Penny Williamsburg was the latest on our New York travel review list, a hotel that introduced a novel concept in hospitality. Penny is beautifully blending the comfort of residential living with the perks of a modern hotel. Situated in the heart of Brooklyn’s thriving Williamsburg neighborhood, this hotel from the Sydell Group—creators of NoMad, LINE, and Freehand—offers a unique stay experience. The property serves a dual purpose: it’s a cozy retreat for short-term visitors and a communal residence for Bard College graduate students, embodying a seamless blend of hotel luxury and student housing.
Continue reading for more from DSCENE Travel editorial team and their stay at Penny:
Design Blending With Penny Williamsburg
The design of Penny Williamsburg mirrors the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit. The interiors are playfully idiosyncratic, capturing the casual yet convivial essence of the Williamsburg area. A central feature of the hotel is its dedication to the arts. Collaborations with local non-profits like LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts not only enriches the spaces with unique artworks but also support artists with developmental disabilities. The hotel’s commitment to the arts is palpable, with $1 from each reservation contributing to these organizations, enhancing the cultural fabric of the community. Today, very few hotels realize the importance of supporting art, and even fewer realize the need to help the local community. Penny finds a great way to do both while displaying art.
The rooms at Penny Williamsburg are thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and functionality. Guests can choose from various layouts, including the expansive Suite with its private terrace and home-like amenities. Each room features a functioning kitchenette stocked with gourmet Devoción coffee (a must try!), art books from The Strand bookstore, and custom comforts like Parachute robes, making every stay feel like a home away from home. The extensive use of plants throughout the hotel, designed by Brooklyn’s Verdant, brings a refreshing greenery that connects guests with nature amidst the urban backdrop. The balconies are the perfect moment for the quite morning coffee moment, or enjoy the beautiful evenings outdoor.
Hidden Restaurant Gem At Penny Williamsburg
ElNico, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, epitomizes the social heart of Penny Williamsburg. Positioned as both a lounge and a social hub, ElNico offers stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere. Its name, meaning “victory for the people,” reflects the rich Latin heritage integral to Brooklyn’s cultural landscape. The venue serves as a gathering place for both locals and visitors, adding a dynamic layer to the hotel’s offerings.
The restaurant brings the culinary vision of Executive Chef Fernanda Serrano, who hails from Mexico City. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu offers sophisticated yet accessible dishes that draw from the rich tapestry of Latin culinary traditions, infused with global influences. Chef Serrano’s impressive career includes stints at some of the world’s most esteemed restaurants—Pujol in Mexico City, Cosme in New York, and Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. These experiences have shaped her unique and deeply personal approach to cooking. Her dishes not only reflect her global journeys but also pay homage to the family recipes and flavors of her childhood in Mexico. The ingredients, primarily sourced from urban farms and local producers, further root her cuisine in the community and its surroundings.
Exploring Williamsburg At Its Best
At Penny you simply experience firsthand the charm, at the moment of our stay the local community hosted a charming street festival in the street adjacent to the hotel. This event added a delightful touch to the visit, showcasing the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural scene. The festival was even peeking into the rooms with a setup of a colorful ferris wheel, only adding further to the charm of the Penny. Additionally, the hotel’s location proves ideal for exploring, positioned within walking distance to local dining, and small boutique shopping, and just a quick metro ride away from Manhattan.
The concept is overall refreshing, standing as a community-centric space that invites guests to immerse themselves in local art, enjoy modern comforts, and engage with the vibrant life of Williamsburg. Guests of Penny Williamsburg, with its innovative approach, are treated to an experience that truly feels like a second home. Penny marks a significant addition to Williamsburg’s hotel scene, promising an authentic stay that resonates with both the modern traveler and the local community.
Discover more of Penny Williamsburg in our gallery:
The Penny Williamsburg
Address: 288 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Train Stop Lorimer L)
Keep up with Penny and book your stay penny-hotel.com – ig @thepennyhotel
Phone: (929) 594-2020
Wow this hotel is everything ! I stayed at penny a few times while visiting my family in Williamsburg
what a cute hotel! It is a struggle to find a nice one in Williamsburg! I have family there i am visiting every year and never could find a good hotel !
wow! I love their interior design! this is how hotel interiors should look. I don’t think many hotels get how far what guests expect has changed. We all want that feeling of home away from home! I feel like wanting to go to uni again ahaha and also stay in their dorms if they are also designed to be this cool! Penny Williamsburg is now added to my list!
this is cute! Finally for something cool in Williamsburg !