Review: Omni New Haven at Yale

WHAT’S IT LIKE If you have visited the charming town of New Haven, which is home to Yale University, surely you have passed by the city’s most substantial hotel. The Omni New Haven towers above the city’s skyline and is within walking distance to Yale University’s campus and the Green, a square that commonly hosts concerts, farmer’s markets and a perfect place to bask in the sun. Revolving doors whirl guests into a clubby lobby of cozy leather seating areas, floral displays, and a proud reception desk that proffers information on the hotel’s notable loyalty program that offers all members free morning drinks and wireless Internet access. On display are a bowl of shiny apples and fruit-scented water. With such constant activity affiliated with the university, it is a must to book rooms early.

DINING For the best views of town, ride the elevator to the penthouse floor to find John Davenport’s at the Top of the Park. This is where an impressive breakfast buffet serves cooked-to-order omelets and a la carte specials with pleasant views of town including the nearby waterfront. From this high vantage point, you can also score the best photos of Yale’s spires and historic buildings. In the same panoramic restaurant, a hearty dinner menu is on offer, but is in strong competition with the dozens of dining options within walking proximity of campus and the eclectic neighborhoods surrounding the hotel. Light bites and to-go coffee are available from the lobby level coffee shop. Connected to the hotel, Cask Republic offers a bar and bistro atmosphere with more craft brews and international beers than any other spot in New Haven. The crowd ranges from hipster students to conference-going business folk looking to wind down after a day of meetings.

AMENITIES A gym opens for all hours, but the front desk can also provide swimmers or racquetball players with free access to Yale’s facilities. Another unique feature, in addition to having the largest meeting space in town, is that members of the hotel’s loyalty program enjoy complimentary morning coffee, juice or water delivered to their guest rooms and free wireless Internet during their stay. All it takes is signing up for free at reception.

ROOMS The accommodations here are well designed and spacious, especially those in the corners, and all have views of the cities, but the preferred options are those overlooking campus. Bedding is especially soft with pillowtop mattresses and duvets, the perfect remedy after a day of studious work.

Desks are equipped with power ports, and flat-screen cable TVs top armoires containing refrigerators with free bottled water and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are stocked with Swiss Essentials toiletries, especially thick towels, robes, and shower-tub combinations with exceptional pressure.

CONCLUSION Omni has a winner with this centrally located hotel. Given the popularity of New England for tourists and the home base of Yale University, business travelers should book early to secure a room. And yes, the city has a surprising number of business visitors, not all of which are affiliated with campus.