So one weekend, my best friend and I decided to just drive from Boston and see where we ended up, just to get away. We made it to New Haven and got sick of driving, so we decided to stay there for a night and searched for a hotel. For the price, we could stay at the Duncan for one night. We drove by the outside and it didn't look so bad, so we figured that we could brave what was on the inside. BAD CHOICE.

First of all, the guy at the front desk is really weird and impersonal. Fine, since we didn't need more from him other than a key.

The room was a totally different story. It looked like something out of a murder novel. Our room was down a tiny corridor and opened up to reveal a strange-shaped room. We immediately went out to hang out at the bars, and even coming back after a night of heavy drinking and pizza in hand, the room still scared the heck out of me. We SWEAR at one point during the night we heard the door creak open slightly and then slam shut when my friend went bounding towards it. I was really glad that I was there with a guy at that point.

I've stayed at my share of gross hotels and weird places (even one in Peru where the owner organized weird trips to take some peyote-like substance and talk to nature and stray cats came into my room though the window at night), but this was something special altogether. In addition to our scary moment, there was plenty more to complain about.

The rug was the color and texture of a bygone era (that delicious shade of 70s orange), and hadn't been cleaned since then.

The bathroom was not clean, and the toilet rocked back and forth over the tile because it wasn't fastened securely to the floor.

The furniture was old and banged up, and the curtains were dirty.

Bed was gross - we ripped it apart and checked for bedbugs, of which there were none, thankfully.

Thinking back, I would have been totally cool with sleeping in the car.

Not particularly cheap.
Located close to yale, but so are other better hotels.
The quirky lift and the guy taking you up and down was the only ok part.
Room stank of cigarettes, and in need of desperate revamp.
Ancient heating system that clanked all night long. Clank for the hour warm up, hiss hot steam into the room for an hour, then clank for an hour warming down. We contacted lobby to inform them of noise and steam and were assured that the heating wouldn't be on again that night so there was nothing to worry about. This was untrue, and we woke every 2 hours. Horrible for two adults, horrendous for a baby!
Next morning, staff were unperturbed by our lack of sleep and could only offer an insincere apology.
For a few extra dollars, say somewhere comfortable. What was once I'm sure an authentic yale hotel with character, is by now a dump.

We were hesitant after reading the reviews here, but had a great experience.

The building is old and worn but the lobby, halls and room were clean. The comforter was a bit dirty but like every hotel, the comforters aren't washed. Our room faced a huge air conditioning unit of another building and we had some noise, but it didn't bother us and I don't think we would have had issues if we asked to switch rooms.

The desk staff (and elevator staff) was friendly and helpful. The location was great and the price was right for a budget get-away.

The hotel isn't for everyone - if you expect to be fussed over like royalty or want more than just a place to spend the night, or live in a subdivision, look elsewhere. But for a comfortable, affordable and memorable stay, and a more authentic experience, I'd recommend the Duncan.

I've stayed at the Duncan Hotel twice now and no, it isn't a five star swanky place with room service and all the amenities. What it is; A beautiful hotel reminicent of another era with period furnishings, artifacts and an original look. You'll hear squeaks and creeks, if the elevator man isn't there those stairs can be a long hike.... but it is again, a beautiful building so close to the Yale Campus! Two blocks' walk and we were with our daughter for Family weekend. I would recommend the Duncan to anyone, yet if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand :)