Brooklyn has many hotels that once served as factories or warehouses. From former textile and door making factories to industrial warehouses, many of Brooklyn’s converted spaces have maintained some of their industrial elements which adds to the allure of these hotels. These converted spaces now stand out as some of the best hotels in Brooklyn.
New York’s most populated borough shares a land border with Queens and Long Island. It’s also connected to Manhattan via several tunnels. Brooklyn has a distinct culture that has slowly reached out to hipsters as an “avant-garde” destination. While you won’t find many big attractions in Brooklyn, the gentrification of the borough has transformed it into a vibrant area. Upmarket eating establishments, art galleries, boutiques, and shops add character to a place that was already big on culture. Cashing in on this transformation, you’ll find many good hotels have been set up in the recent past.
We’ve picked out the 11 best hotels in Brooklyn, NYC to help narrow down your choices.
Hotel Le Bleu
11
Enjoying a prime location in one of the most treasured neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Park Slope, you’ll find the Hotel Le Bleu. The boutique hotel is in close proximity to some of Brooklyn’s top attractions such as the beautiful Prospect Park. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the park from the hotel. One block east of the hotel you’ll find the other urban attractions such as bars, restaurants, and trendy shops that make Park Slope such a great place. For those wanting to hop over to Manhattan, it’s an easy commute via any of the three subway lines located within six blocks of the hotel.
The stainless steel and glass hotel which opened in 2007, stands out in the brownstone-filled neighborhood. Modern interiors define this hotel. Guest rooms are top-notch with plenty of modern comforts to entice you to extend your stay. The colorful, spacious rooms have everything that you would look forward to for a comfortable stay. From Bose speakers, coffee makers, well-stocked minibars, and mini-fridges to city guides and magazines, there’s plenty to keep you ‘homebound.’ Given the generous size of the rooms, the bathrooms are pretty small.
Though the hotel does not feature an onsite restaurant, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Besides a complimentary weekday newspaper and concierge services, there’s nothing much that the hotel offers by way of extras.
NU Hotel
10
The no-frills NU Hotel sits on the corner of Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue in downtown Brooklyn. This particular area is filled with snazzy restaurants and cute shops. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and the Barclays Center from here whilst other interesting neighborhoods such as Prospect Heights and Cobble Hill are easily accessible. Getting to other parts of the city is also quite easy as the nearest Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel.
Although the hotel features a modern and minimalist design, the decor is brightened up by pops of street art from local artists. The guest rooms especially benefit from this additional color or they would resemble boring office spaces with their grey and brown overtones. However, all rooms do not feature these bright murals. That being said, the loft-like hotel rooms are well equipped with the necessary comforts that you would look out for in a good hotel. The standard rooms have average-sized rooms but the suites are large with some quirky additions such as love seats and hammocks across the living area.
Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast. In addition to this, the hotel has a bar and lounge which spills over to the sidewalk in good weather. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.
Franklin Guesthouse
9
Franklin Guesthouse is the sister hotel of The Box House Hotel and the Henry Normal Hotel. Like its sister properties, this boutique hotel ticks the right boxes on charm and style. Located in the heart of Greenpoint, a waterfront neighborhood in northern Brooklyn, the hotel sits in a historically Polish neighborhood. You’ll find some interesting restaurants and bakeries in the vicinity of the hotel. If you’re a first-timer hoping to see the sights, then there’s nothing much to see in the vicinity except some 19th-century rowhouses.
The hotel prides itself on being a home away from home and the handsome white townhouse in which it is housed feels just that way. In keeping with this theme, you won’t find an elaborate lobby or grand public spaces. Instead what you will find is a homely atmosphere. The rooms are clear standouts with their Mid-century modern style furniture and artful touches. They’re a great option for those looking for a longer stay as the hotel offers some good price discounts. The spaciousness of the rooms also makes this a great place to stay.
The newly opened restaurant MADRE is a great addition to the property which lacked an onsite restaurant. However, the restaurant is not open every day of the week so it’s best to check in advance. There’s also a small fitness center with sauna and steam.
