Back when we first had the idea to launch this blog, we had just celebrated our friend’s “Fabulous 50th” at the 1 Hotel Miami Beach.  We all absolutely loved the hotel.  When we learned there were other 1 Hotel locations, including 2 in NYC, we couldn’t wait to check them out.

Lucky for me, my younger brother lives in Brooklyn.  It was recently his birthday, which seemed like the perfect excuse to check out the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. 

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has a fabulous location, which allows you to access all the fun and excitement of New York City, while also providing an escape from the hustle and bustle. The hotel’s décor is inspired by nature, with greenery and plants adorning the lobby, the restaurants, and the sleeping rooms, which provides a retreat-like ambiance.  Sustainability is a theme of the 1 Hotel chain, which is reflected in the décor, furnishings, bamboo room keys, mini-fridge selections, and filtered water tap provided in each room. The sleeping room was a really good size for a NYC hotel and even though we didn’t pay for the “Brooklyn Bridge’ view, the exterior wall was floor to ceiling windows with a partial view of the bridge.

Valet parking cost a fortune, but the fee was in line with what we expected.  You don’t need a car once you’re at the hotel because you can walk to restaurants and attractions, so getting to the hotel via public transportation would be the way to go.  The Time Out Market, full of an interesting sampling of food options, is a short walk away and worth the visit for lunch or a snack.  The River Café is a unique venue just steps from the hotel, with beautiful views of Manhattan.  There are many, many other restaurants within an easy walk of the hotel and of course, you can easily travel to different spots in the city as well.  We ate at the Osprey, which is the farm to table restaurant located in the hotel’s lobby.  Everything we ordered was delicious.  Our favorite dish may have been the brussels sprouts, but the venison and the mushroom risotto were fabulous as well.

We arrived at the hotel after dark and walked the area to take in the views of Manhattan, but it wasn’t until the morning when we were able to appreciate the fact that the hotel is located right on the fabulous walking/running/bike path of Brooklyn Bridge Park.  The waterfront area in Brooklyn features many beautiful parks and piers and this park offers a wide paved path, plus various lookouts to views across the river.  The 1 Hotel is also just steps to a ferry stop, which can transport you to a bunch of other fun spots in the City. There is also a fun waterfront carousel just a block away.  The hotel features a rooftop bar, which they convert into the “Polar Lounge” in winter with furniture composed of ice.  Book reservations in advance if this is something you would like to check out. The spa also books up, so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Since I was traveling with a local, there was only so much of the hotel area he could handle.  He wanted to be sure I got to try some of his favorite pizza during my visit. Shout out to Lindustrie Pizza for not only fabulous pizza, but perhaps the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve tasted in my life!  Check them out on Instagram.

Brooklyn is where it’s at!  So much more to explore.  Can’t wait to visit again soon!