You’re walking down High Street, and the first thing you notice about The Blake Hotel New Haven CT isn't the sign. It’s the vibe. It feels less like a lobby and more like that one friend’s house who actually has their life together—the one with the massive fireplace, the perfectly curated bookshelves, and leather chairs that actually feel like leather.
Most people think New Haven is just a place you pass through on the way to Boston or a town that exists solely to serve Yale. They're wrong. And this hotel is the proof.
Why The Blake Hotel New Haven CT Is More Than Just a Yale Crash Pad
Honestly, the "university hotel" label is a bit of a trap. People hear it and think of stiff dorm-style furniture and overpriced coffee. But The Blake Hotel New Haven CT was named after Alice Blake, the first woman to graduate from Yale Law back in 1896. That’s a heavy legacy to carry, and the developers clearly didn't want to mess it up.
Instead of going full "Ivy League Library," they went for something Alexander Waterworth Interiors calls "industrial elegance." Think concrete floors meeting rich millwork. It’s a weird mix on paper, but in person? It works.
The Kitchenette Situation
Here is the thing no one tells you: every single room here has a kitchenette. Not just a "we put a microwave on a shelf" setup, but actual stovetops, dishwashers, and Williams Sonoma kitchenware.
- Short stays: You can heat up leftover pizza from Sally’s or Modern (don't even start the New Haven pizza debate here).
- Long stays: It actually feels like a pied-à-terre.
- The Gear: You get real glassware, not those plastic cups wrapped in cellophane.
It’s a game changer. Most upscale hotels in this price bracket—usually starting around $250 a night—force you to eat out for every meal. Here, you have a choice.
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Eating and Drinking at 9 High Street
If you’re staying at The Blake Hotel New Haven CT, you aren't just there for the bed. The food scene inside the building is arguably as good as what’s outside on Chapel Street.
Siena and the Rooftop Game
Hamilton Park used to be the main draw, but the evolution of the hotel brought in Siena Ristorante. It’s elevated Italian. We’re talking handmade pastas and a wine list that doesn't play around.
But the real crown jewel? High George by Siena. It’s a rooftop bar on the 6th floor. In a city that isn't exactly known for its skyline views, this place is an oasis. They have a retractable glass roof, so it’s a "three-season" spot, though honestly, with the heaters, people are up there even when it's chilly.
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- The Vibe: High-end garden party.
- The Drink: Get a craft cocktail. They do a lot with Connecticut microbrews too.
- The View: You can see the Gothic spires of Yale and the hustle of downtown simultaneously.
The Local Reality Check
Let's be real for a second. New Haven can be loud.
You’re in the heart of downtown. If you want total silence, go to a farmhouse in Litchfield. If you stay at The Blake Hotel New Haven CT, you’re trading "quiet" for "access." You are a five-minute walk from the Yale University Art Gallery and even closer to the Shubert Theatre.
Some guests have mentioned the valet parking fee ($33+ depending on the season) is a bit of a sting. It is. But parking in New Haven is a nightmare of confusing zones and aggressive meter maids, so it's usually worth the hit to your wallet just to let someone else deal with the car.
Is it actually "Luxury"?
The word luxury gets thrown around a lot. At The Blake, it’s a specific kind of luxury. It’s not "gold-plated faucets" luxury. It’s "the gym has Peloton bikes and the lobby smells like expensive woodsmoke" luxury.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re heading to The Blake Hotel New Haven CT, don't just book the cheapest room and hope for the best.
- Request a Corner Room: The natural light in this building is fantastic, but the corner units get those floor-to-ceiling windows that make the room feel twice as big.
- Book High George in Advance: Do not just show up on a Friday night and expect a table. Use Resy.
- Check the Artist Gallery: The hotel has a rotating "Gallery" space that features local New Haven artists. It’s worth the ten minutes to walk through it.
- The Dog Policy: They allow dogs up to 50 lbs. There’s a $100 fee, but they usually provide water bowls in the lobby, which is a nice touch for the four-legged travelers.
The next time you find yourself in the Elm City, skip the generic chains. Head to High Street. Grab a seat by the fireplace. Whether you're there for a Yale graduation or just a pizza pilgrimage, this spot actually lives up to the hype.
To get the most out of your visit, book your rooftop table at High George at least 48 hours in advance, especially during the fall semester when the city is at its busiest. If you're driving, factor the valet cost into your nightly budget to avoid a surprise at checkout.