When staying in New York City, you may opt for the upscale and known names of the luxury properties in Manhattan, but you’d certainly miss out if you never venture into the city’s other boroughs for a stay at the delightfully authentic, unique and eclectic boutique hotels found there, which, while still providing all the modern amenities you need, also offer a travel experience far from average.
Just a short walk or subway ride from Manhattan, Brooklyn awaits with all its charm and eccentricities (Photo: Fabrizio Pece)
What better borough to provide this one-of-a-kind stay than Brooklyn? Just a short walk from Manhattan (and a rewarding walk at that — you’ll get unbeatable views from Brooklyn Bridge), it’s almost a city unto itself, with residents, restaurants and shops that are unarguably “Brooklyn.” No longer a hipsters-only paradise, Brooklyn is attracting luxury travelers of all types.
Nu Hotel
Modern, with a penchant for art, NU Hotels serves up a healthy dose of moxy (Photo: Yelp Inc.)
The minimalistic aesthetic is accented by vibrant pieces of artwork, for a stay that’s far from boring. Beyond just the look, though, NU Hotel offers a fantastic bar and lounge, serving up handcrafted cocktails and locally-inspired eats. Plus, grab a bike for a trip around the borough or even into Manhattan. The property offers 93 guestrooms and suites, all modern with a homey feel. Cool touches include chalkboard walls in the bathrooms and hammocks for leisurely in-room lounging.
85 Smith St.
Hotel Le Jolie
Boasting a European feel, Hotel Le Jolie is modern, but still elegant and stylish. The great location makes it an easy pick if you want to be close to both the Brooklyn Bowl and Music Hall of Williamsburg. The beautiful guestrooms are sleek and modern with pops of bright colors in the furnishings and artwork. Amenities include free WiFi, free parking and complimentary breakfast.
235 Meeker Ave.
Wythe Hotel
Wythe Hotel calls itself the first truly “Brooklyn” boutique hotel (Photo: Peyri Herrera)
Opening in 2012 on the Williamsburg waterfront, Wythe Hotel is located within a building that’s more than a century old. One of the best amenities across the 70 guestrooms? The stellar views of Midtown Manhattan. In addition to the hotel itself, the property boasts a scrumptious locally-inspired restaurant, Reynard, as well as a fun rooftop bar, The Ides. Check the calendar before you visit — there’s always something going on, from outdoor garden barbecues to readings.
80 Wythe Ave.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
A relatively new property, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is luxury boutique at its finest. With almost 200 guestrooms, the property offers beautiful furnishings and design, with accents from local artisans and stellar details where it matters most. The 10-story hotel is a very short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade and skyline views are just a given. This boutique property also has its own spa, the Bamford Haybarn Spa, for on-site treatments recognized by Allure.
60 Furman St.
Urban Cowboy
The definition of hip and just a little odd, Urban Cowboy is old meets new in the best of ways (Photo: Yelp Inc.)
Opened in 2014, Urban Cowboy Brooklyn draws influence from the Old West, but with a distinctly unique personality. Each guestroom has its own look and feel, but the private, two-bedroom townhouse really takes the cake. It has its own expansive living space, a kitchen, views of Manhattan, a claw foot tub and a private roof deck. The venue is often used for photography shoots and parties, but you can book it for your own stay, for no other reason than a desire for the extravagantly cool.
111 Powers St.
The Tillary
Sophisticated and smart, edgy and cool, the Tillary Hotel provides plenty of common spaces that are perfect for seeing and being seen, while still giving you a private retreat that’s just as luxurious as you deserve within its array of guestrooms and suites. Enjoy complimentary WiFi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a German-inspired beer garden, two on-site dining options, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries bath amenities, Frette linens and more.
85 Flatbush Ave.
William Vale Hotel
The views from the William Vale Hotel are hard to beat (Photo: Chris Goldberg)
An all-balcony hotel with waterfront views, the William Vale Hotel is truly an upscale experience. You can expect, among other amenities, the longest hotel pool in Brooklyn and greater New York City, an endless lineup of fun events, an elevated promenade and green space and world-class dining. Each of the nearly 200 guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and, as stated, lovely balconies. Inside, you’ll enjoy modern furnishings, rainfall showers and a chic aesthetic.
111 N. 12th St.