equally impressive. The restaurant was officially closed as they prepared for Easter Brunch, but staff made an exception for us and seated us immediately. Ordering the quiche of the day and an order of eggs, Neuske bacon, and feta-infused potatoes, we were energized for another day of vacation adventure.

The Delafield Hotel is an opulent choice for a relaxing stay in the Delafield area. Although the suite would be a wonderful get-away for my husband and I, our daughter loved the high quality service and surroundings. Set in a quiet corner of Waukesha County, the area offers quaint shops in the downtown area, including many restaurants. Hiking at Lapham Peak and Ten Chimneys estate is only a few minutes away. The hotel also offers packages to nearby Erin Hills golf course, as well as a beautiful banquet areas for a wedding or special event.

If you're traveling through the area, or are looking for a high quality destination, The Delafield Hotel is an excellent choice.