MADISON, Conn. — [June 20, 2025] — On Tuesday, May 20, Madison Beach Hotel celebrated being selected the 2024 Year-End recipient of the prestigious Connie Award, Hilton’s highest honor recognizing exceptional performance and guest satisfaction across its global portfolio. The hotel, managed by Distinctive Hospitality Group, is the only Curio hotel to have been awarded the Connie award twice (the hotel received its first 2017).
“This recognition is so well deserved. Madison Beach Hotel has a way of making every guest feel like they’ve discovered something truly special on our shoreline,” said Rachel Lenda, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. “The Connie Award is a beautiful reflection of the care, heart, and hospitality their team pours into every stay. We’re incredibly proud to have them here in Connecticut, setting the standard for what meaningful travel experiences can be.”
Lenda then unveiled a proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont declaring May 20, 2025 Madison Beach Hotel Day. The proclamation calls the hotel a “world class establishment” and points out that it has “served as an iconic destination for travelers around the world, offering an unmatched combination of luxury accommodations, scenic views, and exceptional guest experiences.” The proclamation also noted the hotel’s “highest standards of hospitality, customer service and community engagement,” adding that it has “significantly contributed to the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of the shoreline region.” The proclamation was received by Distinctive Hospitality Group president Lou Carrier and hotel’s general manager, John Mathers.
Representing Hilton, Jenna Hackett, Senior Vice President and Global Leader of Lifestyle Brand Management for the company, was also present for the celebration. Hackett explained that Hilton’s Connie Award is “about sharing the light and warmth of hospitality,” noting that Madison Beach Hotel embodies that spirit, while praising the hotel’s exceptional staff and outstanding food and beverage program.
“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our owners, the Duques family; our management company, Distinctive Hospitality Group; and our entire team,” said Mathers. “We’re fortunate to be supported by an unparalleled team of hospitality professionals that deliver a level of product and service matched only by the beauty of our location. We’re honored to receive this recognition from our partner, Hilton Hotels, whose relationship and commitment to service excellence align with our own.”
With only a select few recipients recognized across all Hilton brands each year, the award is an incredibly competitive and rare distinction. Winners are carefully selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of guest experience scores and quality assurance audits that assess everything from hotel cleanliness and physical condition to compliance with brand standards and overall guest accommodations.
Nestled along the scenic Connecticut shoreline, Madison Beach Hotel stands as one of New England’s premier boutique beachfront resorts. It is also one of the few coastal properties in the region to achieve the coveted AAA Four Diamond Rating, awarded to establishments that deliver superior guest comfort, upscale accommodations, and personalized amenities through a team of experienced, highly qualified professionals.
Connie Award celebration images: https://app.air.inc/a/bIsLjvlQu
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 160 individually remarkable hotels hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Each hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food & beverage and curated experiences, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/curio and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About Madison Beach Hotel
Madison Beach Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning boutique resort and was chosen as Hotel of the Year by Hilton, the highest hotel award across all Hilton brands. The hotel, with 33 deluxe guest rooms and one premier residence, offers luxurious accommodations with sweeping ocean views, private balconies and beach, and is part of Curio Collection by Hilton. Opened in May 2012, Madison Beach Hotel features The Wharf Restaurant with both dining room and porch seating, concierge spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and more than 5,000 square feet of private event space. Madison Beach Hotel is managed by Distinctive Hospitality Group.
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