Henry Norman Hotel

Henry Norman Hotel makes a strong first impression of a chic boutique hotel in the ever-hip borough of Brooklyn. The brick building has an understated look that hits the mark, with the property's name in simple, block letters set atop a front awning, and a double-garage-door entrance. But inside, the vibe takes a different turn. While pressed-tin ceilings hint at the former 19th-century warehouse and there's mid-century-inspired furniture, the reception area's mishmash of eclectic artwork and colorful accents makes the space feel chaotic. Down a spiral staircase, there's a lounge that's more on point, with a tile floor in a bold, geometric pattern, similar seating, and a rustic wooden column rung with a counter to create workspaces. Although it's attractive, the space isn't one that invites the hotel's leisure travelers to linger, and there's no bar or restaurant on-site to liven-up the action. Unfortunately, the same is true for the rooftop terrace, even with its killer views of Manhattan. 

The Henry Norman is located in an industrial area in Greenpoint, with bus repair and scrap metal businesses nearby, and it's slightly removed from the neighborhood's action. There's a bakery about three minutes away on foot, it's a five-minute walk to small grocery store, and there are few popular bars within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. McCarren Park in Williamsburg is a 17-minute walk, but reaching most hot spots in the heart of the neighborhood is too much of a hike, and taking nearby public transportation won't get you there much sooner. Your best bet is to use the hotel's free shuttle service for locales within a one-mile radius, which includes the closest subway station, Nassau Avenue (G train), about a six-minute ride. Reaching top sights in Manhattan require public transit or driving. It's 51 minutes to the the World Trade Center via subway (33-minute drive); a 49-minute subway ride to The High Line (32-minute drive); 42 minutes to Washington Square Park via subway (27-minute drive); 42 minutes on the subway to Times Square (29-minute drive); a 51 minutes to Central Park via subway (30-minute drive); and a 60-minute subway ride to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (37-minute drive). Depending on traffic, expect roughly an 18-minute drive to LaGuardia Airport, and 44 minutes by car to John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

Prior to becoming a hotel, units were converted into artists' lofts, and so guest rooms at Henry Norman Hotel are relatively spacious, and feel like apartments. Even the smallest have entry hallways (no small detail in this city) that open to sleeping areas, with hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick, and high ceilings. Warm decor is a mix of mid-century modern and colorful, contemporary elements. Walls are accented with charcoal-gray, and beds don crimson throw pillows and bed runners. Expect attractive dressers, nightstands, and high-back armchairs with tapered wooden legs, polished chrome lamps, and photographs in simple white frames dotting walls. Amenities are a plus, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, coffeemakers, and electric kettles. Freebies include bottled water, coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi throughout. Upgraded guest rooms add full kitchens, with microwaves, stoves, ovens, toasters, and dishwashers, plus dining tables and separate seating areas, and some feature furnished terraces with city views. But all units -- even the Penthouses -- have uninspired bathrooms, with basic tile, shower/tub combos with sliding glass doors and soap dispensers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and skimpy toiletries.

The hotel's top features is its rooftop terrace, with a few tables and chairs and expansive views of Manhattan's skyline, but ordering a drink up there isn't an option, as the hotel lacks an on-site bar and restaurant. Downstairs in the lobby lounge, there's a business center with an iMac desktop computer, and the hotel also has a small fitness center, with LifeFitness treadmills, bikes, and free weights, plus a wet and dry sauna. Other amenities include a guest laundry room with multiple washer/dryers, and free shuttle service within a one-mile radius, but there's no on-site parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout.