Hotel RL Brooklyn

With the elevated J train rumbling by the front door every few minutes, there’s little doubt that the Hotel RL is situated in Brooklyn proper, a spirit echoed with gusto in the brick-and-wood industrial-style lobby crowned with exposed ductwork, and given a stylish, hip gloss. Pass through the doors to the left, and the look becomes even more pronounced in the bar and cafe, with long picnic tables and sofas running down the center to the "Living Stage," which hosts live music, podcasts, and open mics regularly. Victrola Coffee Roasters provides the caffeine, and a range of sandwiches, salads, and bar bites are also available -- all welcome to the guests, predominantly couples and friends, who check in. A lounge downstairs invites more socializing with a stack of board games and a large flat-screen TV. The rooftop terrace gives another spot to linger and take in views, although this space is unfurnished.

For many, the border of Bushwick and Bed Stuy, where the Hotel RL sits, represents the vanguard of Brooklyn's ongoing gentrification, which means both a young, creative energy but also significant doses of grit. An increasing number of hip bars, cafes, and eateries are in surrounding streets, and travelers can appreciate being among a true local crowd. That said, there are no major sights or attractions in walking distance, and guests will have to hop on the subway to do any sightseeing. Thankfully, the closest subway stop is a short three-minute walk away, and from there it’s only 22 minutes by subway to Lower Manhattan.

• Three-minute walk to the Kosciuszko Street subway stop
• 30 minutes to Greenwich Village by subway
• 32 minutes to Wall Street and New York Stock Exchange by subway
• 32 minutes to Brooklyn Bridge by subway
• 36 minutes to 9/11 Memorial by subway
• 36 minutes to Empire State Building by subway
• 37 minutes to Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum by subway
• 40 minutes to Battery Park (ferries to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island) by subway
• 40 minutes to Times Square by subway
• 43 minutes to Central Park by subway
• 60 minutes to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by subway
• 90 minutes to LaGuardia Airport by subway

Brooklyn itself plays a leading role in the Hotel RL's branding, and the same goes for its 70 rooms. A young, hip, modern design plays out in these spaces, starting with wall-sized vintage photo-murals of the borough. Heavy doses of fire-engine red bedding and wall trim also add vivacious details to the otherwise black-and-white rooms. Old-fashioned wall clocks and industrial lights give another layer of fashionable accents. Bathrooms are equally stylish, finished in white subway tile. Most have walk-in showers, but a few have shower/tub combos. All are stocked with artisanal toiletries by Cascadia Soapery, an elegant touch. Amenities across room categories include 55-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, USB Charging Ports, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. As with any hotel in New York City, space is sometimes tight, particularly in Twin Rooms where pairs of beds can be placed in an L shape. But a bigger drawback is the elevated subway train line right outside the window, that treats front-facing rooms to significant rumbles and roars every few minutes as trains pass by. 

The hotel’s efforts to create a trendy hangout translates into both a sizable and splashy bar, with a performance space featuring live music, and a screening and gaming room downstairs. When weather allows, guests can also congregate on the roof terrace, but the lack of furniture up here means there's nowhere to put your feet up. The on-site cafe serves up all meals, snacks, and late-night bites, although breakfast costs an extra fee. Victrola Coffee Roasters also provides premium coffee in the bar, and bike rentals are on offer in the basement. Other services include laundry service and assistance in ticket purchases. Pets are allowed for an additional fee. High-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout.