The William Vale
This 22-storey hotel set out to be everything Brooklyn is typically not. Sure, ‘dairy dips’ (aka ice-creams) are served out of a retrofitted 1974 Airstream trailer, but there’s no ‘industrial chic,’ according to architecture firm Albo Liberis. In fact, with its green, open spaces (including a publicly accessible, elevated park), it’s been coined an ‘urban resort development.’
There are a number of room categories, but major diplomacy where it matters because all have glassy balconies with panoramas over Manhattan and Brooklyn. Conceived by Studio Munge, the interiors adopt a contemporary modernist vibe with injections of colour in the furnishings and original art that run through the property. With rain showers, amenities by L’Occitane en Provence and linen by Frette, it’s tempting to stay in. But then you’d be missing out on Westlight, the rooftop terrace and bar with views so good you’ll feel closer to God.
Helmed by renowned chef Andrew Carmellini, it’s easy to get carried away with the bites menu when tuna tartare puffs and warm apple hand pies are up for grabs. Also up top is the longest outdoor hotel pool in New York, so take some time to dip and drink. The William Vale is part of a crop of trendy new hotels shaking up the hipster hood, where, until recently, the only place to rest your head was an Airbnb or friend’s mattress. Now there’s no need to schlep back over the bridge after your craft beer and band.