Hyundai Partners with Zero-Emission Hotel in Connecticut

Hotel Marcel offers complimentary Ioniq and EV9 rides as part of its net-zero mission

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Hotel Marcel in New Haven, Connecticut, a landmark of Brutalist architecture, has partnered with Hyundai to offer guests complimentary rides in the automaker's Ioniq 5 and EV9 electric vehicles. The hotel, which is the first Passive House-certified hotel in the U.S. and became the first net-zero hotel at the end of 2025, aims to provide guests with a completely carbon-free experience.

Why it matters

This partnership between Hyundai and the Hotel Marcel highlights the growing trend of automakers collaborating with hotels to provide eco-conscious travelers with sustainable transportation options. As more consumers seek out environmentally friendly travel experiences, these types of partnerships can help drive adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

The details

The Hotel Marcel has two Hyundai EV9 SUVs and an Ioniq 5 available for guests, who can use the vehicles for free within a five-mile radius, including to local airports and the train station. The EVs charge at the hotel's 12 Tesla Superchargers and 12 EV Connect Level Two chargers, which are also open to the public. The hotel's general manager, Ben Webster, says the Hyundai vehicles are popular, delivering 10 to 15 rides per day and a couple hundred each month.

  • The Hyundai partnership and EV shuttle service at the Hotel Marcel began on July 1, 2026.
  • The Hotel Marcel became the first net-zero hotel in the U.S. at the end of 2025.

The players

Hotel Marcel

A landmark Brutalist architecture hotel in New Haven, Connecticut, that is the first Passive House-certified hotel in the U.S. and became the first net-zero hotel at the end of 2025.

Hyundai

An automotive manufacturer that has partnered with the Hotel Marcel to provide complimentary Ioniq 5 and EV9 electric vehicle rides for guests.

Ben Webster

The general manager of the Hotel Marcel.

Bruce Becker

The owner, re-architect, and developer of the Hotel Marcel.

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What they’re saying

“We are Hyundai's first hotel partnership. We have two three-row EV9s and an Ioniq 5 for guests, available since July 1. With our drivers behind the wheel, they can get picked up at the railroad station or at the local airports if they schedule in advance, or get taken downtown for shopping.”

— Ben Webster, General Manager, Hotel Marcel (Hotel Marcel)

“Together, we can demonstrate that environmental sustainability and luxury go hand in hand and elevate the guest experience.”

— Bruce Becker, Owner, Re-architect, and Developer, Hotel Marcel (Autoweek)

What’s next

The Hotel Marcel plans to continue expanding its fleet of Hyundai electric vehicles to provide more zero-emission transportation options for guests.

The takeaway

The partnership between Hyundai and the Hotel Marcel showcases how automakers and the hospitality industry can collaborate to offer eco-conscious travelers a truly sustainable experience, blending luxury accommodations with zero-emission transportation.