I have visited New York a total of 6 times in the past 3 years and I hadn’t been to Brooklyn yet. I have had many misconceptions. One, it always seemed like a big journey to partake from Manhattan and two it seemed to be a very different atmosphere to that of the city discouraging me to spend a day out there. Earlier in 2017 whilst I was planning my trip I decided to spend a week in New York of which I would spend a few nights in Williamsburg. The Wythe as Brooklyn’s first luxury boutique hotel had to be my first choice located in a 116-year-old factory building – though doesn’t feel like it anymore!

I am so lucky I flew in 6 hours before the snowstorm started. I had been counting days to my trip and I would have been heartbroken if it got cancelled. The Wythe Hotel has an extremely warm and welcoming feel to it. I had a very exhausting flight over and checking in to the room completely transformed my energy from tired to immediately upbeat. The views caught my breath. I could see the Manhattan skyline from my room without any obstruction! Something you will not get in Manhattan (naturally!).

The Room: Depsite being simplistic – the rooms are charming. The room sizes are unparalleled with extremely spacious bathrooms and heated floors – again something Manhattan can rarely beat. The minibar is a mini-independent Brooklyn food guide with independent gins, chocolates to crisps. I could feel the hotel is proud to be a Brooklyn landmark and only wants guests to take away the best experience possible. I have rarely felt this at any hotel I have stayed at in the past. I must mention I used the Goldies shampoo and hair conditioner (I usually do not trust hotel haircare!) and they were one of the best I have ever used – I didn’t feel the need to buy more product whilst I was there. The fact I could peek from the bathroom in to the room was something I want for my own apartment in the future. A very cool and dainty feature.

The F&B: Reynard is a wonderful restaurant with very friendly staff – it was ideal for my first night at the hotel. Ides Bar is another level of stunning Manhattan views  – perfect for a date night! Peter, the Owner, was telling me that the hotel is a great destination for weddings and I can totally understand why couples would choose this place. It is intimate, personal and romantic. If you are looking to pop the question – this is the place!

The Neighborhood: Williamsburg really does have everything. Bedford Avenue is a mix of great fashion, food and bars. The day that the snowstorm adventure started I braved my way to Toby’s Estate which I was delighted to discover is the first one and where it all started. They have a roastery and amazing space for freelancers to work from. I was surprised at the tolerance Williamsburg has for freelancers looking for a place to work from – it doesn’t happen in London (unless you order 10 coffees and food). Wythe Hotel is walking distance to the L Train (which I heard is closing down next year?!) and a 15 min journey to 14th Street Union Square which cleared my misconception on distance to Manhattan. I enjoyed my early morning jet lagged walks exploring an upcoming neighborhood, relaxed atmosphere and honestly it is a place I will definitely stay at again.

In a nutshell, The Wythe Hotel made a great effort to make my stay exciting and guiding me through the neighborhood and even encouraged me to go out and enjoy the snow!

The hotel has a great story and has been at the cusp of transforming the neighborhood. I do hope the neighborhood remains primarily driven by independent businesses and brands.