Aloft Brooklyn
8
You won’t find many of New York’s top attractions within walking distance of the Aloft in Downtown Brooklyn. What you will find at your doorstep though is the outdoor shopping complex of Fulton Mall. The mall has plenty of fast-food spots and chain stores but if you’re looking for something more alluring then a short stroll from the hotel will get you there. The leafy Fort Greene area a little away from the hotel provides a good photo op with its rows of brownstones. If it’s the food scene you’re interested in, however, Cobble Hill has plenty of restaurants to satiate your cravings. The Brooklyn Flea Market is also within easy walking distance of the hotel.
For those looking out for a great budget-friendly property, this is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn that is easy on the pocket. Although the hotel has a youthful vibe, it attracts many business clientele. The modern guest rooms are roomy, starting at 285 square feet and going up to 551 square feet. The rooms are clean and comfortable but if you’re looking for stylish designs, you may be a tad disappointed. However, you can look forward to a number of modern comforts in the rooms minus the minibar.
The Aloft which is part of the W chain of hotels is quite big on amenities. Starting with a small pool and Jacuzzi with a retractable roof, to a modern fitness center and rooftop courtyard, there’s enough to keep you occupied when you’re indoors. There is no onsite restaurant but you can grab something to eat at the lobby cafe or get a cocktail at the W XYZ bar.
The Box House
7
On a quiet spot in Greenpoint, the northernmost part of Brooklyn, you’ll find The Box House, one of the best hotels in Brooklyn, NY for families. The reason why the hotel is a great choice for families is that the rooms are pretty spacious, with some big enough for six people. You won’t find much activity around the area but there are quite a few restaurants, music venues, and independent art galleries within walking distance. However, if you’re looking for a livelier scene you could go further south to Williamsburg. The hotel is in close proximity to Pulaski Bridge which leads to Long Island City in Queens. Alternatively, you can catch the 7 train to Grand Central Station.
Guest rooms at the hotel feel like spacious apartments with separate living and sleeping areas. The rooms are bright with large windows and vibrant artwork. Kitchenettes with cooktops, coffee makers, and a full set of dishes are part of most rooms. The rooms are also characterized by hardwood oak floors and high ceilings.
Outside the rooms, guests can look forward to a full-service restaurant, The Brooklyn Lantern, that is open for all meals. Guests also have the convenience of a shuttle service to the subway and a fitness center with steam showers and dry sauna.
The Hoxton Williamsburg
6
Situated in Williamsburg a former warehouse space for industries, The Hoxton, a boutique British brand is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn Williamsburg that is good value for money. The gentrification of Williamsburg has transformed the former industrial hub into a bustling place with coffee shops, nightclubs, and high-end clothing stores. With excellent restaurants within a 15-minute walk from the hotel and plenty of activity around the hotel, you may not feel like venturing far. However, if you still feel the need to go over the river to Manhattan, the L train subway is a five-minute walk whilst the East River Ferry is just eight minutes away.
Like many of Brooklyn’s hotels, the nine-story Hoxton hotel occupies the site of the former Rosenwach water tower factory. Many of the industrial elements are still evident in the style of the hotel, especially in the restaurant. The lobby has a living room feel to it in the way that it is set up with the front desk at the far end. Guest rooms come in two categories Cozy and Roomy. Although the second option sounds more spacious both room categories are relatively compact. However, the clever use of space and floor to ceiling windows makes them seem spacious. Bathrooms are stylish yet minimal with toiletries by bl_nk. The brand sticks to its policy of ‘no rip-offs’ so you won’t find any unnecessary extras or overpriced minibars in the room.
The hotel has a pretty good restaurant, Klein’s, that opens early morning until midnight. You’ll find a myriad of dining spaces that include an outdoor courtyard, stools in the open kitchen, and more traditional seating. Above Klein’s on the second floor, you’ll find a more relaxed bar, Backyard which serves pitchers of cocktails plus a few bites. In addition to the dining options, guests have access to some vintage style bikes for exploring the area. The hotel does not have an on-site fitness center but guests get discount passes for the Chalk gym that is near the hotel.
