Folks
I have run this race at least 10 times. The new course is much more spectator friendly. They see you at the start, half (approx), and finish
And, yes, there are plenty of great places to eat. Yes, big-time about the pizza. As a native CT' resident about 1 hour away, I try to go to Sally's whenever possible. It's like the Red Sox and Yankees when talking pizza in NH. Either Pepe's or Sally's. Pepe's claim is to be the original pizza restaurant in the country (1930 something)
Yale owns most of the town, and has made some old restaurants move out. But, some places are really nice, and there are some decent fast food places like Chipolte about 200 ft away from the finish line. Prime 16 is really cool if you like a choice of 200+ beers and good burgers. The hotel you might have been referring to is the Omni at Yale/New Haven (told you Yale is buying everything)
This was the race the 300 lb lady jumped out and ran with the lead pack for about 50 meters, but a nice picture was taken and is hilarious.
If the Omni is full, try the Duncan. A New Haven original with marble floors, original wood carvings and only about 300 meters further than the Omni from the finish (I estimate 1/4 mile?)
For the talk of humid conditions; it was humid and hot 2013 and 2014, but for the majority of time I ran it was around 60 or 70 degrees and dry.
I hope this helps.
Good luck folks!
Get the free beer on the green after!!