Norwalk Hotel Reopens As 'The Watershed' After Extensive Renovation

NORWALK, CT — The former Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk recently reopened as The Watershed, a 96-room boutique hotel and event venue, after an extensive five-month renovation.

RMS Companies first opened Hotel Zero Degrees in 2013 on Main Avenue and operated it under that name for a decade.

Following the renovation, the company has decided to rebrand the facility as The Watershed.

According to Director of Hospitality Brandon Salvatore, The Watershed is well-positioned to capture nearby corporate business due to its location near a number of major companies along Main Avenue.

"With our newly renovated lobby, meeting spaces and rooftop lounge," Salvatore said to Patch, "we hope to become the go-to spot in Norwalk, and Fairfield County, for social groups and transient travelers who are looking for an upscale place to stay or gather."

Nestled along the Norwalk River, the renovated space includes redesigned guest rooms and suites, a refurbished lobby and lounge, state-of-the-art conference rooms, curated art and design features and an expansive rooftop terrace and bar, according to additional press materials provided by the hotel.

Additionally, the hotel's reimagined design aesthetic aims to exude modern elegance with a warm and tranquil ethos.

"Our new décor emphasizes the natural elements surrounding the hotel," Salvatore said, "namely the river that our lobby overlooks, creating a unique, oasis-like feel that we believe will draw people from all over."

RMS Companies, a real estate development and management company, also operates The Blake Hotel in New Haven, The Lloyd in Stamford, The Goodwin in Hartford and Hotel Zero Degrees in Danbury.

Each of The Watershed's room are adorned with custom-designed furnishings, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, designer beds with down duvets and expansive bathrooms stocked with upscale Malin & Goetz toiletries.

An open-air rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Norwalk River and Silvermine Woods is set to open in May.

"Our public gathering areas, including the lobby, event rooms and particularly the rooftop lounge [and] event venue, are now truly special spaces," Salvatore said. "Each of these areas have been reimagined to accommodate both business and leisure travelers and events of all kinds, from corporate meetings to rehearsal dinners."

The hotel's on-site restaurant partner is Siena Ristorante, a modern Italian restaurant and spirited bar that features old-school dishes with a new-school vibe where pizza, pasta, market fresh fish, steaks and chops and house-made desserts share the stage with craft cocktails and a curated wine list.

"Siena...provides our guests with excellent food and beverage service," Salvatore said, "whether they are looking to sip on a specialty cocktail at the bar, sit down for a full lunch or dinner overlooking the river or plan a fully catered private meeting or event."

Though excited for guests to enjoy all the new renovations and enhancements to the building, Salvatore emphasized what makes a hotel experience memorable, particularly at The Watershed, is the people working there.

"The Watershed's associates," Salvatore said, "consistently go above and beyond to leave a positive impression on guests and make them feel welcome as soon as they walk through the front door."

More information is available here.