Fodor's Expert Review McCarren Hotel and Pool
160 N. 12th St., between Bedford and Berry Sts., Brooklyn, New York 11249, USA See on Map
Overlooking McCarren Park in a prime spot in Williamsburg, this boutique hotel delivers big on amenities--a rooftop bar with gorgeous Manhattan views, refined comfort food at Oleanders, and a seasonal outdoor pool with plenty of space to lounge (plus poolside yoga).
room
Modern rooms have clean lines, big flat-screen TVs, and minibars stocked with locally sourced snacks and drinks. Details like the Frette bed linens are nice touches, but rooms are tight on space. Some rooms have balconies that provide private outdoor space during the warm months.
YOU SHOULD KNOW There is potential for nighttime noise from concerts in McCarren Park.
bathroom
They've got glass-enclosed showers with waterfall showerheads and William Roam products. For an added treat, some bathrooms have big soaking tubs.
lobby
The lobby is an artistic space with wall murals of ancient trees and forest scenes--it's quite lovely. There are a few couches and chairs for lounging.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The lobby isn't that popular of a hangout spot. More popular gathering places include the on-site restaurant, pool, and rooftop bar.
pool
As the name of the hotel suggests, there's a pool at the McCarren Hotel and Pool. And a very nice pool at that. Flanked by comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas, it's open seasonally. If yoga's your thing, it's offered poolside during the warm months.
dining
Oleanders is a relaxed restaurant with a checkerboard floor and an accent wall covered in evergreen shrubs. It’s open for three meals a day and serves up a menu of American fare. Dishes include avocado toast with poached eggs, and a southwest burger with pickled jalapenos.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Overlooking McCarren Park on North 12th Street between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street, this hotel is near all the best parts of Williamsburg--there are tons of restaurants, bars, shopping, and sightseeing. The lovely neighborhood of Greenpoint is also close enough to walk to, and you'll find more of those things there, as well. The subway is available nearby with the L train Bedford Avenue station (Manhattan is one stop away)--and there's always taxis and Uber, of course.
Restaurants
Located within the Wythe Hotel, Reynard (3-minute walk) is an airy restaurant with a wood fired oven and expansive menu. Lilia (7-minute walk) has some of the best pasta dishes in New York City--ones of note are the mafaldini with pink peppercorns or the rigatoni diavola (try both, even if you don't know what the words mean--they're good). Set on a scenic corner, Five Leaves (6-minute walk) is a cozy bistro with an Australian accent.
WHY WE LIKE IT
People love hanging out on rooftops--and we like hanging out on this particular rooftop. In fact, there are few better places to be in New York during a summer sunset than a rooftop bar in Williamsburg, and this is one of the best options out there.
QUICK FACTS
HOTEL INFO
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