January 26, 2026
A Landmark Year for Madison Beach Hotel
Awards, Media Recognition, and Milestones
Madison Beach Hotel enters 2026 with reflection on an extraordinary year filled with prestigious awards, national media features, and statewide recognition. Known as the leading luxury property on the Connecticut Shoreline, the iconic waterfront destination continues to set the standard for hospitality, dining, and guest experiences in New England.
Hilton Connie Award: A Top Honor in Hospitality
In early 2025, Madison Beach Hotel received the 2024 Connie Award for the Curio Collection brand in the Americas. This is the highest honor bestowed by Hilton, recognizing excellence across guest satisfaction, operations, and overall performance. At a ceremony held in June, Rachel Lenda, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, noted the award was “a beautiful reflection of the care, heart, and hospitality their team pours into every stay.” She then unveiled a proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont declaring May 20, 2025 Madison Beach Hotel Day (details below!).
The award solidified Madison Beach Hotel’s reputation as one of the top-performing luxury hotels in the region.
National Television Debut on Weekends with Yankee
The hotel also made its national television debut on PBS’s Weekends with Yankee, hosted by author Richard Wiese and Yankee Magazine’s Senior Food Editor, Amy Traverso. Filmed in August 2024 and aired in May 2025, the episode (Season 9, Episode 5) showcased the property’s coastal beauty, refined hospitality, and culinary offerings, further positioning Madison Beach Hotel as a must-visit Connecticut beachfront hotel. We celebrated the airing of the episode with one of our inspiring Epicurean Series dinners and raised our glasses with wine pairings selected by sommelier Tanya Raisz.
A Year of Awards
2025 proved to be a banner year for accolades, with Madison Beach Hotel earning recognition from top travel, food, and lifestyle publications. The hotel was named one of the “Ten Best Waterfront Hotels and Resorts” in the U.S. on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list. Landing at #4, the award was voted on by readers and put the spotlight on the hotel’s “exceptional coastal location, luxury amenities, and signature New England hospitality.” USA TODAY also spotlighted the hotel’s beloved live summer concert series, which brings music and community together on the shoreline, as well as its “spacious rooms and suites, each featuring a furnished balcony with sweeping views of Long Island Sound and a soaking tub designed for ultimate relaxation.”
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel also received major recognition, earning the #3 spot on the USA TODAY 10Best list of Best Hotel Restaurants in the U.S. Celebrated for classic New England seafood and uninterrupted water views, The Wharf, led by Executive Chef Christophe Santos, continues to set the standard for coastal dining experiences.
Madison Beach Hotel is the only Connecticut hotel to appear in two categories on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list.
Madison Beach Hotel also walked away with the Best Service Team of the Year award at the Connecticut Restaurant Association “CRAzies” Awards. Recognizing the best restaurants in the state, this is a distinguished award that speaks to the commitment of our wonderful staff, many of whom have been part of our family and the Madison Beach Hotel experience for decades.
Plus, the Hotel Received Extraordinary Media Recognition!
- Yankee Magazine
- Best of New England Travel (Editor’s Choice)
- Best Waterfront Restaurant in New England
- CHOWHOUND
- Best Restaurant in Every State
- The Takeout
- Best Hotel Restaurants
- Boston Magazine
- Best Madison (CT) Restaurants
- Condé Nast Traveler
- Best Beach Towns on the East Coast
- Featured prominently in Hey Rhody’s Travel Issue
- Host Hotel for Irish reality TV series High Road, Low Road (filmed in 2024, aired in 2025)
- Weekends with Yankee, Season 9, Episode 5
- 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award (awarded in 2025)
- 2024 The Knot Best of Weddings Award (awarded in 2025)
These accolades highlight Madison Beach Hotel’s excellence in service, dining, weddings, and destination hospitality—hallmarks of a top Madison CT luxury hotel.
Official Recognition from the State of Connecticut
In May 2025, the hotel received a proclamation from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, officially declaring May 20, 2025, “Madison Beach Hotel Day.”
The honor recognized the hotel’s contributions to the Town of Madison and the State of Connecticut, including its impact on tourism, the local economy, and community engagement.
A Team Effort Worth Celebrating
Behind every award and milestone is a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional experiences. From the hospitality staff to the culinary and events teams, Madison Beach Hotel continues to elevate what guests expect from a Connecticut beachfront hotel and reinforce its place among the best waterfront hotels in New England.
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