As the home to Yale University, the city of New Haven in Connecticut does not lack for credibility as a breeding ground for some of the brightest minds from around the world. The Blake, an inviting hotel located in the heart of Yale stomping grounds, easily meets the university’s high standards with a memorable fusion of casual elegance and cosmopolitan flair, thanks to Alexander Waterworth Interiors and HVS Design.
Named for the first female graduate from Yale, Alice Blake, the hotel stylishly brings together 108 rooms under its roof. Each abode muddles classic design elements such as upholstered headboards, mahogany furnishings and velvet-covered seating, with contemporary flourishes including crisp white walls, spacious closets and full kitchenettes for the longer-term guest.
Downstairs, the lobby, which eclectically mixes refined millwork and rich leather with blackened steel accents and concrete floors, has been designed as a communal hangout for guests and locals alike. In the heart of the space, a large fireplace serves as a convivial meeting point, while shelves around the peripheries are filled with tomes, art and collectibles that hark back to the city’s storied legacy.
The hotel is also home to Hamilton Park, a highly social bistro where an open kitchen serves house-made pastas, breads, pastries and charcuterie all day. Helmed by the Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert, the restaurant’s menu is focused around its wood-fired oven while showcasing the array of New England produce that’s available. A rooftop bar and restaurant are set to be unveiled this spring. §
