Madison Beach Hotel Receives Top Hilton Honor for 2nd Time

MADISON, CT — Madison Beach Hotel has been named the 2024 Year-End recipient of Hilton’s Connie Award, the hospitality company’s highest honor recognizing exceptional performance and guest satisfaction across its global portfolio, officials announced.

The beachfront hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and operated by Distinctive Hospitality Group, is the only Curio property to win the award twice. The hotel first received the distinction in 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, in a statement. "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."

State and hospitality leaders recently gathered to mark the achievement, and during the ceremony, Lenda presented a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont, officially declaring May 20, 2025, as Madison Beach Hotel Day. The proclamation called the property a “world-class establishment” and cited its contributions to both the local economy and the cultural vibrancy of Connecticut’s shoreline.

Hilton Senior Vice President Jenna Hackett also attended the celebration. She described the Connie Award as a symbol of hospitality excellence, crediting the Madison Beach Hotel’s staff and service offerings as key to its recognition.

General Manager John Mathers accepted the award alongside Distinctive Hospitality Group President Lou Carrier, acknowledging the support of the hotel’s ownership, the Duques family, and the broader team.

"This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our owners, the Duques family; our management company, Distinctive Hospitality Group; and our entire team," Mathers said. "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."

Named after Hilton founder Conrad “Connie” Hilton, the Connie Award is granted annually to a select number of hotels based on guest satisfaction surveys, quality assurance audits, and adherence to brand standards.

Located along the Connecticut shoreline, Madison Beach Hotel is a boutique resort and one of the few coastal properties in New England to hold a AAA Four Diamond Rating.