A new chapter in New Haven’s hospitality story begins with the quiet opening of The Blake, a six-story, 108-room boutique hotel located at the corner of George and High Streets. The official ribbon-cutting is set for next week, but early guests are already checking in as finishing touches are added to the property. Rooms start at $250 per night, offering travelers a locally inspired and upscale lodging experience.
Developer Randy Salvatore, known for boutique hotels in Stamford, Norwalk, Hartford, and Danbury, spearheaded the project. Salvatore saw an opportunity to transform what was once a car-rental lot into a stylish destination, catering to the growing demand for unique, high-quality accommodations in downtown New Haven.
Salvatore’s projects have been a significant part of New Haven’s recent development boom, including residential ventures like The Novella and the Hill-to-Downtown project. Expanding into boutique hospitality was a natural progression. 
“We’re tapping into the trend for hotels that reflect their local communities,” said Salvatore. “The Blake is designed to feel like New Haven—a place full of character, history, and warmth.”
A Tribute to History and Culinary Excellence
The hotel takes its name from Alice Rufie Blake, the first woman to graduate from Yale Law School in 1886, honoring a trailblazer whose achievements resonate with New Haven’s rich history. The hotel’s first-floor bistro, Hamilton Park, is another nod to local heritage, named after a 19th-century gathering spot in the city.
The culinary offerings are helmed by Matt Lambert, a Michelin-starred chef from New Zealand, best known for his work at New York’s acclaimed Musket Room. Lambert brings his expertise to Hamilton Park, where locally sourced ingredients and creative menus aim to make the bistro a dining destination for both locals and visitors.
“We’re focused on creating something special—food that speaks to the seasons, the region, and the community,” said Lambert.
Filling the Demand for Hotel Rooms
The opening of The Blake marks a new wave of boutique hotels arriving in New Haven, a trend that began over a decade ago with The Study at Yale. City Development Administrator Mike Piscitelli explained that the growing demand for hotel rooms in New Haven has been evident for years.
“Visitors to New Haven were often staying in nearby towns like Milford or Wallingford and commuting in,” said Piscitelli. “These new hotels meet that demand while reflecting the character and charm of the city itself.”
Several other boutique hotels are under development, including a transformation of the historic Duncan Hotel into Graduate New Haven, a project on the former Webster Bank site that will become a 132-room Hilton Garden Inn, and plans to repurpose the iconic Pirelli building into a 165-room hotel.
The Boutique Hotel Boom
Boutique hotels aim to provide more than just a place to stay—they offer a distinctive experience. The Blake embodies this ethos, blending modern amenities like high-tech fitness equipment with a design rooted in New Haven’s cultural and architectural history.
“It’s all about creating a space where people can connect with the city and feel at home,” said Claire Salvatore, who managed the project alongside her husband Randy.
As New Haven embraces this wave of boutique accommodations, The Blake sets the tone for what visitors can expect: a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates the city’s unique story.
