Review: The Hoxton Williamsburg

Why book?

For an affordable, chic stay that boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the ever-evolving borough, depending on your preference.

Set the scene

The Hoxton is known for its chic and modern design, with a focus on creating a warm, inviting space. The UK-based Ennismore designed the hotel to feel extremely Brooklyn, dotting it with locally sourced vintage furniture and bookshelves displaying hefty tomes on contemporary art, and ’70-style chandeliers hanging from the lofty ceiling. Its a stylish spot to congregate after work, a meeting place for run clubs, and a starting point for budding creatives. The Hoxton often showcases local art and features installations by Brooklyn-based artists, which ties into Williamsburg’s strong art scene. Guests have the chance to experience the creative pulse of the neighborhood right from within the hotel.

The backstory

The London-founded hotel brand known for its array of global properties, including in London's Holborn, Amsterdam, and Paris, arrived in the US by way of New York. Since opening this first US hotel, the brand has expanded into Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with more European properties being added to the roster of late (like the new Vienna outpost) as well. Many Hoxton hotels have been renovated from old warehouses or residences, with the Williamsburg location being no exception; it once functioned as the Rosenwach water towers factory.

The rooms

Once you step inside your suite, you’re met with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light. You’re treated to a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of the city—cars rushing across the Brooklyn Bridge, friends walking the lively Wythe Avenue as they saunter from one restaurant to the next, New Yorkers going for evening jogs to reward themselves with glimpses of the cotton candy sunsets over the East River. Wood furnishings contrast with gold hardware. Beds are dressed with soft, pristinely white cotton sheets with teal and khaki pillows resting on the plum-hued velvet headboard. The room layout is intentional and fits a small wardrobe rack, a wall-mounted desk, and a small fridge for snacks that can be purchased. The simple yet modern bathroom is outfitted with a walk-in shower that's fully stocked with Blank toiletries (a Hoxton exclusive toiletry brand), brass hardware, and black-and-white marbled countertops. The white, tiled walls are just as satisfyingly sterile as the white cotton towels that hang from the slim rack.

Food and drink

There are three restaurants to choose from during your stay: Laser Wolf, K’Far, and Jaffa. Laser Wolf offers Israeli cuisine that's cooked over live coals, with skewers being the hot ticket item—but it's also worth trying the fish dishes, such as the salmon shishlik with a side of shawarma-spiced cauliflower that’ll make you happy to eat your vegetables. In the summertime, it’s a prime spot to grab drinks as it has a rooftop space that arguably has one of the best views of Brooklyn. In the center of the lobby, you’ll find K’Far, where you can quickly grab a coffee and pastry on your way out—take your pick of sweet pastries like caramel apple babka or pistachio sticky buns. Another go-to for dinner is Jaffa, which is inspired by Israel’s famed port city and offers coastal favorites and raw options.

The neighborhood/area

Williamsburg’s Wythe Avenue functions as the neighborhood’s unofficial hotel strip where boutique hotels come to serve as community hubs and memorable accommodations. Reflective of the diverse residents of the neighborhood, the local eateries include Caribbean, Italian, Kosher, and Polish cuisine, just to name a few. The Hoxton fits right in with its extensive list of elevated Israeli entrées and desserts made with local ingredients.

The hotel is blocks from Marsha P. Johnson Park, where the Smorgasburg food market happens each Saturday from April to October. Foodies bounce around from one food truck vendor to the next as they chow down on benches by the water. After a hefty lunch, it’s a must to wander around the neighborhood, stopping in consignment shops, customizable jewelry stores, or beauty bars.

The service

The team is polite and chatty. They take pride in the neighborhood and are well-versed in the area with a readiness to pitch a restaurant, bar, shop, or park recommendation.

For families

The rooms are quite compact, but if you tell the hotel you need the Tiny Hox treatment, they’ll provide a crib with an organic mattress, bottle warmers, diapers, and a coloring book all packaged in a tiny tote for easy transporting.

Accessibility

The hotel is easily accessible by elevators, though they are quite small.

Anything left to mention?

Though the hotel doesn’t have a gym inside, guests can make their way to the front desk where the team can hook them up with a gym pass for a neighborhood spot during their visit.