Penny Williamsburg — Photo by Sydell Group
Penny Williamsburg — Photo by Sydell Group
Penny Williamsburg — Photo by Sydell Group
Penny Williamsburg — Photo by Sydell Group
Penny Williamsburg — Photo by Sydell Group

Softly opening this summer, Penny Williamsburg is a new hospitality concept located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Created by Sydell Group, who are known for beloved hotel brands including NoMad, LINE, and Freehand, the property will be the first of its kind; a hybrid of hotel and housing for graduate students in partnership with the esteemed art school, Bard College. Penny's ethos is rooted in an intimate, residential sensibility that offers apartment style accommodations that are equally suited for short term visits and longer stays. Located on a quiet block in the Williamsburg neighborhood, the hotel is a short walking distance to the vibrant collection of local restaurants, cocktail bars, shops, and bookstores that draw visitors to this iconic Brooklyn community.

The design and spirit of Penny Williamsburg is playful and idiosyncratic, reflecting the convivial and casual spirit of its surrounding community. Central to the hotel's ethos is an in-room and public space art program, which involves a collaboration with two local, non-profit community arts organizations - LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts - that provide resources, studio space and representation to artists with developmental disabilities. To further support and showcase the works of underrecognized artists and support a vibrant facet of the local art community, the ground floor is a functioning art gallery, and $1 from each hotel reservation will be donated to the organizations. Additionally, the property features installations by artist Yuko Nishikawa and other local artists. The portrait of Penny that graces the front entry of the hotel was commissioned by artist and Bard graduate Michelle Devereux.

Another central element of the hotel's design is a focus on an extensive plantscape designed by acclaimed Brooklyn landscape design studio, Verdant. From cascading greenery on the exterior façade to a terrace meadow to plants in every guest room, the property was designed with a green thumb sensibility.

Each of the 118 guest rooms at Penny Williamsburg are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with residential views of Williamsburg. Guests can choose from a selection of room layouts including a Queen room, a Superior Queen room and a spacious Suite sprawling 660 square-feet with two Queen bedrooms, living and dining areas and a large private terrace. Each room is outfitted with hardwood floors, seating/dining area, a selection of art books curated by beloved independent NY bookstore The Strand and a functioning kitchenette – complete with sink, mini fridge / freezer, microwave, and a Stagg EKG electric pour-over coffee kettle with fresh-ground Devoción coffee delivered in-room each morning with tea available on request. Guest amenities also include unlimited complimentary filtered water, bikes to borrow and in-room yoga/exercise supplies. Custom branded bath products and Parachute cloud robes help create a homey feel. A private courtyard and patio on the ground level offers an exclusive space for guests to work, socialize and lounge in a lush outdoor setting.

Opening in early 2023 and located on the 11th Floor of Penny Williamsburg, The rooftop (name forthcoming) serves as both the hotel's lobby and a lively gathering space for guests and locals. The rooftop offers extensive indoor and outdoor space and two private terraces with stunning panoramic views of the Williamsburg skyline and surrounding area. The rooftop bar & restaurant will offer a casual menu accompanied by a craft cocktail program led by Leo Robitschek, creator and leader of the award-winning NoMad bar program & former Bar Director at Eleven Madison Park. Constructed with entertainment in mind, the rooftop features a custom built-in DJ kiosk and plenty of space for live music, performances, and cultural events. The space is available as well as for private gatherings and cocktail parties.

QUICK FACTS

  • Address:288 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
  • Train Stop: Lorimer L
  • Website: penny-hotel.com
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Instagram: @pennyhotel
  • Phone: (929) 594-2020
  • Developer: Sydell Group
  • Design: Sydell Group and Stonehill Taylor
  • Landscape Design: Verdant
  • Collegiate Partner: Bard College
  • Art Partners: LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Art
  • Soft Opening: Summer 2022
  • Starting Rate: $200

PROPERTY FEATURES

  • 118 guest rooms
  • Standard room, Superior room and Suite options
  • Free filtered water
  • A jungle-inspired rooftop lounge and restaurant with a built-in DJ kiosk and two terraces offering panoramic views of Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines (expected early 2023)
  • Complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout the property
  • Art by LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts
  • Private classrooms and events spaces
  • Private guest courtyard available for socializing and remote work
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible by car or NYC transit (taxi, ferry, subway, bus, bike)
  • Bikes available for guest use to explore Brooklyn and beyond

GUEST ROOM AMENITIES

  • Queen beds outfitted with Bellino fine linens
  • Sitting area
  • Chromecast-ready 43" LG TV
  • Bespoke kitchenettes complete with a sink, a mini fridge / freezer, a microwave, and a Stagg EKG electric pour over coffee kettle with fresh-ground Devoción coffee and tea options delivered in-room • Extensive list of minibar offerings and wellness items available via online app
  • Selected artwork by artists from local non-profits, LAND Gallery and Pure Vision
  • Selection of art books curated by The Strand
  • Extensive greenery in room and throughout the property
  • Parachute cloud robes
  • Glass enclosed walk-in showers
  • Custom branded bath products
  • Residential views of Williamsburg
  • Air conditioning

Hotel website