1080 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York, United States | (727) 241-5756
Situated in an authentic Brooklyn neighborhood with a local scene
Fresh, energetic, Brooklyn-centric design used throughout
Scene-y bar with live music, plus artisanal coffee served
Hip rooms with flat-screen TVs and Cascadia Soapery toiletries
Gaming and screening room, plus roof terrace providing lounge space
Subway stop three-minutes away on foot
Bicycle rentals available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Hotel is located in a gritty part of Brooklyn
No major attractions within walking distance
Passing subways create significant noise every few minutes
Many rooms are tight on space
No tea or coffee in rooms, and breakfast costs extra
No full restaurant or gym on the premises
Located on the border of Bushwick and Bed Stuy, this fresh, hip three-pearl hotel is on the front lines of Brooklyn's ongoing march toward gentrification. That said, the neighborhood still retains significant grit, not to mention an elevated subway train that roars by every few minutes. The hotel's spacious bar fosters a communal spirit, particularly on nights when the stage hosts live music. The downstairs gaming and screening room and roof terrace above provide more social space. Rooms channel the same spirit, with Brooklyn-esque details throughout, including wall-sized vintage photographs. Although few eateries -- and no sights -- are within walking distance, the subway that stops right outside the hotel goes directly into Williamsburg and Lower Manhattan. For another local Brooklyn experience, travelers could consider the Henry Norman Hotel.
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Scene
Young, hip, Brooklyn design housed inside an industrial brick building
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.
Location
Newly gentrifying neighborhood deep inside Brooklyn
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
Rooms
Energetic, fun design with modest amenities and limited space
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.
Features
Excellent communal areas, with quality coffee and bike rentals
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.
