New Britian

Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant, New Britain, Connecticut

Brochure circa 1970s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue

New Britain, Connecticut -- 65 Columbus Blvd @ Bank Street

Sharing design elements with several other multi-story Motor Lodge and Restaurant complexes of its era, New Britain opened in 1970. High rises were construed as more modern than the traditional highway type Motor Lodge and a handful were built and operated by the Howard Johnson Company to serve as models for prospective franchisees. The new Britain property offered 120 guest rooms in its 6 stories, as well as an indoor all-weather swimming pool. Moreover it boasted of having three restaurants including a traditional Orange Roofed Howard Johnson's.

Photograph March 2001

Brochure circa 1970s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue

Gourmet dining with
a personal touch ...
We've become the New Britain rendezvous for the lovers of fine food ... perfectly prepared and exquisitely served in the personal manner of the Old World traditions. Yet your choice here may range all the way "from a Fountain Treat to a Gourmet Feast." with three restaurants to choose from. Your 'e probably already familiar with our far-famed Sunday Afternoon Buffet ... one of the most extraordinary arrays of dishes to ever tempt your taste buds. Probably heard, too, about our Tavern Near the Green ... pure Gaslight Lounge, with its live entertainment nightly ... and, most of all, our Specialty of the House: our whopping 23-ounce Bloody Mary.

Above: Little expense was spared on outfitting New Britain's upscale restaurants.

Below: New Britain's Gaslight Lounge was lavishly decorated in what might best be described as "bordello-esque!" Note the risque nude in the far background--to the right in the image and also in the last image on the page.