Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is set to make history as the first net-zero hotel in the United States. The revolutionary hotel will use on-site renewable solar power sources to power its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms, and 165 guest rooms and suites. The all-electric hotel, which is set to open this spring, is now taking reservations for May 19, 2022 and beyond.
Hotel Marcel New Haven will be fossil-fuel-free, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is also expected to be the country’s first Passive House-certified hotel, as well as one of only a few dozen LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum-certified hotels.
For maximum sustainability, an entire building should be recycled
The eco-friendly hotel is the result of the innovative vision of Becker + Becker’s lead architect, developer, and owner Bruce Redman Becker, FAIA, LEED AP. He bought the building, which had originally opened in 1970 as the Armstrong Rubber Company Headquarters, and modernized it with sustainability at the forefront of his mind at all times.
“We are all responsible for confronting the climate crisis, and that sense of obligation factored into every decision we made in creating Hotel Marcel New Haven,” said Becker. “The opening of this revolutionary hotel, which is giving new life to a New Haven landmark, is a momentous occasion for travelers, the industry and the planet. Guests will be ensured a terrific hotel experience and can relax knowing that both they, and the environment, are being cared for during their stay.”
The iconic building, originally designed by Marcel Breuer, is a fitting destination for a new cutting-edge hotel that still nods to the building’s history. It is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. A power-over-ethernet lighting system reduces lighting energy use by more than 30%; repurposed building materials throughout, such as light fixtures and carefully restored wood-paneled walls in suites that were once the Armstrong executive offices and conference rooms; and extensive upgrades to improve interior temperature control and air quality, resulting in the building using significantly less energy.
Becker + Becker, along with partner Dutch East Design, kept many of the original building’s Brutalist design elements, including board-formed concrete and granite tile, as well as a focus on functionality, clean lines, and geometric forms. Hotel Marcel New Haven, operated by Remington Hotels, restores the former property’s structure and celebrates its storied history while adding contemporary elements such as 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space with a penthouse courtyard.
Guest comfort and travel convenience are met by sustainable design
Hotel Marcel New Haven’s green design also enhances guest comfort. Triple-glazed windows provide ultra-efficient insulation, allowing for consistent room temperatures while significantly reducing noise levels. A better night’s sleep is provided by built-in motorized sheer and blackout window shades. Guests and travelers on the go can also use the 12 Tesla Superchargers or universal level-two chargers for their electric vehicles.
Options for eco-friendly food and beverages for next-level dining
Hotel Marcel New Haven’s dining options further demonstrate the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. BLDG (pronounced “building”), the onsite American restaurant and lounge, serves locally sourced menu items alongside biodynamic and organic wines. The BLDG’s kitchen, as well as the hotel’s laundry room, are powered by electricity rather than natural gas. Induction is used in the kitchen, which is a more energy-efficient process that ensures a more precise and even heat. Aside from the restaurant and bar, Hotel Marcel New Haven has a grab-and-go station with sustainable snacks, design-focused gifts, and a water filling station.
A one-of-a-kind brand welcomes guests to a sustainable hotel experience
The Tapestry Collection, an upscale portfolio of more than 70 handpicked original hotels, welcomes Hotel Marcel New Haven to the Hilton family. Each Tapestry Collection by Hilton property is one-of-a-kind and has its own distinct story to tell. The story of Hotel Marcel New Haven reimagines an iconic historical building, celebrating its rich history while introducing an innovative eco-friendly travel destination.
Hotel Marcel New Haven is also a leading example of hotel development that advances Hilton’s Travel with Purpose program, an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy to drive responsible travel and tourism around the world. Hilton is committed to collaborating with its owners to reduce carbon footprints and redefine sustainable travel in order to pave the way for a net-zero future.