Hotel Le Jolie

From the street, the seven-story Hotel Le Jolie looks like a typical, economy chain. The red-brick and concrete building is more polished and newer than the surrounding residences. While the interior design isn’t anything to rave about, it's clean, bright, and inoffensive. The neutral palette of tan and brown is carried throughout the hotel, but the breakfast room incorporates fun, bright pops of orange. Abstract art and photographs of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks line the walls. Guests are a mix of friends, couples, and families looking for an affordable and conveniently located city property, and they tend to spend their days out exploring the city. 

Hotel Le Jolie is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, considered by many to be the hipster capital of New York City. But the hotel's surrounding streets can feel gritty thanks to being by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (traffic drives on an overpass in front of the hotel). Despite this eyesore, it's a generally safe area, and drivers can easily reach Manhattan from the hotel in 10 minutes (without traffic). Still, as Manhattan parking is limited and expensive, most sightseeing guests opt to take the subway, and the Lorimer Street subway stop is a five-minute walk away. Major Manhattan landmarks such as Times Square and the Empire State Building can be reached in 25 to 30 minutes by subway. Many guests also dive into the local Williamsburg culture, and there are live music venues, nightlife, and dining spots in all directions. The Knitting Factory is about a seven-minute walk away. And Brooklyn Winery and Brooklyn Bowl are both less than a 15-minute walk, with a number of trendy cocktail bars and restaurants in between the two points. 

It's easy to expect matchbox-sized rooms from Hotel Le Jolie given its status as a budget hotel in New York City. But the property has surprisingly sizable units. The modern-looking rooms have a neutral palette of earth tones with chic dark-wood furniture, and smart textiles. The in-room amenities aren’t luxurious, but DIRECTV, clock radios with iPhone docks, and mini-fridges with free bottled water add to the rooms' comfort. The room types vary only slightly in terms of square footage, but they vary quite a bit more when it comes to views. Some rooms have stunning views of Manhattan with the Empire State and Chrysler buildings in the distance. Others have less exciting views of the expressway. (Windows are soundproofed to stifle outside noise.) All of the bathrooms have large showers with rainfall showerheads, but tubs are absent. Other standard features include safes, ironing facilities, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and orthopedic beds with goose-down comforters. 

As a budget property, Hotel Le Jolie offers several additional freebies that add to its value. The property offers free Wi-Fi and weekday delivery of USA Today newspapers. Continental breakfast, 24-hour coffee, and on-site parking are free, as well. However, parking is limited and first come, first serve. The reception desk is active 24-hours, and there's an on-site concierge to assist with airport transfers and discounts on local attractions. A small workstation is in the lobby with a printer and desktop computer available for guest use. Hotel Le Jolie is an eco-friendly property with measures to conserve energy and water. It's also LGBT-friendly and handicapped accessible. The property is set to undergo major renovations in 2016, including the addition of a fitness center.