Catopia Luxury Hotel Brings High-End Boarding Suites For Felines To Wilton

WILTON, CT — In a quiet plaza off Route 7, a new hotel is purring with potential — but its guests aren’t human. Catopia Luxury Hotel, which recently opened its doors in Wilton, is catering exclusively to cats with a level of care that rivals top-tier human hospitality.

It's really tough to imagine a more on-Wilton-brand business.

Founded by co-owners Marisa Best of Fairfield and Rich Grimaldi of Westport, Catopia offers what it bills as “the most spacious luxury cat boarding suites in Connecticut.” With 25 themed rooms, some as large as 115 square feet, the facility can comfortably host up to 100 feline guests, either solo or in family groups.

Unlike traditional boarding kennels that often place cats in cages or compact enclosures, Catopia’s accommodations are colorful, themed environments designed to reduce stress and stimulate curiosity. “We didn’t want it to feel like a vet’s office — cold and clinical,” said Best, who manages the day-to-day operations. “We want it to be enriching for the cats and fun for the owners choosing where their cat will stay.”

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Each room is designed with a theme — think “White Lotus Suite,” “Malibu Dreamhouse,” or “Pink Kitty Club” — and offers vertical space, windows, and nooks for hiding or lounging. Guests are treated to one-on-one playtime, optional steamed brushing treatments, and even gourmet meal enhancements, like freshly poached shrimp.

"We'll go to the store, de-vein the shrimp, completely, remove the shell from it, and then poach the shrimp in water, let it cool, cut it off for the cat, either serve it on a plate to them by itself, or put it over their food," Best said with a laugh.

Catopia’s attention to detail extends to its guest communications. Pet parents receive regular photo and video updates, a practice Best picked up from years of pet-sitting while in college. “It gives people peace of mind,” she said. “They know their cat is safe, happy, and getting attention.”

The business is opening at a time of rapid growth in the U.S. pet boarding and grooming industry. The market is expected to grow from $10.22 Billion in 2023, to reach $15.8 Billion in 2029, buoyed by increased pet ownership and growing demand for premium services. With more people viewing pets as family members, luxury offerings like Catopia are increasingly in demand.

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Before co-founding Catopia, Best worked behind the scenes at a Disney resort, a background she credits with shaping her hospitality mindset. Grimaldi, who owns the building, originally planned to lease the space to another cat hotel but decided to launch the business himself when the tenant backed out. Together, they visited other boarding facilities in Connecticut and New York to research best practices and carve out a niche.

The Catopia team currently includes four staff members, all trained in feline care and customer service. For an extra fee, staff will also administer medications to cats with special health needs.

Though the business is still in its early days — the soft opening took place just this week, with an open house event featuring crafts for kids — Best says interest is already growing. Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand services to include grooming and eventually open additional "feline sanctuaries" in Connecticut and New York.

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