Nestled in New Haven’s Long Wharf District, Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is an architectural marvel that demands attention. This iconic 1968 Brutalist concrete masterpiece by Hungarian-American modernist architect Marcel Breuer was once the Armstrong Rubber Company Building and later the Pirelli Tire Building. Vacant for nearly two decades, the landmarked building was purchased by architect and developer Bruce Redman Becker of Becker + Becker in 2019 with the vision of creating a climate-conscious, aesthetically pleasing hotel that remained true to Bauhaus’s minimalist roots.
Hotel Marcel New Haven carefully restored many of the building’s unique elements, including its high ceilings and wood panels. After meticulous planning, the hotel opened in May 2022 as the country’s first Passive House-certified hotel. This distinction reflects the property’s rigorous energy efficiency, resiliency, and year-round comfort. To achieve this, the 165-room hotel generates its electricity solely from over 1,000 solar panels on its roof and parking lot, eliminating fossil fuel use.
Beyond its environmental initiatives, Hotel Marcel boasts 24 EV charging stations and a complimentary EV shuttle for guests. It is also the world’s tenth property to achieve LEED Platinum status and is on track to become net zero by 2025.
But Hotel Marcel’s commitment to sustainability is not just limited to its energy efficiency. The hotel also aims to inspire design lovers. The former executive offices and meeting spaces on the eighth floor have been transformed into spacious suites that balance beautifully restored original details with muted tones and clean-lined furnishings, including Marcel Breuer’s iconic Cesca chair. The event spaces are equally impressive, set on the top floor with lofty ceilings, concrete floors, and exposed steel trusses.
Hotel Marcel’s exceptional location adds to its appeal. Just a 90-minute drive from New York City, it offers a convenient and unique weekend getaway. Guests can enjoy understated elegance, environmental consciousness, and the convenience of having Ikea right across the parking lot for affordable home goods and Swedish treats.
