Penny Williamsburg: Brooklyn’s Artful Boutique Hotel Gem
Unpacking the art-forward hybrid hotel redefining comfort and community in the heart of Brooklyn’s buzzing Williamsburg neighborhood.
Penny Williamsburg: A New Brooklyn Icon
Amid the ever-evolving landscape of Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s energetic epicenter of creativity and culture, Penny Williamsburg emerges as both a bold new boutique hotel and a welcoming community hub. Launched in spring 2023 by the acclaimed Sydell Group (the minds behind NoMad, The Line, and Freehand), the hotel blurs the boundaries between hospitality, art, and residential comfort, offering an experience that resonates deeply with the borough’s modern identity.
This review journey covers every layer of the Penny experience: from the architecture and interior ethos to guest rooms, amenities, service, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a design aficionado, or a prospective guest hunting for your next Brooklyn stay, discover what makes Penny Williamsburg a standout within New York’s fiercely competitive hotel scene.
Location: Urban Calm in the Heart of Williamsburg
Located on a quiet side street at the northern tip of Williamsburg, Penny Williamsburg enjoys both tranquility and proximity to some of Brooklyn’s most dynamic offerings. Only a short stroll from the Bedford Avenue subway station and surrounded by bars, eateries, parks, and retail gems, the hotel delivers prime access without the overwhelming city clamor.
- Neighborhood highlights: Renowned spots like The Four Horsemen (natural wine and small plates), Llama Inn (inventive Peruvian), Fette Sau (Texas-style BBQ), and Bonnie’s (Cantonese American) all lie within walking distance.
- Connectivity: Quick subway or cab rides connect guests to Manhattan and other Brooklyn districts, while the street’s relative peacefulness enhances rest and relaxation.
- Community touch: The hotel’s hybrid nature (serving as temporary housing for Bard College graduate students) fosters a convivial, lived-in energy that further sets it apart from typical boutique hotels.
Design & Art: A Visual and Textural Feast
Upon entering Penny Williamsburg, guests are struck by a visual palette that interweaves modernity with warmth and creativity. The design strikes a careful balance between playful energy and calming minimalism, reflecting both Williamsburg’s avant-garde roots and its contemporary polish.
- Style anchors: Exposed concrete ceilings, warm hardwood floors, plush seating, and curated art installations create an environment both inviting and stimulating.
- Art-driven ethos: The hotel is dotted with works by local artists and up-and-coming talents, turning communal areas and hallways into living galleries.
- Greenery: Landscapes designed by Brooklyn’s Verdant bring the outdoors inside, softening the industrial edges and contributing to a homey vibe.
In-Room Aesthetics and Functionality
- Thoughtful layouts: With 118 rooms across a spectrum from cozy Queens (200 sq ft) to expansive Majesty Suites (700 sq ft, many with private terraces and kitchens), smart storage and furniture solutions maximize comfort and utility.
- Understated luxury: Features like Bellino Italian linens, curated book selections from The Strand, and pour-over coffee setups by Devoción (Colombian beans, roasted in Brooklyn) speak to a commitment to quality and locality.
- Soft touches: Textural contrasts—plush settees, farmhouse sinks, artistic rugs—balance the hotel’s modernist bones.
Rooms & Suites: Compact Comfort and Clever Details
Like a well-designed New York apartment, rooms at Penny are petite but never cramped, thanks to efficient layouts and carefully chosen amenities.
| Room Type | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Queen | ~200 sq ft | Pared-down, ideal for solo travelers or couples; plush queen bed, Bellino linens, coffee/tea setup |
| Deluxe / Suites | Varies | Some with kitchenettes and additional seating; roominess increases with category |
| Majesty Suite | ~700 sq ft | Separate living/dining space, soaking tub, private terrace, full kitchen; ideal for extended stays or families |
- Smart storage: Under-bed drawers, fold-down hooks, and modular shelving help manage luggage and clothing in small spaces.
- Luxurious touches: Hypoallergenic bedding, high-thread-count linens, and designer fixtures promote restful sleep and comfort.
- Creative extras: Book nooks curated by The Strand, original artwork, and in-room pour-over coffee systems add character and convenience.
Dining & Drink: ElNico’s Rooftop Revelry
Penny’s culinary star is ElNico, its show-stopping rooftop bar and restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Manhattan and Williamsburg skylines, ElNico is as much about the atmosphere as it is about its inventive, Mexico City-inspired cuisine.
- Chef Fernanda Serrano: A prodigy alumni of Pujol (Mexico City) and Cosme (New York), Chef Serrano brings a signature blend of tradition and playful reinvention to each plate.
- Signature dishes: Standouts include the vegan pink mole beet salad (beet, tahini, fennel, kumquat, pine nut), gorgeous carnitas, Spanish octopus with xnipec and garlic foam, inventive tlayudas, and fried oyster tacos with cucumber mignonette.
- Ambience: Bold, deconstructed pop-art carpets, whimsical sculptures, vibrant greenery, and both indoor (shag rugs, rich wood tables) and outdoor (couches, high-tops) seating make ElNico a destination for both locals and travelers.
