Discover The Hoxton Williamsburg: Your Chic Retreat in Brooklyn

If you’re planning a trip to New York and want an alternative to the crowds and hustle and bustle of staying in Manhattan, look no further than Brooklyn.

A few weekends ago, I was treated to a stay at one of the chicest boutique hotels on the other side of the East River – The Hoxton, Williamsburg. Just off hip Wythe Ave, The Hoxton Williamsburg welcomes guests with one of the coziest hotel lobbies I’ve seen in recent memory.

A Stylish Place to Hang or Work Remotely

Featuring lots of nooks and comfy corners to kick your feet up and rest, the spacious yet homey lobby of The Hoxton is the perfect spot to meet a friend or work remotely, whether you’re a guest or just a neighbor looking for a spot to grab some coffee and catch up on emails.

Right off the lobby is Klein’s, the hotel’s bar and restaurant on the first floor with a buzzing ambiance and impressive selection of unique cocktails. The restaurant is open for weekend brunch as well as dinner nightly beginning at 4 PM. I pulled up a stool to the bar for dinner and opted for the “salsa verde” cocktail, a unique twist on a margarita, and it was delightful. The food menu is small but satisfying; the roasted mushrooms were definitely a highlight. Additionally, the hotel is excited to introduce a new Israeli kebab restaurant opening on the rooftop soon.

The Best Views of NYC Are in Williamsburg

I always say the best views of the iconic New York City skyline are not from within Manhattan itself, but rather from Williamsburg. This was definitely the case during my stay with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows in my guestroom. Each room comes with some heavy-duty blackout curtains; however, I opted to sleep with them open to be woken up by the enchanting sunrise views over the skyline, something I don’t experience from my own apartment.

What Are the Rooms Like?

The room itself is what you’d expect for a boutique hotel and comparable in size to most of the hotels in Manhattan within the similar price range. I especially loved the plush bed and green velvet headboard – a statement piece in the modern and sleek rooms. The hotel building is the former factory of the Rosenwach Water Towers, the oldest water tank company in the U.S., and remnants of this history are reflected in the raw concrete finishes found throughout the guest rooms.

The Hoxton location frequently provides unique offerings across their portfolio of properties, so it’s always a good idea to check for special experiences that could enhance your stay. During my visit, there was a delightful treat awaiting me inspired by local cereal brand OffLimits.

Explore the Neighborhood: Bushwick Inlet Park, Domino Park, and Roberta’s Pizza

The hotel is conveniently located right across the street from Bushwick Inlet Park, a green space that just received significant funding for expansion and upgrades. This area serves as a great spot to soak up those iconic NYC skyline views and perhaps join the locals in a friendly game of soccer.

Just a 10-minute walk from The Hoxton is Domino Park, another beautiful space on the Brooklyn waterfront built on the former site of the Domino Sugar factory (hence the name). The park features a playground, sand volleyball courts, ample green space to relax, and an exciting new dining strip featuring Roberta’s Pizza and Other Half Brewing.

While the holiday season can be quite chaotic in New York, the quiet streets in Williamsburg offer a refreshing escape. A stay at The Hoxton, Williamsburg provides a much quieter alternative to the bustling atmosphere of The Big Apple, while still being just one subway ride away from all the action across the river.

Local Favorites to Check Out

While you’re in the area, here are a few local establishments worth visiting:

• Dolly’s Swing & Dive – the perfect neighborhood dive bar that pays homage to the iconic Dolly Parton.
• Cafe Mogador – a family-run Moroccan and Middle Eastern restaurant known for the best hummus and halloumi.
• Shelter – the coziest restaurant in Williamsburg, ideal during the colder months.
• Brooklyn Brewery – a local microbrewery offering tastings and tours.
• Rule of Thirds – a delicious Japanese restaurant in Greenpoint with a spacious U-shaped bar for friendly gatherings.

Caitlin Riddell stayed at The Hoxton Hotel by invitation.