The Watershed

The former Hotel Zero Degrees recently reopened as The Watershed, a 96-room boutique hotel and event venue, after a five-month renovation.

NORWALK — After it completes five months of renovations, Norwalk’s Hotel Zero Degrees is slated to reopen in May as The Watershed.

The 96-room hotel is a revamped space with luxury offerings at 353 Main Ave. overlooking the Norwalk River and the Silvermine Woods, RMS Companies, the property owner, said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to announce the official launch of The Watershed,” said Brandon Salvatore, RMS hospitality director. “We have completely reimagined each space within the hotel to capture the natural elements surrounding the property, mainly the river that runs directly behind the hotel. We are hopeful and confident that our work will yield memorable experiences for our guests and add a high-end amenity to the Norwalk community.”

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After completing an extensive renovation and revitalization of the former Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk, RMS Companies has officially announced the opening of The Watershed, a 96-room boutique hotel and event venue in Norwalk, CT. RMS Companies first opened the former Hotel Zero Degrees in 2013 and operated the hotel under that name for the past decade. The hotel has been under renovation for the past five months and has now been rebranded as The Watershed.

Located in Norwalk’s Main Street District, amid a bustling corporate, commuter, residential, and retail community, The Watershed is a charming New England-style oasis nestled along the Norwalk River. Its reimagined design aesthetic exudes modern elegance with a warm and tranquil ethos. 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.

The Watershed is owned and operated by RMS Companies, an award-winning real estate development and management company with luxury residential communities and hospitality properties located throughout the Tri-state area, including The Blake Hotel (New Haven, CT), The Lloyd (Stamford, CT), The Goodwin (Hartford, CT), and Hotel Zero Degrees (Danbury, CT).

With a strong foundation in hospitality and a stellar track record for service, contemporary appeal, convenience, and top-notch amenities, the former Hotel Zero Degrees has consistently maintained its position as one of the top-rated boutique hotels in the Fairfield County Area. RMS Companies aims to surpass these standards, starting with its elevated design, genuine hospitality experience, and commitment to local sustainability practices and partnerships.

“We are thrilled to announce the official launch of The Watershed,” said Brandon Salvatore, the Director of Hospitality at RMS Companies. “We have completely reimagined each space within the hotel to capture the natural elements surrounding the property, mainly the river that runs directly behind the hotel. We are hopeful and confident that our work will yield memorable experiences for our guests and add a high-end amenity to the Norwalk community.”

The Watershed’s Rooms and Suites are a testament to luxury and comfort, offering some of the most spacious accommodations in the area. Each room is adorned with custom-designed furnishings, 55” flat-screen TVs, designer beds with down duvets, and expansive bathrooms stocked with upscale Malin & Goetz toiletries. The interiors are a blend of soothing shades, LVT flooring, and artwork that emphasizes the natural essence of the hotel, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Meeting and event spaces at The Watershed include three versatile private conference rooms (that can be combined into one large room) with full A/V capabilities and an open-air rooftop bar and lounge that is set to open in May, overlooking the Norwalk River and Silvermine Woods. These unique gathering spaces offer food and beverage catering service by Siena Ristorante and serve as ideal settings for both corporate and social events. From tailored weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate outings, The Watershed’s team will help plan and execute a seamless event.

Additional on-site amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, covered parking, an on-site Grab & Go market, and dry cleaning and laundry services.

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. Pizza, pasta, market fresh fish, steaks and chops, and house-made desserts share the stage with craft cocktails and a curated wine list.

Conveniently located 40 miles outside of New York City, with direct access from CT-15 Merritt Parkway, I-95 Thruway, and Metro-North Railroad, the city of Norwalk is a vibrant coastal community with an abundance of cultural destinations, entertainment venues, hiking trails, retail therapy, and a thriving dining scene.

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The large office parks along Route 7 in Norwalk ensure a steady stream of business travelers to the area, but a natural stream that runs alongside busy Main Avenue provides an alternative attraction.

Floor to ceiling windows in the lobby of Hotel Zero Degrees frame a tranquil section of the Norwalk River surrounded by lush foliage near a railroad crossing for the Danbury Line, and that centerpiece will become even more central to the hotel’s identity next year when it becomes The Watershed.

A reception was held on the night of Sept. 14 to display renderings of the new spaces and reveal the new branding. A jazz duet set the mood while a bartender prepared cocktails from a menu aligned with the new ethos.

“The whole idea behind this renovation is to provide a more upscale service for our guests,” said Brandon Salvatore, the director of hospitality at RMS Companies, which owns the hotel. “With Covid in the rearview mirror, we just really wanted to raise the bar on hotel design and operations. We want to serve our corporate clients better with more unbelievable meeting and event spaces on our rooftop and in the event room downstairs.”

“We’re hoping that it becomes a mix of a relaxing place for those who want that but also a bustling and lively place in the evenings because that’s really what adds activity to the lobby and the general hotel. We really want this place to have a real vibe once this is done, so that’s what we’re aiming for,” Salvatore added.

In addition to the renewed focus on private, relaxing spaces and a fresh new atmosphere, The Watershed will also partner with Grace Farms Foods to provide high-grade locally produced tea and coffee. Grace Farms Foods is owned by Grace Farms, the New Canaan based nonprofit cultural and agricultural trust.

Adam Thatcher, the founder and CEO of Grace Farms Foods, was on hand during the reception to prepare samples of the teas that will be served in every room of The Watershed.

“Our coffees and teas are going to be part of the experience,” Thatcher said as he prepared a chamomile blend. “We’re excited to be moving forward with RMS. It is really special that they’re supporting a small local business that is not just any small local business, but a small local business that is non-profit owned and giving back 100% percent of the profits to helping end forced labor as well.”

Siena Ristorante, the upscale Italian eatery located just off the lobby, will remain unchanged while rooms will be refurnished and a number of the public spaces will be updated to create smaller, intimate areas for small parties and conversations.

According to Kateryna Zvarych, the hotel’s sales manager, the refresh was necessary.

“The hotel hasn’t been renovated for about 13 years now so the ownership decided that because of the new look a new name should come through. It’s going to be a very modern and unique experience, our rooftop will get fully renovated as well, we will be able to host a lot more events and may have a little pool up there as well. We are going in a very different direction – it’s going to be very, very modern, but with wooden elements for a laidback experience, and darker colors to add to the homey feeling in the place.”

Zavrych estimated that the renovations will start on Dec. 1 and be completed by May 2024.

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