Sugar House Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Brings Vermont Character to Sustainable Hospitality

The hotel is Marriott International's first property globally designed to achieve all-electric, net-zero energy operations and LEED Platinum certification

WINOOSKI, Vt., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sugar House Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has officially opened its doors in Greater Burlington, Vermont, bringing its distinctly local character to Tribute Portfolio's growing global family of independent hotels. As Marriott International's first property globally designed to achieve all-electric, net-zero energy operations and LEED Platinum certification, Sugar House Hotel brings sustainability and a sense of place together through geothermal and solar energy and Vermont-inspired design and artisanship.

"To me, great hospitality is about more than making someone feel welcome while they're with us. It's also about caring for the places guests and local alike have come to experience and making sure those communities remain special for generations to come. What I love about Sugar House Hotel is how that sense of care is reflected in the experience itself, from the thoughtful design and materials to the way the hotel uses energy. It's a wonderful example of how being mindful of our impact can be part of creating an even more meaningful stay for our guests," said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International.

As the first hotel in the historic mill city of Winooski, the property draws inspiration from Vermont's maple sugarhouse traditions, local makers and natural landscape, bringing to life the strong sense of place and independent spirit celebrated by Tribute Portfolio. As a Tribute Portfolio hotel, that sense of individuality is at its core: Sugar House doesn't need to look like any other hotel in the collection; it should feel like a hotel that could only exist in Vermont.

Defined by a simple duality, "nature out back, city out front," the property sits beside a 104-acre nature preserve and the Winooski River, steps from Winooski's walkable downtown circle. Upon arrival, guests pass beneath a living roof planted with greenery atop the porte-cochère and MOSS entrance before entering a lobby that pays modern tribute to Vermont's maple sugarhouse traditions. At check-in, guests receive a sweet welcome at a make-your-own maple creemee station before discovering a central lounge anchored by a 20,000-pound native Green Mountain Schist boulder hearth and a 20-foot indoor maple tree with a spiral staircase leading to a treehouse-inspired mezzanine library. The hotel's 115 guestrooms, each named for a Vermont sugarhouse, feature golden timber-paneled walls, custom glass-blown sconces and works by local makers.

Local Flavor and Social Connection

Treetops Restaurant is the only rooftop restaurant and bar in the Greater Burlington area, pairing seasonal, approachable cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views and an outdoor terrace. Beneath the lobby's central maple tree, MOSS Café + Bar serves as an all-day social hub, reflecting Tribute Portfolio's belief that some of a hotel's most memorable moments happen when guests and locals naturally come together. The space moves from morning coffee and locally baked maple pastries to deli fare, small bites and seasonal cocktails.

Outside, a 180-foot wooden bridge connects the hotel directly to a 1.2-mile loop trail through Winooski Gorge Natural Area and nearby Salmon Hole fly-fishing waters. Planned guest programming includes wellness sessions, guided naturalist walks and artisan workshops with local partners.

Sustainable Hospitality, Designed into the Stay

Sustainable features are integrated throughout Sugar House Hotel, which operates entirely on electricity, including in its commercial kitchen, with no gas lines or fuel tanks serving the hotel. Rooftop solar panels are designed to generate roughly one-third of the building's energy needs, while a geothermal well system provides heating and cooling and supports hot-water production. Water conservation measures include water-efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads, while reclaimed materials give new life to local history, including timbers from Vermont's historic North Hero drawbridge repurposed in the Treetops bar and elevator lobby tables.

The hotel will also offer eight electric-vehicle charging stations and an all-electric Volkswagen shuttle serving Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and downtown Burlington. Sugar House Hotel was developed by Nedde Real Estate and Lodging Capital Partners and is operated by Fathom Companies.

"Our goal was to create a building that wasn't just in Vermont, but of Vermont," said Doug Nedde, Principal of Nedde Real Estate. "The opening of Sugar House Hotel is the result of a talented local team, combining world-class environmental sustainability and embracing the culture and artisans of our community."

For reservations or more information, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/btvwp-sugar-house-hotel-winooski-burlington-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/.

ABOUT TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO
Tribute Portfolio® is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With over 200 hotels in over 35 countries and territories around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Bellyard in Atlanta and Hotel Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. For more information, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com and stay connected on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.