With a rich history, vibrant art scene and one of the most prestigious universities in the world, New Haven shines as an outstanding destination for business and leisure travelers alike. Spurred by the phenomenal Yale University, New Haven is in the midst of a stunning urban renaissance that has infused the city with new life. New Haven's fresh face includes the addition of numerous shops, hotels and restaurants, all of which attract approximately 800,000 visitors per year.
Commonly referred to as Gateway to New England, New Haven is located midway between New York and Boston. Two major highways run through the city, allowing direct access from points up and down the East Coast. Ample free parking further sweetens the deal for guests wishing to drive to this seaside city. For others, New Haven is easily reached by three train routes and flights arriving at both the Tweed New Haven Regional, about 10 minutes away from downtown, and Bradley International Airport, about an hour away.
Once in New Haven, visitors find that this clean, manageable city is easily traversed on foot. In fact, it ranked number 19 on Prevention magazine's list of America's top 500 Best Walking Cities. Another option is to hop aboard one of New Haven's free trolleys. Running Monday through Saturday, these historic electric trolleys give visitors a taste of old New Haven while making stops at major points of interest throughout the downtown area. New Haven also features a convenient public bus service and numerous taxis ready to take visitors from one end of town to another.
Filling up the city are a number of phenomenal venues for meetings and events. Overlooking the New Haven Green, the recently revamped Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale is one of the city's premier meeting spots. This AAA Four Diamond hotel offers 22,000 square feet of meeting space and 306 elegantly appointed guest rooms, all under one roof. Its exceptional facilities are also centrally located steps away from a variety of restaurants and shops.
For a taste of New Haven's modern renaissance, planners can host an event at The Study at Yale. This trendy new boutique hotel offers 3,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 1,200-square-foot penthouse perfect for small banquets and receptions. A striking example of New Haven's sophisticated resurgence, The Study at Yale features 124 guest rooms and cutting edge technology.
For a less traditional meetings experience, planners need only look to the many unique venues dotted along New Haven's historic streets. Host a meeting at the stately New Haven Museum and Historical Society. With several distinctive spaces available, including a 1,313-square-foot auditorium, the New Haven Museum offers a historic backdrop for anything from small meetings to catered receptions. Or, enjoy the grandeur of the majestic Shubert Theater. Situated in the heart of New Haven, the Shubert offers seating for 1,587 people and two stunning lobbies.
No visit to New Haven would be complete without stopping by the esteemed Yale University. Give guests a chance to meet and mingle at this renowned institute by taking advantage of its approximately 500,000 total square feet of meeting and event space. The recently renovated Linsly-Chittenden Hall, which features ornate stained glass windows, is perfect for gatherings.
New Haven's economy centers greatly on education and healthcare services. Yale University is the city's largest employer, followed by Yale-New Haven Hospital. The Knights of Columbus, a Fortune 1000 company, is also headquartered in New Haven. In addition to Yale University, the city is home to a number of colleges and universities including Southern Connecticut State University, Albertus Magnus College and Gateway Community College.
