For would-be honeymooners waiting to go to their fantasy location, a mini-moon beckons. Visiting an easier to access place as the world heals can satisfy those travel cravings as you await the dream event.
You’ve always wanted to visit Brooklyn—it just seems so cool. So, she books you a room at The Hoxton, Williamsburg, a hotel which embodies the hip borough’s body and soul. You’ve been to Manhattan—now you’re ready to take (with apologies to Leonard Cohen) Williamsburg.
Part of the canny, neighborhood-inspired, global hotel group, this property opened up as the first in the United States, with goals of evoking the creative, gritty, iconoclastic mood of its environs. Right away, locals claimed it as a hangout haven, a sure sign that it succeeded in its mission. On the northern end of Wythe Avenue, it sits in the heart of the hood. Not pretentious, The Hoxton offers room in three categories — “Cosy,” “Cosy with a View” and “Roomy.” She doesn’t call these rooms small or compact — to her, they’re romantic and well-kitted out, with a slew of organizational features. You agree. In fact, she calls it intimate — and she’s right. And, that view of the Manhattan skyline from panoramic windows? That’s everything. Neither of you can avert your eyes during sunset.
Perhaps her favorite part of The Hoxton is the bi-level common area. While the rooms have minimalistic undertones that make the small space seem bigger, the common areas exude rich, eclectic whimsy. Brick walls, a staircase, a nook for two with a perpetually playing movie (enclosed by velvet curtains), and Klein’s, the hotel’s all day restaurant mark the space The Lobby Bar invites for morning coffees and evening (or day drinking) cocktails. A rooftop terrace, open in warmer weather, adds to the options. The Hoxton, born from the bones of historic structures, aptly presents both the gravitas of the past and the enthusiasm of the inventive present tense. This is just where the two of you want to stay for a casual long weekend in the city. You’ve just got one problem. She loves it so much, she wants to move here.
Some Tips from the team at The Hoxton, Williamsburg:
To Do:
- Domino Park: One of my favorite walks in Brooklyn — good people watching and it’s always nice to be by the water and get those classic NYC skyline pics. Bring a quintessential NYC slice from Joes Pizza or snack on tacos at Tacocina (in Domino Park). A great starting point if you want to take the ferry to Manhattan or grab a Citibike across the Williamsburg bridge.
- Take advantage of “Flexy Time”: The Hoxton has free flexible check in and check out. As long as you book via the hotel website, you can tell them exactly what time you’re arriving or leaving. Perfect for the couple that’s got an early morning flight or wants to sleep in after a long night out
- For art lovers: Check out The Sketchbook Project/Brooklyn Art Library — a collection of over 50,000 sketchbooks from 30,000 artists. It’s free.
- Window shopping on Bedford Ave: Browse wacky vintage items (Beacon’s Closet, World of Walter) to elegant jewelry (Mociun) and everything in between.
To eat:
- Splurge on a dinner at The River Cafe, one of the city’s classic fine dining spots
- Sunday in Brooklyn is known for their famous brunch (those pancakes are justifiably Insta-famous), but I love it for dinner when it feels like a perfect neighborhood restaurant: cozy, tasty food and very flattering lighting
- Drinks at Summerly, the rooftop bar at The Hoxton, Williamsburg. City views galore! [As of publication time, the restaurant was closed – so please call ahead and get the most up-to-date information]: grab some pre-batched cocktails from the front desk and have a nightcap in your room, complete with glassware and garnish.
- Levain Bakery (unbelievable cookies and breads)
- Beer lovers must sip at Brooklyn Brewery
