[category]
[title]
Review
Right across the East River in the heart of Williamsburg, with unobstructed waterside views of the Manhattan skyline, the stretch of Wythe Avenue between North 9th and 12th Streets has become a kind of hub of hip Brooklyn hotels: There’s the William Vale, a luxury property capped off with its stylish Westlight rooftop; the Hoxton, with its former-factory origins giving off industrial cool; and, finally, the Arlo Williamsburg, a trendy lodging known for its colorful pool deck and eclectic spirit.
The latter took over the former Williamsburg Hotel space back in 2023 and in the years since has grown into a reliably stylish and lively option in a neighborhood buzzing with them. Walking through that red-brick facade, passing beneath that marquee lighting, guests will find a cool and comfortable stay that balances an inviting warmth with the youthful energy of the buzzy area.
Okay, we won’t lie to you: The guest rooms—of which there are 147 across eight stories—are quite small, a byproduct of the nabe’s tall-not-sprawl nature. (The smallest option, the City View Queen, maxes out at 220 square feet.) But the Arlo makes the most of that diminutive size, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private Juliette balconies, marble-and-brass bathrooms (some even equipped with freestanding, deep-soaking tubs) and large, plush beds with crisp, high-quality bedding and tufted leather headboards.
Robe and slipper lovers will sadly be without those terrycloth comforts but a stocked mini bar, espresso machine and hand-held clothing steamer are welcome in-room amenities. There are also pet-friendly floors available if you can’t bear to part with your fur baby, as well as ADA-compliant rooms upon request.
On the lobby level, beneath an eye-catching installation of exposed bulbs, you’ll find Sungold, the hotel’s signature on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired fare for brunch through dinner. Slip into a cherry-red banquette for handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and seasonally-focused plates like crispy celery-root latkes with pear butter ($15) and roasted chicken with spring parsnips and market apples ($32).
The light-filled lobby bar turns out coffee and tea by day and cocktails and wine by night. But for the real fun, you’ve got to head to the rooftop, where you can sip-and-snack by the pool (more on that in a minute!) or grab a Golden Margarita up inside the show-stopping Water Tower Bar, a swanky cocktail bar offering skyline views from inside the roof’s titular, glass-windowed structure.
Along with those aforementioned food-and-drink options, there are numerous amenities on offer for Arlo guests, including a 24-hour fitness center, dedicated nooks for remote workers, and complimentary bike rentals. But by far the popular “extra” is that 40-foot rooftop pool, with reservable cabanas and chaise lounges available for guests. (Those staying at the Arlo get two lounge passes per room, per night booked, with three time slots available during the warm-weather months.) A big colorful mural, potted plants and wellness-y events like rooftop yoga and breakwork sessions offer vacation vibes, though those wraparound views will help remind you exactly where you are.
The property is conveniently located close to all of the cool-kid trappings of the neighborhood, including vintage shops, hip cafes and designer boutiques. It’s a five-minute stroll to McCarren Park; down the block from local favorites like Laser Wolf and Cafe Mogador; and ten minutes away from the East River Ferry, where you can catch a cruise up to Dumbo or Manhattan.
DETAILS
Address: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Price per night: between $250 to $440 per night
Closest transport: Bedford Avenue - L Train
Book now: via Booking.com
Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Discover Time Out original video