The Blake Hotel
HVS Design has created a warm and luxurious environment for guests at The Blake Hotel in New Haven, Connecticut, a boutique hotel located just steps away from Yale University.
Just steps away from Yale University, The Blake fills a unique niche within the city, as its clever design allows flexibility for short and long term stays. Prior to the Blake, New Haven had not seen a new hotel for years, let alone a hotel with spacious living areas and stylized kitchenettes that lend themselves to feel like a European pied-à-terre. The new, ground-up hotel opened its doors in January 2019.
The brief for this hotel was to immerse in the culture, history, and aesthetics of the surrounding city to develop a fresh and stylish lifestyle hotel experience. The design of the 108 guest flats, nine of which are complete suites, does just that by embracing a unique spin on long term stays and a warm, minimal aesthetic that offers an overall approachable, yet sophisticated vibe.
Guestrooms
Crisp white walls act as a backdrop to the classic design of the room, showcasing a rust-colored velvet sofa and dramatic upholstered headboard. The plush headboard stands tall wrapped in a textured charcoal fabric with wide-channel stitching that pairs elegantly with the luxurious white bedding.
Kitchenettes cleverly disguised in modern millwork have all the conveniences of a residential kitchen, but with curated style. The fully-stocked kitchenettes feature a mahogany and dark-walnut island, open shelving, and a brass rail concept that perfectly combines beautiful form with great function.
The bathroom honors a daring high contrast palette with dark charcoal walls, white-oak flooring, and bright white tile, making it a departure from the expected guest flat bathroom and a unique experience on its own. The wooden, stone-topped vanity juxtaposed with matte black metal and brass lighting and accessories enhances the contrasting elements of the design, while simultaneously pulling it all together for guests to enjoy.
Lobby
The story of the Blake hotel is inspired by New Haven’s forward-looking spirit, intertwined with rich historic significance. The namesake, Alice Blake, was the first female graduate of Yale Law School.
As guests are welcomed into the lobby, they are embraced with a diverse palette of rich materials and strong architectural details. Refined, wood millwork executed in warm tones and handsome, hand-selected, leather upholstery pieces sit proudly among industrial elements such as smooth concrete flooring and blackened steel accents. Period details including vintage beams, brick facades, and ironmongery are featured throughout the design and add depth and character throughout the hotel.
An eclectic mix of furnishings and light fixtures act as sculptural elements in the thoughtfully laid out space. Guests are invited to wander within the lobby area that offers a variety of seating options, both private and communal – all of which are perfect for every guest’s needs.
At the heart of the lobby stands a dramatic fire place that can be experienced from both sides, making it a focal point not to be missed. The expansive library shelves are an additional point of interest, styled with books, artwork, and curated collectibles all seamlessly working together to create a visual experience that honors the local flavor of New Haven and its history. The overall ethos has a warm and luxurious compilation of color and texture, which makes the space feel elevated, yet comfortable.
Architecture: HVS Design
Photography: courtesy of HVS Design
