The Hoxton Williamsburg | Brooklyn

“The Hoxton is a series of open-house hotels inspired by the diversity and originality of the streets and scenes that surrounds us.” The Hoxton

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to contemporary hotels in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The cool neighbourhood has become a popular visitor locale and former industrial buildings within close proximity to one another have been repurposed into modern traveller friendly spaces. The Hoxton, Williamsburg was on my radar after having had a pleasing stay at The Hoxton, Amsterdam and having visited The Hoxton, Shoreditch in London.

The boutique hotel, located in the former Rosenwach water-tower factory, opened in 2018 and was The Hoxton group’s first American property and the first Hoxton to feature a rooftop bar. Ideally located on Whyte Avenue, the hotel is near trendy cafes, independent restaurants, bars, breweries and fashionable clothing and homeware stores. Brooklyn is known for its street art and the surrounding streets are vibrantly decorated but the best sight of all is the view of the Manhattan skyline across the East River.

All Hoxton hotels prides themselves on being what they phrase ‘an open house hotel’ which translates to cosy and welcoming spaces that redefine the typical hotel stay. The large sunken lobby area is designed to feel like home with comfy vintage sofas, fireplace and plenty of nooks for digital nomads and creative clientele. Klein’s coffee bar keeps guests caffeinated and the world’s smallest cinema is tucked away behind a velvet curtain. Untraditionally the check-in desk is concealed in the heart of the hotel accessible through the lobby area, a customary Hoxton design feature.

Like the common areas the rooms and restaurants have a retro vibe with design inspirations taken from the local neighbourhood and touches incorporated from the building’s industrial history. The Hoxton works with local artists to decorate common areas and corridors with unique artwork, uses furniture and accessories from designers within the community and sources locally produced products wherever possible.

The hotel offers 175 rooms with two room types, variations of The Cosy and The Roomy, some rooms can be also be connected for larger parties and families. They key element of the room design is the innovative use of space with deep under-bed storage draws, a series of wall shelves, hooks and a pull down desk. The large comfy bed dominates the space, linens are provided by local Brooklyn designer, Dusen Dusen and black out curtains ensure a good nights sleep. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light as well as maximising the view. Entertainment wise there’s a wall-mounted TV and Roberts radio. We opted for a room with a Manhattan skyline view which I recommend.

The modern bathroom features a monochrome design with subway tiles and black accessories offset with brass details. There’s a large walk-in shower and amenities are provided by bl_nk, The Hoxton’s own recyclable, eco-friendly, paraben and sulphate-free range that’s made in the UK (available to purchase in the Hox shop).

Located on one side of the lobby, Klein’s restaurant serves a menu of classic American fare along with wine, beer and cocktails. As the hotel has recently reopened post-covid Klein’s opening hours are restricted and it’s only open Thursday until Sunday for evening bites and weekend brunch. The industrial style bar is central feature and guests can enjoy a menu offering comfort food such as charred asparagus, burrata, NY strip steak, pan seared scallops, fried chicken sandwich and the Klein’s burger.

Disappointingly Klein’s outdoor terrace and Summerly, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views of the city were temporarily closed while we were staying. Backyard, the second floor BBQ terrace was also closed and that might even be permanent.

Hox Perks include complimentary water, tea and coffee available 24/7 in the reception area. As part of their policy to avoid ripping guests off with exorbitant mini bar prices you can also purchase a selection of supermarket priced snacks, beers and Hoxton branded goods. The oh-so-good complimentary breakfast bags that hung daily on our door in Amsterdam were underwhelming at this property, unappealing and half full. We found out on check out that they were also chargeable but they were swiftly removed from our bill once discussed. Other perks include free international telephone calls to anywhere in the world, vintage bikes available to borrow, late check outs if bookings allow and dogs are welcomed.

The ground floor is also home to The Apartment, a stylish meeting and events space with a central pantry. It has five creatively designed rooms that can be rented individually or booked together for private dinners, parties or business meetings and events.

The reception staff were very friendly and helpful, happy to share local tips and print out PCR test results etc, however room requests were slow and sometimes not fulfilled. Daily room cleaning is currently non-existent due to Covid rules but fresh towels are available on request and cleaning can be arranged if you vacate the room. Staff are happy to take care of all your luggage if you want to fit in that last minute bit of exploring.

Outside the hotel this area of Brooklyn has a thriving dining scene that offers all types of cuisines within walking distance. Dining venues can be found at the nearby Williamsburg Hotel that has a fantastic rooftop terrace, pool and bar that I recommend for sundowners and the view. There’s more bars and restaurants at the Wythe Hotel and the William Vale. The neighbouring Brooklyn Brewery and The Other Half Brewery at Domino Park are also worth a visit. The ferry port is also within walking distance where you can catch one of the regular ferries to DUMBO and Manhattan. Take a short stroll for good breakfast options and coffee shops along Whyte Avenue or nearby Bedford Avenue. There’s also shops and restaurants in Greenpoint if you fancy a longer walk.

The Hoxton Williamsburg offers everything that you need for an enjoyable stay in Brooklyn. It’s cool, clean and stylish in a great location and you can find yourself in a cafe, bar or shop within a few minutes of leaving the lobby.

The Nitty Gritty

The Hoxton Williamsburg, 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11249, USA

Email: hello.williamsburg@thehox.com

Website: thehoxton.com/williamsburg/

Check-in: 2:00pm

Check-out: 12 noon

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The Good…

Great location in Williamsburg

Well designed, modern and comfortable room

Free daily coffee/tea and water

Free fast wifi