Set in the heart of Brooklyn’s trendiest district, Penny Williamsburg is a newly debuted neighborhood boutique hotel serving as an artist hub and providing an inspiring stay for those seeking an authentic taste of Brooklyn.
Designed by Sydell Group in collaboration with Stonehill Taylor, a renowned New York-based hospitality firm, Penny Williamsburg boasts a distinct exterior, characterized by an elongated white-brick façade accented with square windows. Paying homage to the hotel’s namesake, a captivating entryway flag proudly displays a charming chihuahua against a vibrant backdrop. Contemporary, illustrative compositions, showcasing the artwork of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, adorn the bright, industrial-chic lobby through a collaboration with two local nonprofit organizations: LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Studios.
Inside the 118 loft-style guestrooms and suites, you’ll find an overall homey and playful ambiance. Stacks of coffee table books curated by the beloved independent New York bookstore, The Strand, decorate accent tables. Personalized cork boards display delightfully crafted informational pamphlets—including a detailed guide to the staff’s favorite neighborhood spots, plus information about how to access the 24/7 Penny Mart—while eclectic artists’ paintings add another unique touch these fashionable spaces. Plush patterned pillows swathed in primary colors decorate queen-sized upholstery as inviting reading nooks hug expansive window corners overlooking Brooklyn’s cityscape.
After freshening up in the ensuite bathroom’s rain shower with custom-made sandalwood-scented toiletries, guests can envelop themselves in posh Parachute cloud robes for extra coziness. Furthermore, every room boasts a kitchenette with unlimited free filtered water, a mini fridge, a microwave, and an in-room pour-over coffee/tea setup that enhances the local neighborhood feel during your stay.
While guests are encouraged to explore the area’s magnificent gastronomy options, they can enjoy sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline and imaginative Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails at Penny’s design-centric 11th-floor restaurant and bar, ElNico. The innovative menu features items like Concord Grape Aguachile (scallops, jalapeño, cucumber, and nasturtium leaves in a hot pink sauce) and Broccolini Tacos (grilled broccolini, salsa macha, avocado, and queso fresco). As for the cocktails, don’t miss the Santo Pepino cocktail, even though it’s off-menu.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway as a tourist or opting for a staycation as a local city-goer, Penny Williamsburg deserves the top spot on your list when it comes to booking your stay for a bona fide Brooklyn experience.
Top Takeaways
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 288 N 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211
Rating: Four-Star
The vibe: A stylish boutique hotel brimming with art and some of the best views of New York City.
Food + Drink: ElNico is a design-forward restaurant offering innovative Mexican-inspired cuisine and creatively crafted cocktails—where everything from the decor to the views of Manhattan’s skyline to the food and drinks themselves is picture-perfect.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: We adore how homey the guestrooms are with personal drip coffee stations, walls clad in punchy-colored illustrations, and posh reading corners, imbuing the feel of a private studio apartment within the city.
Amenities: Free WiFi; Restaurant; Bar; Room service; Kitchenettes; Bikes available
What’s nearby? Grand Street Garden; Domino Park; Grand Ferry Park; Brooklyn Bridge; Flatiron Building; Chrysler Building; Empire State Building
Any personal neighborhood recs? Referencing the hotel’s adorable neighborhood guide, start your day with one of 7 Grain Army’s mouthwatering breakfast burritos before heading to 10ft Single by Stella Dallas for necessary vintage shopping. And if you can snag a seat, walk over to Lilia for next-level Italian fare, offering wood-fired pizza and housemade pasta.
Rooms: 118
Pricing: Rates start at $127/night.
Closest Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
