There’s no telling what the Pilgrims would think of the fearless contemporary design of Connecticut’s new JHouseGreenwich boutique hotel, but odds are the service and accommodations would win them over. Once a freeway Howard Johnson’s, the building was completely renovated from top to bottom and recreated with sustainability features like reclaimed wood and roof tiles made from recycled tires, and high-tech conveniences that include iPad control of in-room functions (lights, television, thermostat and curtains) and preloaded hotel and area information that replaces printed material. On the hotel’s mezzanine level, the Art-otel Project brings regular exhibits of works by emerging artists, curated by Douglas Lederman of Schermerhorn 9 Art Advisory. Every penny of proceeds from sales goes directly to the artist.

Marble-lined bathroom, 55-inch LED televisions, complimentary WiFi and continental breakfast, Malin+Goetz bathroom amenities and Frette linens emphasize luxury in the 85 guestrooms, with many offering private balconies overlooking the landscaped gardens and pool. Located in Riverside two miles from Stamford and 40 minutes from Manhattan, the property also boasts eleven14 Kitchen, winner of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The kitchen is the domain of Executive Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo who also held the position of executive chef at Wolfgang Puck’s West Hollywood Spago. Kwaku-Dongo’s roots on a cocoa farm in West Africa come into glorious play in The Chocolate Lab, the on-property confection shop. Need another reason to book? Live jazz every Wednesday night in eleven14Kitchen starts at 7 p.m.