Hotel Snapshot
Set in the heart of Brooklyn's trendiest district, Penny Williamsburg is a neighborhood boutique hotel that doubles as an artist hub, offering an inspiring stay for those seeking an authentic taste of Williamsburg. Designed to feel more like a residential escape than a traditional hotel, the 118-room property leans into a creative, community-driven ethos, with apartment-style accommodations and thoughtful touches that make settling in feel effortless.
Design & Character
Crafted by Stonehill Taylor, the hotel features an elongated white-brick façade adorned with square windows and an entrance flag bearing a charming chihuahua against a vibrant backdrop, a nod to the hotel’s namesake. Inside, the design takes a playful, slightly offbeat turn.
In collaboration with local nonprofit organizations LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Studios, artwork by New Yorkers with developmental disabilities fills the space, bringing color and character to the industrial-chic lobby. The ground floor doubles as a functioning gallery, with proceeds supporting the artists—an intentional move that roots the hotel in the neighborhood’s creative community.
Greenery also plays a starring role. Designed by Brooklyn-based studio Verdant, plants appear everywhere—from cascading exterior touches to in-room accents—giving the property a fresh, lived-in feel that softens the industrial bones.
The Rooms
Inside the loft-style 118 guestrooms and suites, you’ll find a homey, playful ambiance that feels more like a personal studio apartment than a hotel room. Stacks of coffee table books curated by The Strand line bedside tables, while corkboards display charming, handmade guides to staff-favorite neighborhood spots, plus details on accessing the 24/7 Penny Mart.
Patterned accent pillows in punchy primary colors sit atop upholstered queen beds, while reading nooks hug expansive window corners overlooking Brooklyn’s cityscape. Artwork from local artists adds another layer of personality, making each room feel slightly different from the next.
After freshening up in the ensuite bathroom’s rain shower with custom toiletries, guests can slip into Dusen Dusen robes for extra comfort. Every room also includes a fully equipped kitchenette with a sink, mini fridge, microwave, and a Stagg EKG pour-over setup with fresh-ground Devoción coffee delivered in-room—small details that reinforce the hotel’s residential feel.
The Food & Drink
While guests are encouraged to explore Williamsburg’s ever-expanding dining scene, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, elNico, is reason enough to stay in for the night. Located on the 11th floor, the space pairs sweeping views of Manhattan and Brooklyn with a vibrant, plant-filled setting inspired by an artist’s studio.
The menu offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine, with dishes like Concord Grape Aguachile and broccolini tacos that balance bold flavors with a playful presentation. The cocktail program leans into agave spirits, with colorful, seasonal drinks that match the energy of the space. Between the panoramic views, DJ programming, and lively crowd, elNico feels as much like a social destination as it does a restaurant.
The Amenities
Penny Williamsburg keeps things thoughtful rather than over-the-top. Guests have access to complimentary bikes for exploring Brooklyn, a private courtyard for lounging or remote work, and a digital, 24-hour Penny Mart stocked with snacks and essentials via QR code.
The hotel is also pet-friendly, making it an easy choice for travelers bringing their dogs along for the ride. In-room wellness items and flexible layouts cater to longer stays, reinforcing the idea that this is a place to settle in, not just pass through.
Location & Neighborhood
Located on a quieter block in Williamsburg, the hotel sits within walking distance of the neighborhood’s best coffee shops, vintage stores, galleries, and waterfront parks. Domino Park, Grand Ferry Park, and the East River waterfront are all nearby, offering some of the best skyline views in Brooklyn.
Referencing the hotel’s own neighborhood guide, start your day with a breakfast burrito from 7 Grain Army before heading to 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas for vintage shopping. If you can snag a reservation, Lilia remains a go-to for wood-fired pizza and housemade pasta.
Fast Facts
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Vibe: A colorful, art-driven boutique hotel with a playful, slightly kitschy personality and standout rooftop views
Room Count: 118
Pricing: Rates start at $200 per night
Food + Drink: elNico is a lively rooftop restaurant serving modern Mexican cuisine and agave-forward cocktails with panoramic skyline views
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: The apartment-style rooms with pour-over coffee setups, bold artwork, and cozy reading corners
Amenities: Free WiFi, rooftop restaurant and bar, bikes, courtyard, Penny Mart, kitchenettes, pet-friendly rooms
Closest Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
New York City, New York, United States
