Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown

The gray brick facade of this Hampton Inn is unremarkable. However, inside, pains have clearly been taken to introduce a little "downtown Brooklyn cool" to the decor. The lobby features variegated-wood walls, globe light fixtures, and carpets in a frenetic black, white, and yellow pattern. Framed prints of Brooklyn landmarks in the entryway, at the front desk, and by the breakfast area are a nod to the borough. The plush gray armchairs by the electric fireplace give a cozy place to lounge and doubles as a spot for a drink when the bar is in service. Despite the adult look to the decor, the hotel’s primary clientele seems to be families on vacation, which is typical for this mid-range brand. But tourists may find trekking into the city cumbersome, especially with small children, and could consider a more central hotel, as rates aren't significantly lower here.  

While Brooklyn is known for neighborhoods rich in character and coolness, the Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown is located in a fairly industrial area on the highly trafficked road of Flatbush Avenue, which acts as an on ramp for the Manhattan Bridge. There's little dining or entertainment in the streets immediately surrounding the hotel, but in good weather, travelers can walk from the hotel across the Brooklyn Bridge, a scenic stroll that takes 30 to 40 minutes. A handful of Brooklyn attractions are in walking distance from the hotel, such as the New York Transit Museum (13 minutes) or the Brooklyn Academy of Music (15 minutes), but other attractions, especially major tourist draws in Manhattan, will require a subway or taxi ride. The closest subway is an eight-minute walk away.It's a 19-minute subway ride to both the 9/11 Memorial downtown and the Statue of Liberty ferry departure point. The Empire State Building takes about 30 minutes to reach by subway, while the city's major art museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, take 35- and 50-minute rides, respectively. JFK International Airport is a 20-minute drive, and LaGuardia Airport is even closer at a 16-minute drive in no traffic.

Rooms at The Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown mimic the ground floor and lobby area in terms of decor, from the neutral color scheme of tan, black, gray, and silver furnishings to the framed prints of Brooklyn landmarks. The look is stylish, with wood panels in a herringbone pattern, slate-gray carpeting, round mirrors, and wireframe lamps, all of which lend an industrial-chic vibe. Standard Rooms have King or two Double beds, and guests give them high marks for comfort. Amenities include LCD flat-screen TVs (with a free movie channel), free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, irons, and mini-fridges. Work desks have a generous amount of outlets, and each room also has a lap desk. Simple white-tile bathrooms are of average size for New York City, but some families may find them to be on the small side. They have shower/tub combos and come stocked with Neutrogena brand toiletries and hairdryers.Travelers should request a room on a higher floor, to be removed from the street noise that has been guests’ primary gripe. Accessible Rooms are also available, catering to travelers with special needs for mobility or hearing; they provide the same amenities in a bigger space. A King Patio Suite is also available with a walk-out balcony.

While the property lacks a full restaurant, this Hampton Inn has most of the amenities expected of the chain. The property serves a free breakfast buffet daily in a sunny dining room. The selection provides a decent morning meal, often including omelets, scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage, toast, yogurt, and fruit. Special requests for alternative items can usually be accommodated. The lobby also has a petite bar with a fireplace serving evening drinks. A 24-hour Pavilion Pantry Market is located behind the front desk area, selling cold beverages, frozen meals, desserts, basic pharmacy items, and a variety of snacks. Guests have free access to the fitness room, offering a range of treadmills, weights, elliptical machines, and other cardio and weight-lifting equipment. Property-wide Wi-Fi is free, and the hotel has a small business center with printing service, though it's little more than two computer workstations. Guests traveling by car do have access to the parking garage next door to the hotel, but both self-parking and valet parking come with per-day fees.