Trendsetting Summer Perks at Brooklyn's Newest Hotels
Recently, NYC’s hippest borough has seen a building boom as boutique brands and luxury chains carve out space for themselves within the century-old warehouses lined up along the East River. Having surpassed Manhattan as the preferred borough of artists, musicians and the coolest kids in town, hoteliers are the latest investors clamoring for space on Brooklyn’s bandwagon. Visitors looking to explore the area’s galleries, shops, nightlife and cafes no longer have to crash with friends or catch an eastbound L Train. In addition to their prime location, these new properties offer special packages and perks that allow guests to experience Brooklyn like locals.
Bonus for summer: Many of the newer constructions include rooftop pools -- a rarity in Manhattan hotels.
Wythe Hotel: 2012
Opened after five years of meticulous renovations, the Wythe Hotel forged the path to make Williamsburg a place for visitors to base themselves overnight, not just for a concert or dinner. Originally erected at the beginning of the 20th century, the converted factory creates an industrial-chic ambiance with exposed brick, cast-iron columns, reclaimed pine and loft-style windows. Efforts didn’t go unnoticed, earning the property Travel + Leisure’s Design Award for “Best Hotel, Fewer Than 100 Rooms” the next year. Contemporary travelers will find modern amenities like iPhone-controlled surround sound systems, heated floors and organic Brooklyn-based toiletries in their rooms.
The hotel collaborates with local artists to feature a rotating exhibit of artwork, priced at a discount to guests. During New York City’s Pride Week, the hotel will unveil a new art installation in the lobby and host screenings as well as parties with local performers at its rooftop bar.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: February 2017
Like the brand’s outposts near Central Park and in South Beach, careful attention was paid to the local surroundings when planning this waterfront property. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood public and private spaces with views of Manhattan, and almost every product found in guest rooms is made in Brooklyn, from the light fixtures to the bed frames. Guests have access to on-site perks like a rooftop pool with bar and cocktail service, 24/7 fitness center and private movie-screening room. The hotel backs up to Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where guests can spend the summer visiting outdoor art exhibits, renting bicycles and watching classic films under the stars.
For stays through the rest of the month, the hotel’s Hello Brooklyn package allows guests to feel like locals with upgraded accommodations, food and drink credit at the locally sourced Neighbor’s Café and complimentary ferry passes for easy access to Manhattan.
Hilton Brooklyn New York: December 2016
Located within a 10-minute walk of the Barclays Center, the Hilton Brooklyn is a convenient choice for sports fans and concertgoers with tickets to see the Nets, Islanders or a show. Eleven subway lines stop within an eight-block radius of the property, making Manhattan and the rest of Brooklyn easily accessible. To explore the area on two feet, we suggest heading west through the brownstone-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights to the promenade that offers a surprisingly serene atmosphere and panoramic skyline views, despite its location dangling over the highway.
Music lovers staying at this hotel can get an up-close look at the streets where Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and Lil Kim crafted the skills that would make them world-famous, with a 20% discount on guided Brooklyn Hip Hop Tours.
The William Vale: September 2016
There’s no such thing as a bad view at this 5-star tower: Accommodations start on the 10th floor – above the rooftops of the surrounding buildings – and each room has a balcony, many facing Manhattan’s skyline. Extra perks like the city’s longest pool (60 feet), a rooftop lounge with panoramic views and a 24-hour gym make it difficult for guests to want to leave the block-wide property. For those who can drag themselves off the premises, Brooklyn Brewery and Brooklyn Bowl, two great places to kick off a long night in Williamsburg, are just across the street.
Throughout the summer season, visitors can book one of the hotel's warm-weather themed specials for discounts on poolside cocktails, extended stays and July 4th visits when guests can enjoy views of Macy’s 41st Annual Fourth of July Fireworks over the East River, the largest Independence Day display in the country.
McCarren Hotel: August 2012
Looking out over its namesake park, the McCarren Hotel & Pool is in the heart of Williamsburg, half a block from the bars, restaurants and boutique shops of Bedford Avenue, the trendy neighborhood’s main drag. Guests are invited to sample the best of the borough from Brooklyn-brewed lagers in each room’s refrigerator to the backyard saltwater pool where local DJs spin between tropical murals. Sultry summer nights are best spent catching a breeze at the rooftop lounge, with views of three boroughs as well as reggae and Brazilian theme nights.
All overnight guests receive free admission, towel service and exclusive morning access to the pool.
Williamsburg Hotel: January 2017
The Williamsburg Hotel first opened its bronze doors to visitors in January and looks forward to christening the rooftop pool this summer. Topped by a water tower, a symbol of NYC’s past, the hotel will unveil the converted the space as a bar in the coming months as well. Brides dreaming of a Gatsby-esque affair complete with crystal chandeliers and sweeping staircases can start reserving the ballroom just in time for wedding season.
Brooklyn pride is in full force throughout the eight-story building, right down to the wallpaper, decorated with iconic figures from homegrown stars like Biggie Smalls and the Beastie Boys to an elevated subway line. The boutique hotel supports the local community by outfitting staff with uniforms designed by Brooklyn natives, stocking rooms with amenities from all over the borough, and offering an afternoon tea featuring scones and donuts from a local bread factory. To explore the rest of Williamsburg, hop on the pink-and-white chauffeured tuk-tuk that transports guests up and down Bedford Avenue.