Site Inspection at The Penny Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York

This Brooklyn hotel gem, which opened in August 2022, has just 118 rooms, which makes it feel intimate and cozy. Despite the abundance of amazing coffee shops nearby (hello Kijitora), the hotel partnership with Devocion coffee, and the fact that they roast and grind the beans onsite, means that you can enjoy an amazing cup of coffee without even leaving your room. Each room also comes equipped with a seasonal fruit amenity, a microwave and a larger than normal micro fridge, perfect for stashing leftovers from one of the many nearby hotspots such as The Four Horsemen or Birds of A Feather. Pets are more than welcome and always stay for free.

My favorite part about the hotel is the artwork that can be found everywhere. The lobby is a working gallery, featuring artwork by ceramicist Yuko Nishikawa. A rotating selection of art pieces in the lobby, as well as each guest room, feature one-of-a-kind pieces of art that come from a partnership with local nonprofits LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts. This artwork is all done by New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and a portion of each stay goes towards supporting these galleries.

The rooftop restaurant, elNico, is a destination all on its own. Locals and hotel guests alike head up to the 11th floor of the hotel to take in the views and watch the sunset while enjoying a beautiful menu from chef Fer Serrano and cocktails by Leo Robitschek.

There really is no need to leave Brooklyn, but if you want to pop over to Manhattan, it is just a short ride away on the L train from nearby Lorimer Street station.

I recommend Penny Williamsburg to anyone visiting New York City who is looking for something that really showcases what makes this city so magical. The hotel staff, amenities and thoughtful touches throughout really make the experience special.