After a run of luxury hotel openings in Brooklyn’s trendiest neighbourhood, Penny Williamsburg — which had its soft opening in August 2022 — is shining a spotlight back on the local art scene, while pioneering a first-of-its-kind hybrid concept that sees guests and artists exist side-by-side.
Where is it?
The clue’s in the name. Penny Williamsburg is on a low key block in what remains Brooklyn’s buzziest and most gentrified neighbourhood — and that relative quietness is a good thing in an area that never sleeps but still seems to be awake for yoga at 7am.
Main strip Bedford Avenue is a few minutes stroll in the opposite direction, with all the restaurants, shops and brunch spots your hipster heart could desire. If Manhattan calls, take the L train from Lorimer Street or Bedford Avenue subway stations — both five minutes from the hotel — and you’ll be at 14th Street just eight minutes later.
Style
You could argue that Williamsburg’s reputation for street art has been overlooked by the luxury hotel offerings that have sprung up in recent years. Not so at Penny. It may be the brainchild of Sydell Group, known for the NoMad hotels and The Ned in London, but this boutique offering is taking local art to the next level — pioneering a concept to house both hotel guests and graduate students (on different floors) from the prestigious liberal arts school, Bard College.
To that end, the entire building is chocka with pieces by local artists. The ground floor is a working gallery and there are installations by Japanese ceramicist Yuko Nishikawa. While a collaboration with local non-profit community organisations — LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts, which work with artists struggling with developmental disabilities — receives $1 from every guest reservation. Special mention must go to the flag hanging outside Penny’s front door by Bard graduate Michelle Devereux: a portrait of the hotel’s canine muse, described as “a small dog with a big personality”.
Which room?
It’s a bit like staying in a modern, clean apartment block at Penny… “like home, without chores or junk mail” as the website puts it. The 118 rooms — Queen, Supreme Queen or Suite — have sleek white walls, black surfaces and hardwood floors, which are softened by cloud robes from trendy bedding brand Parachute and a kitchenette, with a handy sink, fridge, microwave and kettle. Tea and coffee must be delivered to your room, mystifyingly, and a cork noticeboard (slightly reminiscent of my student bedroom) is pinned with bar and restaurant recommendations, as well as reminders to check out by 11am and instructions on using the blackout blinds. The plant wall on the hotel’s facade is carried through to the interior, with potted houseplants adding to that ‘homey’ feel — even better, it’s someone else’s job to keep them alive.
Food & drink
Slated to open in April 2023, Penny’s 11th floor rooftop is set to be the cherry on the cake. Still under construction at the time of visiting, I’m told there will be a jungle-inspired lounge and restaurant with private terraces, indoor and outdoor events spaces and a DJ booth - live music, performances and parties are planned. The hope is that guests and locals will gather to enjoy cocktails by Leo Robitschek, the award-winning NoMad bar director and a casual food menu, while taking in panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. For now, a courtyard on the ground floor acts as a space for guests to work and socialise. And there are Williamsburg institutions close by offering everything from ramen to dumplings. Try the unassuming Best Pizza, for a classic New York slice which a local friend deems so delicious that he’s been known to stash one in his luggage when travelling. Local beer is a must from Talea, a female-founded brewery and taproom.
Facilities
Don’t expect a gym or spa here, but do pack your cycling shorts and borrow Penny’s free bikes as a fresh (and free) way to explore Brooklyn and Manhattan — where a superb waterfront greenway allows you to cycle for 31 miles around the island, before you land back at the hotel for a stretch on your in-room yoga mat and a shower using its own branded toiletries. Needless to say given Penny’s ‘muse’, pets stay for free here: up to two per room, dogs and cats only and only those weighing under 34kg. Sorry Beethoven.
Extracurricular
Shop, eat, drink, brunch in a neighbourhood where shiny branches of Glossier, Everlane and the Apple store now rub up alongside Williamsburg’s original boutiques, such as cult jewellery brand Catbird, ID clothing and the Brooklyn Flea market (April- October).
Take a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery and then blow the cobwebs away with a stroll along the waterfront in Domino Park — a former sugar refinery turned into a 5-acre public space. There’s bowling at Brooklyn Bowl and Gutter. And don’t forget to explore Brooklyn’s other up-and-coming (some would say up-and-come) areas, from Bushwick to Greenpoint - accessible via the East River ferry, a fun and different way to take in the Manhattan skyline.
Best for…
Being a calm, homely space in the midst of Williamsburg’s lively hustle and bustle.
Prices
Rooms start from $200 per night. penny-hotel.com