- Breakfast: While there is no formal breakfast menu, guests enjoy complimentary pastries and burritos at the lobby cart—an approachable perk that suits busy travelers and the hotel’s community-forward approach.
ElNico’s lively reputation and panoramic views draw neighborhood regulars and guests alike, turning each meal or drink into an event worthy of the city’s culinary renaissance.
Amenities: Essentials Done Right
Penny Williamsburg takes a minimalist tack on traditional hotel perks. There’s no spa, pool, or gym—but in a city that thrives on walkability and urban adventure, these omissions are hardly missed.
- In-room amenities: High-quality pour-over coffee and tea, Bellino linens, powerful Wi-Fi, books for leisure, and hypoallergenic details.
- Lobby perks: Grab-and-go breakfast pastries and burritos, local art displays, and helpful front desk staff ready with neighborhood tips.
- Pet-friendly policy: Pets are welcome, making the hotel a good option for travelers with animal companions.
- Accessibility: Room designs and communal spaces accommodate guests with mobility needs.
By streamlining amenities but enhancing what matters—the guest room experience, hospitality, and a one-of-a-kind rooftop—the Penny maintains both value and distinction.
Service: Professional, Warm, and Discreet
The staff at Penny Williamsburg deliver a brand of hospitality that strikes just the right balance between professionalism and approachability. Guests consistently highlight the friendliness and effectiveness of the team, describing interactions as warm, proactive, and never intrusive.
- Proactive but subtle: The staff are always on hand for suggestions or support but are careful not to hover, appealing to independent travelers as well as those who value local recommendations.
- Guest feedback: Many reviews note the staff’s “genuine hospitality,” attention to detail, and helpfulness in resolving minor issues.
- Solo travelers: The friendly yet unobtrusive service makes Penny welcoming for those traveling alone or seeking privacy.
Guest Impressions: What Real Visitors Say
Penny Williamsburg has rapidly cultivated a loyal following among travelers, locals, and critics alike. While the overwhelming majority of guests praise the hotel’s unique blend of style, comfort, and community, some feedback points to areas for improvement—reflecting the dynamic, iterative nature of boutique hospitality.
- Positive reviews: Guests love the hotel’s creative design, calming atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and central location. Solo travelers, in particular, appreciate the size and coziness of the Queen rooms and the friendly service.
- Room critiques: Some note that entry-level rooms can be snug for two people, particularly when the bed is positioned against the wall. Suites and upper-category rooms are recommended for those seeking more space or staying longer.
- Amenities feedback: Absence of a gym or spa is occasionally mentioned, but most guests find the minimalist amenities appropriate given the neighborhood’s abundant offerings.
- Value considerations: Rates (sometimes $430 and above per night) reflect Williamsburg’s shift from bohemian hotspot to upscale destination; for many, the blend of design, service, and location justifies the price.
- Occasional issues: A few guests have experienced minor inconveniences (such as climate control quirks or limited kitchen stock), but report responsive support and continuous improvement from management.
Why Penny Williamsburg Stands Out
- Artful living: The hotel’s integration of local art into both guest spaces and public areas provides a continual sense of discovery and creativity.
- Community connection: Housing Bard College students alongside guests ensures a vibrant, ever-changing social atmosphere and authentic Brooklyn energy.
- Culinary destination: ElNico sets the standard for rooftop dining in Williamsburg, drawing guests from across the city.
- Central but peaceful: The location combines easy access to dining, nightlife, and transit with a restful, off-the-main-road setting.
- Personalized service: Staff offer a blend of friendliness and professionalism suited to the expectations of today’s travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Penny Williamsburg offer breakfast?
A: There is no full-service breakfast restaurant; instead, guests enjoy complimentary grab-and-go options like pastries and burritos available at a lobby cart.
Q: Is ElNico open to the public, and do I need a reservation?
A: ElNico, the rooftop bar and restaurant, welcomes both hotel guests and locals. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours or on weekends.
Q: What are the options for room sizes and layouts?
A: Room categories range from efficient Queen rooms (great for solo travelers) to spacious Majesty Suites with dedicated living and dining areas, kitchens, and terraces. The hotel also offers rooms with various bed placements to suit different preferences.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Penny Williamsburg is pet-friendly, welcoming animal companions with open arms.
Q: How is the hotel’s location for exploring Williamsburg and Manhattan?
A: The hotel’s northern Williamsburg location offers easy access to local dining, parks, and nightlife. Subway connections nearby allow for quick trips to Manhattan or other Brooklyn hotspots.
Q: Does the hotel cater to business travelers or remote workers?
A: While there’s no dedicated business center, rooms are equipped with strong Wi-Fi, and the lobby and rooftop spaces can double as casual work environments during quieter periods.
Conclusion: Who Is Penny Williamsburg For?
If you crave art-forward accommodations, a central yet tranquil location, and a taste of contemporary Brooklyn culture, Penny Williamsburg is a compelling choice. The hotel excels for solo travelers, design lovers, and anyone drawn to hybrid spaces that foster both comfort and community. With ElNico’s culinary artistry and the hotel’s unique energy, a stay here offers not just rest, but inspiration—a snapshot of Williamsburg at its thoughtful, creative best.