Henry Norman Hotel
5
The Henry Norman Hotel is a good example of Brooklyn’s converted spaces. This former 19th-century textile factory is now a trendy boutique hotel with spacious loft-style apartments, definitely one of the best hotels in Brooklyn NY. The hotel is situated in a residential corner of Greenpoint, one of the areas in Brooklyn which is yet to be touched by the gentrifying forces. Except for a bakery which is a three-minute walk from here, there’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. You’ll also find some good bars within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel, however, has a free shuttle service within a one-mile radius where you can catch a subway ride to other parts of the city. However, rather than getting on the G train at Nassau Ave, it’s advisable to go further to catch the L train at Bedford Ave station.
When the hotel underwent its major renovation it first served as artists’ studios hence the spacious guest rooms. The hotel’s understated outdoors is rather deceptive of the vibrant interiors that lie within. Bare brick walls and high ceilings point to the hotel’s boring past. Leaving that behind, you’ll find that the decor is a fusion of mid-century modern and contemporary elements. Guest rooms have some great amenities which also include bottled water, coffee, tea, and WiFi. The higher-priced guest rooms have full kitchens plus dining tables and separate seating areas. Given the interesting decor that prevails throughout the hotel, the bathrooms are a bit of a let down with basic tiles although they do have shower/tub combos and a smattering of toiletries.
One of the downsides of the hotel is its lack of an on-site bar or restaurant. Even though it has a lovely rooftop terrace with spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline, that’s all there is. Other amenities include a small fitness center, a wet and dry sauna, and a guest laundry room plus a free shuttle service within a limited radius.
1 Brooklyn Bridge
4
Sitting on the waterfront with spectacular views of Downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, 1 Brooklyn Bridge stands out on various fronts. It’s one of the best hotels in Brooklyn, NY that stands out for its eco-friendly features. It also has an enviable location on the waterfront and is quite popular with travelers and those looking for a staycation. The DUMBO neighborhood itself is one of the most high-end neighborhoods in the city with luxury designers, an outdoor hipster market, plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The nearest subway is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
The hotel is big on recycling and eco-friendly materials evident from the living wall in the lobby to the distressed wood in bedrooms. It also operates on a wind power system and has a rain-water reclamation system that helps irrigate the Brooklyn Park. This eco-consciousness combined with industrial-chic definitely sets it apart from the rest of the hotels. There’s a trendy feel to the hotel too from the bright lobby to the bomber jacket-clad stuff and large metal lamps hanging from chains. Guest rooms are bright and airy with an open-plan arrangement. All rooms come with high-end features such as minibars, smart TVs, iPads, Nespresso machines, bespoke bath products, and yoga mats. Showers and toilets are separated by a door that isn’t big on privacy though.
1 Brooklyn does not cut corners when it comes down to amenities, that’s probably why the hotel is a destination in itself. The rooftop garden terrace is a clear winner with breathtaking views, a bar, pool, and plenty of seating. There’s also a bustling coffee shop on the ground floor and a new American restaurant, both with outdoor terraces. Although the fitness room is a bit small you’ll find a good range of equipment, sufficient for a workout. Guests can also join a free yoga class or indulge in a massage at the on-site spa. For those looking for a formal meeting venue, you’ll find dedicated meeting rooms at the hotel.
The Williamsburg
3
The hip Williamsburg neighborhood has some of the best hotels in Brooklyn, and the upscale Williamsburg Hotel is one of them. Located seven minutes from the vibrant Bedford Avenue, the hotel puts you in close proximity to numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Wythe Avenue where the hotel sits is also one of the busiest streets in Williamsburg with chic boutiques and cool restaurants. It’s also an easy walk to the nearest subway station from here for those wanting to hop over to Manhattan.
The sleek red-brick and glass building that houses the hotel stands out in the area. Combining elements of industrial Brooklyn and Williamburg class, its interiors are characterized by velvet sofas in jewel tones, a central copper bar, and custom-designed wallpaper in the stairwell. There is a wide range of guest rooms to choose from here, beginning with the small Queen Room and culminating in the Skyline Suite. The Queens are the only rooms without terraces. Rooms with terraces offer great views of the Manhattan skyline or the surrounding streets. Floor to ceiling windows ensure the rooms get plenty of natural light. Predictably, you’ll find plenty of conveniences to enhance your stay here. Sleek and stylish ensuite bathrooms have walk-in showers and soaking tubs but lack privacy.
