Brooklyn, NY--
NU Hotel is just that: a new style of hotel not typically found in Brooklyn. It’s one of a handful of new fun, urban, hip hotels that have opened up in the City over the last couple of years. NU Hotel pleases its guests in many ways, starting with its stylish, hip and modern décor.
I checked my car into the parking lot next door (no valet) and entered what I thought was the building. It turns out there’s an adjacent condominium complex that towers over Smith street, while NU Hotel next door is just four stories high. But I soon found my way into the lobby and was greeted by a cheerful desk attendant, on that rainy summer evening.
The lobby is understated, contemporary chic. With dark woods, ceramics, and natural fibers, the wrap-around windows give a nice peek in – and out – of the lobby/lounge area.
NU Hotel is located right in the middle of downtown Brooklyn, with funky shops and yummy restaurants and night spots at every turn. Right over the Brooklyn Bridge (you can walk to it, and, walk across), it’s a nice change for those needing to visit Wall Street, and who would rather enjoy the view of Manhattan’s skyline, than be staying in a part of it. Still, it’s only a half-hour to the airports, so that alone may prompt business travelers to consider crossing the bridge for their stay.
The hotel has 93 bedrooms and several suites. The NU Urban Suites have an amazing feature that probably no other hotel in New York or its environs boasts: hammocks! That’s right: eleven-foot-long hand-woven hammocks from Nicaragua. They’re a playful addition to the bright white, wood, and cork in the rooms… inviting a nap, or simply some time out for daydreaming. NU Friends Suites are a great value too: with bunk beds stashed into one wing of the room, it’s easy to pile a family of some college friends in the same space, without feeling overcrowded.
As an eco-friendly hotel, there are lots of windows, cork floors, and recycled teak furnishings. The bedding in NU Hotel is even organic, with stone and glass bathrooms and showers complementing the rest of the fixtures. A treat upon entering the bathroom (for me anyhow!) was the big slate chalkboard and piece of white chalk. I “customized” my room with my own little positive saying. Whimsical and fun, I felt like I was back in fourth grade.
Another feature of the NU Urban Suite - which may make you coming back for more - is the sunken king-sized bed, which both invites and envelops you. Tucked away in a corner around the bend from the room’s entry (and hammock!) you feel as though you are in your own private little world of calm.
NU Hotel is kind of like living in a loft for a couple of days. With quotes from Spike Lee and Henry Miller adorning the walls as you exit the elevator, you almost feel as though you’re a part of some kind of artists “commune” or co-op – but with your own room and privacy!
If you’re in the mood to listen to some music, satellite music systems will fill the air with your song-du-jour. Free Wi-Fi access lets you roam the wild internet without foraging too hard. Large 32-inch flat-screen televisions allow you to take whatever octopus of contraptions you may have brought along to plug in any which way you like: a “jack pack” welcomes all kinds of audio, video, and computer cables.
If you’re hungry, head to the NU Bar in the morning, where a free continental breakfast awaits. At night, the area turns into a gathering space for guests and locals who want to enjoy some light tapas like White Bean Hummus with Pita Crisps or Sliced Artisanal Salami, and a cocktail.
Perhaps most impressive about the NU Hotel is the size of its proprietary gym (not shared with the adjacent condominiums). Quite large with modern, new amenities including treadmills, ellipticals, and weights, it’s easy to see why it wouldn’t be too hard to squeeze in a workout, even if your stay is just for a day or two.
Housekeeping was efficient and quiet, but Smith Street can get a little loud. I’d recommend requesting a room away from the main drag if you want complete silence.
With rates around $200- a night, NU Hotel may be the new kid on the block, but it’s not getting bullied around. It’s fitting in nicely with the old and the new Brooklyn, servicing locals and visitors alike.
NuHotel
85 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.nuhotelbrooklyn.com
718 852 8585
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