1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

DUMBO is a buzzing neighborhood, and the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has made itself an integral part of its always growing social fabric. The hotel is more of a hub that blurs the lines between local hang-out spot and tourist destination. That impression starts right away. Intimate seating areas, reclaimed wood tables, living walls, a straight-out-of-Scandinavia cafe, and a handsome restaurant all share the ground floor, with people constantly coming and going -- day and night. Despite all of this activity, the hotel's main common areas don't feel busy -- instead, the vibe is always low-key and laid-back and very Brooklyn. You'll spot locals tapping away on laptops and reading, and tourists meeting up with one another before heading off to dinner. Upstairs, things are a bit more of a New York scene. There, at the hotel's beautiful rooftop garden bar, views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge are nothing short of stunning. Even on slow nights, there's likely to be scant seating available, but that shouldn't deter you as it's easily the crown jewel in a hotel with many such gems. You'll see a wide array of travelers here, from locals on staycations to couples, business travelers, and families.

In addition to its wealth of features, this 1 Hotel outpost has a prime location that's perfect for travelers or those on staycations. The hotel sits right on the East River, which translates to stunning views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It's also directly connected to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which hosts events like movies and concerts in the summer months. DUMBO is one of the city's most upmarket neighborhoods, and you'll find everything from an outdoor hipster market to luxury designers, national chain stores, and bespoke local retailers here. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are on literally every block, including local landmarks like Grimaldi's Pizza. The closest subway station is either at York Street or High Street for F trains or A and C trains, respectively. Both around 10 minutes away on foot. Commutes into Lower Manhattan are literally one stop (you'll find the World Trade Center close to the A and C stations once you enter Manhattan, while the F train leads to Chinatown and the Lower East Side). It's about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Midtown Manhattan on the subway, and 30 to 40 minutes to Williamsburg. There's also a water taxi station just below the Brooklyn Bridge for those wanting to reach Manhattan via ferry. You'll need at least 90 minutes for a trip to any of the area's airports, though JFK is the easiest to reach by public transit using the A train and the AirTrain. Taxis may be faster, but there's no guarantee thanks to NYC traffic.

New York City isn't known for space, but the rooms here are large by city standards, an effect which is only heightened by the walls of windows in every unit. Those windows are a key design feature, particularly because the majority of rooms have at least partial views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Of course, paying for upgrades will merit direct, full-frame views of Lower Manhattan's skyline and the bridge as well. Depending on the occasion, this might be worth the splurge.

Nice scenery aside, the rooms themselves are something to admire. The look is equal parts bohemian and urban, where industrial design elements blend seamlessly with reclaimed wood, hand-knit blankets, and what essentially amounts to living art installations rendered in moss. The emphasis on staying green isn't hard to miss. Even entry-level King Rooms have both banquette seating and windowside chair seating, with suites featuring separate living areas. 

Standard features are high-end across all categories: Smart TVs, iPads for dinner reservations and services, Nespresso machines and free coffee, and minibars featuring locally sourced drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and closets with yoga mats round out the features. King beds come standard and are dressed in organic linens atop firm Keetsa memory foam mattresses. Bathrooms are partially open to the room, though toilets and marble-and-mahogany rainfall showers are separated from rooms by door (it's not the most private arrangement). There's plenty of counter space and bespoke bath products are provided.

Embracing its urban resort vibe, 1 Brooklyn Bridge is packed with amenities. The star of the show here is the rooftop garden terrace, with a bar, seating areas, a pool, and spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a hot ticket and can get crowded on weekends, and private events mean parts of the rooftop may not always be open to the public. The cocktail menu includes cool only-in-Brooklyn offerings, and while prices aren't low, it's worth it for the romantic views. Back on the ground floor, the hotel also has an attractive coffee shop that buzzes in the mornings, plus a new American restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Both feature outdoor terraces for when the weather is nice.

The hotel's fitness center is compact, but features everything from a squat rack to cable machines and cardio options, though the property also offers a series of free classes (including yoga -- there's a mat in your room). POE is the yoga venue, though it also provides boxing classes and various other cool fitness options. Not all classes there will be free for hotel guests. There's a chic spa on-site for massages and treatments as well.

There are several dedicated meeting rooms, as well as plenty of informal co-working spaces available in the lobby. These consist of intimate seating groups and large tables sectioned off by a surplus of plants that make this part of the hotel feel more intimate than its vastness might otherwise suggest. The hotel also hosts a series of events throughout the year, including film screenings, lectures, and seasonal parties. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.