NORWALK, Conn., June 4, 2019—Officials of Shaner Hotels, an award winning, international hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced the grand opening of its 102-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Norwalk in Conn. The hotel is owned by SoNo Development Partners, a joint venture comprised of Thomas L. Rich of Stamford-based F.D. Rich Company, East Asset Management LLC and Shaner Hotels. The hotel will be operated by Shaner Hotels.
“The Residence Inn by Marriott Norwalk is the newest hotel in the area to cater to longer-term guests who typically stay five-plus nights, bringing with them their own unique needs,” said Plato Ghinos, president, Shaner Hotels. “This marks our 36th Marriott-branded hotel, as well as our second Residence Inn, allowing us unique insights that ultimately will benefit both the guest experience and bottom-line revenue.”
Situated in downtown Norwalk at 45 South Main Street, the eight-story hotel is convenient to local attractions such as the Maritime Aquarium, SoNo Collection regional shopping center featuring Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, Calf Pasture Beach and 700,000 square feet of retail shopping, as well as businesses like FactSet and Norwalk Hospital. Guests may choose from studio and one-bedroom suites. Apartment-inspired suites provide internet televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces and separate living areas. Each suite also has a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave oven and residential-sized appliances. Hotel amenities include a grocery delivery service, convenience store, 24/7 fitness center, on-site business center and the Sky Bar SoNo, a seasonal al fresco bar and restaurant with sweeping views of Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound. The hotel also provides on-site meeting and conference facilities capable of hosting up to 40 attendees. Additionally, guests may enjoy a daily, complimentary, hot breakfast featuring such favorites as bacon, eggs, Greek yogurt, sliced fruit and waffles. This is the third Marriott-branded hotel developed regionally by the Rich Company, including the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa and the Courtyard by Marriott Stamford Downtown.
“The development of a this project represents our continued redevelopment of the South Norwalk neighborhood (SoNo) where we own 300,000 square feet of retail, office, restaurant space and multi-family rental apartments both built and under development,” said Thomas L. Rich, president and CEO of the century-old F. D. Rich Company. “We believe that SoNo, given its proximity to transportation, nearby offices, Norwalk Harbor and its marinas, the new mall and it’s plethora of dining choices has a really bright future.”
“We continue to grow throughout the United States and abroad, particularly with well-respected hotel brands such Marriott,” Ghinos added. “The addition of the Residence Inn by Marriott Norwalk adds to our quality portfolio of hotels. We currently have two additional Residence Inns under development in Hyde Park, N.Y., and Tierra Verde, Fla., and look forward to continued growth throughout 2019.”
