For amazing brunches and boutiques on your doorstep head to New York’s trendiest area
SET in the heart of New York’s Williamsburg – the Brooklyn neighbourhood known for its indie music scene and foodie hot spots – is the latest Moxy hotel.
Light wood interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows make the compact rooms feel airy, while minimalist artwork nods to the area’s creative roots.
You’re also just a 10-minute walk from two subways whizzing you across the river to the Big Apple’s tourist attractions.
What we loved
We were big fans of the retro games in the lobby, the comfy beds and the high-pressure rainfall showers, as well as the USB and USB-C sockets for high-speed charging.
Plus, there’s a handy weekly guide to local events and you’re spoiled for on-site eateries.
Bar Bedford is an all-day cafe bar, where you can grab a free coffee and £4 breakfast bagels.
While at Tel-Aviv-inspired Mesiba, the Frena bread, £6.50, and Eli’s baba ganoush 2.0, £15 (with its buttery half-roast aubergine and deliciously smooth har bracha tahini) are must-orders.
Knafeh, a cheesecake-filled crunchy pastry, £11.50, is out of this world, too.
LilliStar, the rooftop bar, has stunning views of Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, plus equally good Bumbu margaritas.
There’s also nightclub Jolene, and Pelotons in the basement.
What we didn’t
The lack of hanging space was an issue – we lived out of our case and used the handheld steamer a lot.
Rooms aren’t soundproofed, so light sleepers should pack ear plugs. And don’t expect in-room coffee machines.
Out & about
A few blocks away, you’ll find Insta-fave Sunday In Brooklyn.
Order the triple-stacked hazelnut, maple praline and brown butter pancakes, £19 (Sundayinbrooklyn.com).
At nearby Aussie cafe Two Hands, tuck into unbeatable lemon poppyseed waffles, £14 (Twohandshospitality.com).
They’re a weekend special elsewhere in the city, but in Williamsburg you can get them every day!
Local haunt Sauced – a walk-in wine bar with no menu – opens on to the street and is steps from the hotel.
They’ll find you a vino you’ll love, from £12 a glass (Saucedbklyn.com).
Italian restaurant Lilia is a 15-minute walk, serving treats such as leek focaccia with green garlic butter, £13, and pink peppercorn cacio e pepe, £20 (Lilianewyork.com).
Want to shop? Seek out recycled jewellery at Catbird (Catbirdnyc.com) and secondhand reads at Book Thug Nation, with its $1 trolley full of gems.
Vintage store 10ft Single By Stella Dallas has the best secondhand clothes, with racks of like-new Levi’s.
Meanwhile, riverside Domino Park is home to beach volleyball and bocce courts, over 100 plant species and so many adorable puppies.
Doubles cost from £144 a night (Moxywilliamsburg.com).
- Photography: 4Corners, Instagram/Lilia, Instagram/Two Hands