Avon Old Farms Hotel, an Unexpected Twist of Elegance / Luxury Travel

When I checked into Avon Old Farms Hotel in the suburbs of Hartford, Connecticut I expected comfort, but not luxury. Judging by the price, this could not have been but a nice, clean place like most other ones in the area. But I was in for a big surprise. Located in the picturesque Farmington River Valley, this 160-room hotel was way more than just a cozy place. It was a really charming hotel resting on 20 acres of lush surroundings, with a country inn ambiance, fine furnishings, original watercolor paintings and an outstanding customer service.

Brief History

The original hotel was built in 1957 by the Brighenti family. Additions were built in 1982 and 1987. The 1987 addition became the primary wing of the hotel and contains 80 luxurious rooms with panoramic views. This sophisticated country escape is part of the Classic Hotels of Connecticut collection run by the Brighenti family which includes the Farmington Inn, The Simsbury 1820 House, and The Simsbury Inn.

Hotel Location

Avon Old Farms Hotel is about 16 miles away from Bradley International Airport and nine miles west of Hartford. The starting point of the Farmington Valley Greenway is within one mile and Talcott Mountain State Park and Heublien Tower are within four miles. Wadsworth Atheneum, the country’s oldest public art museum, is within 10 miles.

Amenities

Avon Old Farms Hotel features a wide variety of rooms, from Economy, to Traditional Queen or King, and Deluxe Double or Deluxe King rooms. Additionally, there are three long term guest apartments. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning in the hotel lobby. Breakfast includes gourmet coffee, hot chocolate, yogurt, fruits, muffins and pastries.

Rooms are beautifully appointed with a 32″ flat panel television, coffee makers, hair dryers, and complimentary wireless internet access. All rooms provide a comfortable night’s sleep beds with down comforters and feather tops. The rooms are very quiet easy to access from the parking lot which very convenient and has plenty of spaces available.

The hotel grounds are beautifully manicured, with shady trees and colorful flowers. You wake up in the morning to the chirping of the birds and fall asleep at night to the sound of the crickets. If you have time to work out, the hotel features a 24-hour fitness center with sauna and a beautiful swimming pool where you can hang out and relax.

If you want to dine at the hotel, the award-winning Seasons Restaurant and Tap Room are a great advantage. The Main Dining Room is very tastefully decorated with with an array of artwork from the local artisans and  enjoys a beautiful panoramic view of the Talcott Mountain Stream. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The Tap Room has a good selection of fine wines, beers on tap and cocktails.

My personal experience was consistently pleasant from the beginning of the stay until the end. The room was bright, spacious and quiet, with a very comfortable bed that allowed for a restful sleep, and a picturesque view. The location was convenient, with plenty of places to eat and shop in the vicinity.

The area around Avon Old Farms Hotel is great for a lot of outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking and fishing. There are also many other near by attractions, like the Hill-Stead Museum, the Mark Twain House and Lake Compounce Family Theme Park.

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