Like the other two big hotels in Williamsburg, the hotel’s rooftop is a standout, pulling in locals and guests. The Water Tower Bar looking down at the pool offers some great panoramic views of the surroundings. There is also a poolside bar that serves drinks and snacks. During the day, the pool can get a bit crowded as it’s open to non-guests also. Guests can enjoy a free morning yoga session on the pool deck every day. You’ll also find a trendy bar at the lobby and an adjoining restaurant, Harvey that serves New American fare. The pet-friendly hotel also has free cruiser bikes and a free tuk-tuk service around the area.
Wythe Hotel
2
One of the three hotels in the Williamsburg area that boasts a happening rooftop, the Wythe Hotel sits high up in the rankings of best hotels in Brooklyn Williamsburg. It’s a short subway ride from here to Manhattan for those wanting to explore other attractions of New York City, with the subway station just seven minutes on foot. The Wythe also has an enviable address with great views of the East River and Midtown Manhattan and close proximity to Bedford Avenue. Part of the gentrification process of the neighborhood, the hotel is now part of ‘Hotel Alley’ with three top hotels within a two-block radius.
The building that houses the hotel was once a cooperage dating back to 1901. Much of its industrial feel has been maintained with exposed bricks, cast-iron columns, concrete floors, and pine beams evident in public spaces and guest rooms. Spacious guest rooms vary in shape and size in keeping with the original structure of the building. Rooms are characterized by high ceilings and expansive windows. Two of the four loft suites have their own private roof deck. You’ll find eco-friendly bathroom products and a host of other amenities in the room.
Reynards, the restaurant on the ground floor is a beautiful space with huge windows and an open kitchen. However, the bar on the sixth-floor, The Ides is a destination in itself with its fantastic views and a great vibe. You can look forward to top-class, friendly service at the Wythe.
The William Vale
1
If you’re looking to stay at Brooklyn’s hip Williamsburg neighborhood, it couldn’t get better than The William Vale which is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn Williamsburg. Opened in 2016, the hotel towers over its low-rise neighbors to provide excellent views of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Williamsburg has plenty of interesting activities to keep you on your toes and the hotel’s location puts you in close proximity to many. Within walking distance are plenty of restaurants and three music venues, Hall of Williamsburg, Knitting Factory and Brooklyn Bowl. Also within walking distance is a dine-in cinema, Nitehawk Cinema, and the popular McCarren Park. A five-minute walk will take you to the L and G subways or the N6th St ferry to Manhattan.
The hotel occupies the bottom two and top 11 floors of a rather futuristic-looking building. You’ll find plenty of futuristic designs within the hotel with floor to ceiling windows and discrete geometric details plus plenty of artwork by local artists. The lobby showcases a monumental piece of art by Brooklyn-based artist, Marela Zacarias. These interesting designs spill over into the rooms with sliding white glass doors with black edges opening into the bathrooms. The standout feature of the rooms is the huge private balconies with chairs and tables. All rooms have top-class amenities with luxurious bathrooms.
Guests and locals are drawn to the 22nd-floor rooftop bar, Westlight with its panoramic views of the city. However, guests get first priority over locals. Another popular spot in the hotel is the Italian restaurant, Leuca which pulls in quite a crowd and Mister Dips, a retrofitted food truck. Guests can also enjoy snacks, cocktail and light fare at the poolside. Renowned Chef Andrew Carmellini oversees the culinary concepts of the hotel.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Brooklyn:
- Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour – Enjoy a combination of gastronomy and history on this half-day guided tour of Brooklyn. You’ll get a chance to indulge in some of the most popular tastes of Brooklyn and learn the history of its culinary culture.
- Underground Brooklyn Brew Tour – If you enjoy your beer this tour will definitely pique your interest. Visit 3 world-class breweries and indulge your taste buds with a chance to sample on various craft beers and enjoy a beer-themed snack.
Recommended Activities In Brookyln:
- Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour – See a lighter side of art as you explore the largest outdoor street art gallery in New York City on a guided tour of the renowned Bushwick Collective.
- Private Brooklyn Bridge & Waterfront Walking Tour – This private tour of the Brooklyn Bridge will give you an insight into the iconic bridge and the neighborhoods including the hip DUMBO district.
