The Country’s First Net-Zero Hotel Was Once A Connecticut Office Building

Here at Only In Connecticut, we love a good comeback story. There's nothing like seeing an old dilapidated building turn into something new, and it's nice to know that all historic buildings don't end up demolished piles of rubble. The spot we're featuring today is pretty unique for a number of reasons, and it just might be the most unusual hotel in Connecticut. First off, its architecture is pretty unique, and also very divisive, with many people declaring it to be the ugliest building they've ever seen. Secondly, it has an interesting history: it was actually once an office building, and later owned by IKEA. Third, it's so eco-friendly that it's the country's first net-zero hotel, meaning it removes as many greenhouse gases as it releases. Next time you're taking a trip to New Haven and want to stay somewhere a little off the wall, check out Hotel Marcel New Haven, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton - the only net-zero hotel in Connecticut.

One of the first things you'll notice about Hotel Marcel is the unusual architectural style. It's a great example of Brutalist architecture, a design technique with minimal construction, lots of angular geometric shapes, and unpainted concrete.

When the building first opened, it served as the Armstrong Rubber Company, though it was later the headquarters of Pirelli Tire. It was later purchased by IKEA, but remained vacant for over a decade. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building is powered by over 1,000 solar panels that line the roof and also sit in a nearby solar field.

The conversion from office building to hotel was a years-long process that involved removing asbestos, making the building more energy-efficient, and opening up some of the top floor to let in more natural light.

The hotel has 165 rooms and features minimal furnishings that fit in well with the Brutalist architecture.

The on-site restaurant, BLDG, features dishes made with ingredients sourced from a 250-mile radius. You'll find Latin, Italian, and American steakhouses dishes here, with a menu that changes seasonally.

For more information about Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection By Hilton, check out the Hotel Marcel website to learn all about this net zero hotel in Connecticut. You can book a stay at Booking.com. While you're in New Haven, make sure to get a slice at Frank Pepe, the most famous pizzeria in Connecticut.