TL;DR
- Unique design: Housed in a 1960s Brutalist landmark by Marcel Breuer.
- Sustainability: LEED Platinum certified and fossil fuel-free.
- Eco policies: Composting, no single-use plastics, locally sourced food.
- Modern comforts: Minimalist Bauhaus-inspired interiors with technology focus.
- Check prices here
New Haven, Connecticut, isn’t exactly a hotspot for boutique hotels, which makes it even more exciting to find this unique place right on the edge of the Quinnipiac in the Long Wharf district.
Hotel Marcel occupies a 1960’s Brutalist masterpiece, originally the headquarters of the Armstrong Rubber Company.
It’s a building like none other in the city, and stands out in the best of ways.
Currently owned by Becker+Becker and part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection, it has hardly shed its corporate roots.
However, the intent on purchasing the property was to create a leader in sustainable hoteliery.
A combination of charming, minimalist design inspired by original architect Marcel Breuer’s Bauhaus background and modern technology has resulted in a beautiful, LEED Platinum certified, fossil fuel-free building made for hospitality.
Some policies are expected, like washing linens on request, locally sourced ingredients, and eco-cleaners.
Others are a bit more impressive, like the onsite restaurant’s composting system and events, dining and amenities free from single-use plastics.
What are the rooms like?
- Number of rooms: 165
- Room sizes: Smaller budget options and larger Lightwell rooms with natural light.
- Views: Upper floors offer sweeping city views.
- Design: Bauhaus shapes with muted modernist colors.
- Comfort: Custom walnut beds, organic cotton linens, Serta mattresses.
- Amenities: HDTVs, mini-fridges, wardrobes, tea & coffee service.
- See each room in detail here
It is a Brualtist box, and you can be sure the cheaper rooms are not the brightest or sunniest you can find. They also run on the small side.
Besides the ‘Lightwell’ rooms, however, there’s a good number of rooms with plenty of windows and as much natural light as you need.
The height of the building means that some views are incomparable.
Design is impeccable, and more, with the Bauhaus influence seen in shapes, not colors.
The soft grays, purples and blues have the rounded edges and unique shape of modernist design, but they add a laid back, relaxed feel to the space.
Every room offers Hilton-level comforts, with custom-made walnut bed frames, organic cotton linens, Serta mattresses and practical workspaces.
They also include coffee & tea service, remote-control lighting, HDTVs, mini fridges, and wardrobes.
Bathrooms are soft gray and with white surfaces and a custom-made vanity that looks just like that single nice looking bathroom counter you can get on the Sims 2.
What are prices like?
And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?
- Onsite dining: BLDG restaurant with sustainable, locally-sourced menus.
- Brunch: Popular weekend option with creative seasonal dishes.
- Happy hour: Snacks and eco-inspired cocktails daily.
- Fitness: 24-hour gym with Pelotons, cardio, and weights.
- Transport: EV charging, free parking, 5-mile shuttle service.
The same laid back, natural, elegant decor can be found in BLDG, the onsite restaurant and bar.
Unsurprisingly, the food is locally-sourced, with a surprisingly extensive selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It does run on the pricey side, so it’s not necessarily the place you’ll want to eat every meal, but at the very least you’ll want to try out the weekend brunch.
Happy hour is a lovely afternoon affair with small snacks and a cocktail of the day that reflects the restaurant’s sustainable philosophy.
The 24 hour fitness center is another highlight, well-equipped with Peletons alongside the more classic cardio and weights.
Whatever transport you prefer, you’ll have it. With Tesla and universal charging stations, complimentary parking, and shuttle service within 5 miles, the hotel makes it easy to get to and from.
How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?
- Location: In Long Wharf, near highways but not a lively area.
- Nearby: IKEA next door, waterfront food trucks close by.
- Access: Easy driving to Yale, East Rock Park, and Yale Bowl.
- Best suited: Travelers passing through or driving around New Haven.
The Hotel’s location is…interesting. Long Wharf is not an especially hopping area, despite its proximity to both the waterfront and lively Wooster Square.
If you want to walk to IKEA for some consumerist playtime, you’re all set, just head out the door.
For everything else, the sticking point is Route 95, 91 and Route 1, some of the area’s most crucial highways, which all intersect near the hotel.
If you’re coming to or from New York from New England and just want to stay in a cool spot, it’s perfect.
If not, however, you’ll want to drive to most locations. The waterfront is accessible from a large underpass, and it does house a neat collection of killer food trucks by the water.
The good news is, if you have the transport, everything in the city is easy to access. Yale is less than a 10-minute drive, East Rock park less than 20, and the famous Yale Bowl is an 11-minute drive.
And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?
Some things guests liked:
“The building alone and the architecture makes this one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Everything else was great as well. The staff were are incredibly helpful / friendly and the rooms were very modern and clean. Felt incredibly upscale for a very reasonable price….”
“I have stayed 3 times, and each time the hotel has more great things. This time, the breakfast was so good, and the bar was open late–both good for me, since I arrived late, and had to leave early for a busy day. The staff were wonderful. Super helpful and friendly…..”
Some things guests didn’t like:
”I am old–the lights, etc, take a bit of brain-power to figure out. Lol! I know New Haven well–lived there for 10 years. I really appreciate businesses that make an effort to be part of the community, and to help the city…..”
”Located next to an Ikea, close to the highway and in the middle of an industrial zone. This hotel is nice and practical but dont expect to stroll to a restaurant or a store…..”
Hotel Marcel, New Haven
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