What was once a troubled hotel has been transformed into 145 rooms under two brands.
Already a Subscriber? Log in
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
- Critical Hartford and Connecticut business news updated daily.
- Immediate access to all subscriber-only content on our website.
- Bi-weekly print or digital editions of our award-winning publication.
- Special bonus issues like the Hartford Book of Lists.
- Exclusive ticket prize draws for our in-person events.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Nearly four years after a New Jersey hotel operator purchased a shuttered East Hartford hotel, the property has been entirely renovated and reopened under two Marriott brands.
What was once a troubled hotel has been transformed into 80 rooms under Marriott’s “TownePlace Suites” brand and another 65 rooms under Marriott’s “Fairfield Inn & Suites.”
The hotel opened June 4 and has seen strong demand so far, said Gaurang “Gary” Patel, CEO of New Jersey-based hotel operator Kautilya Group.
Kautilya currently operates eight hotels, in Connecticut, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The operator paid $3.4 million for the hotel on 5 acres at 363 Roberts St. in 2023.
What followed was a complete gutting and rebuilding of the building, including a new exterior skin, plumbing, electrical, mechanical systems and even stormwater drainage. Patel declined to say how much the effort cost, although he acknowledged the surprises did delay his anticipated opening.
Patel is convinced he is positioned for success, with a shortage of hotel space to service the neighboring state capital, along with local and regional attractions. The hotel is just down the street from the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field and 3.5 miles away from downtown Hartford. Patel is also reaching out to area corporate headquarters.
The hotel’s two brands cater to short trips as well as extended stays.
