The Delamar: A Luxury Hotel Snuggled in Greenwich Harbor, Connecticut

Entering the Delamar demesne, we parked our rental auto a scant few yards from the hotel's 500-foot long pier - and near a large private yacht that provided shade for us - and about twenty other cars.

An impeccably tailored bellman was waiting to assist us before we had a chance to unbuckle. He gave us a most gracious welcome and guided us to the front desk for registration.

As we entered the hotel's lobby, it was immediately and abundantly clear that the Delamar was fashioned by someone with an eye for elegance and a talent for artistic detail. Obviously versatile, the hotel totally suits both romantic retreats and executive getaways.

Old world charm is evident everywhere

Any discerning boatman concerned about stepping away from ocean luxury would be impressed by the array of exquisite nautical oil paintings - contributed from a personal collection. Many of the paintings are hanging in a cozy library sitting room - complete with crackling fire and an antique ship's clock smartly positioned on a lustrous white mantle.

A unique boutique hotel

The Delamar is a small privately owned hotel. It opened in October 2002 with 74 guestrooms and 8 suites.

Our room was on the Belvedere Floor, which is the concierge level located on the top floor. Guests on the concierge floor are treated to a complimentary breakfast, and late-day hors d oeuvres. That courtesy afforded us an opportunity to partake of a delightful glass of wine and some excellent cheeses before settling down to the task of deciding where to begin photographing this lovely boutique inn.

Stephanie Summerall, the Delamar's amicable Director of Sales and Marketing, was kind enough to give us a tour. While we took pictures, she explained that all the guestrooms and suites at the Delamar are lavishly decorated with beautiful Mediterranean style furnishings. The custom interiors include wonderfully inviting beds, and sizable work desks with high-speed wire and wireless internet access.

Other sleeping-room amenities include hand embroidered Italian linens, and down pillows and duvets. Rounding out the conveniences are mini-bars, flat screen TVs, and CD players.

The bathrooms are equally enticing. They are spacious, luxurious, and boast fluffy robes, and Elemis products

The spa

In a site so refined, one would expect to find a superb Spa - and indeed, it is there. Relax in a serene setting, and have your aches and pains soothed away by expert Swedish massage therapists or treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, manicure/pedicure - and Elemis products.

In addition to the spa, guests may also enjoy a complimentary and fully equipped Fitness Room that is open 24-hours per day for those wanting to continue their exercise regimen while away from home.

The piece de résistance

When approaching the hotel on Steamboat Road it would be hard to miss the large, but tasteful sign affixed to the Delamar's western wall. It announces that the famous L'escale Restaurant and Bar is located here.

The award winning L'escale (Port of Call) is a top culinary destination for Fairfield County gastronomes - and rightly so. Renowned Executive Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo delights both local residents and celebrities with an inspired Provençal menu that features many of the distinctively delicious and redolent flavors of the incomparable Mediterranean.

The restaurant's dockside patio offers a spectacular area for al fresco dining in urbane comfort, and a unique venue for meetings.

Note: Reservations are always advisable to avoid disappointment.

Along with the fabulous L'escale Restaurant next door, there is little doubt that the harbor cuddling Delamar is the best luxury waterfront hotel in all of New England. It offers a multitude of reasons for any skipper to want to spend time away from even the most luxurious of yachts.

For charming ambiance and a taste of the finer things, the Delamar is simply the place to be in southern Connecticut.

Click here for more photos in this story.

If you go

The Delamar is about a 45-minute drive from New York City and just off Interstate 95 in Connecticut. There is also easy access by train. This webpage provides complete driving directions.

For more information about the Delamar click here or check their website at: http://www.delamargreenwich.com . For telephone reservations call toll-free 866.335.2627 or email: info@thedelamar.com

Area attractions

Sheffield Lighthouse - The Maritime Aquarium - The Donald M Kendall Sculpture Gardens - Pound Ridge Golf Course - Bruce Museum - Greenwich Avenue Shopping - Parks and Beaches

Happy travels!

Convenient non-stop flights between San Francisco and New York City provided by Virgin America. www.virginamerica.com

You can see the world with Google Maps. www.maps.google.com