1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE, NEW YORK
New York is the place to be. Always. Yet the best view of Manhattan comes from its fringes, ideally from the other sides of the Hudson or East rivers, which both hug the city. And while New Jersey never seems to hold much appeal, Brooklyn has arguably become even hipper than its neighbouring borough, possibly because its expanse still allows for up-and-coming areas to carve out their own identities and attract creative souls, full of opportunity and lower rents – Dumbo being one such spot. Formerly an industrial hub, in the cobbled streets and warehouses ‘Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass’, you’ll now find art galleries, hip boutiques, coffee shops and co-working spaces.
Of course, you can jump on the subway here (take the A or C train from High Street-brooklyn Bridge) and be in Manhattan in minutes or, even better, take the ferry across the East River to the financial district, or jump on a Citi bike over the bridge itself. But stay on this side and you’ll find lots to fill your days. Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront, where you can walk, picnic, play sports, shop and eat. If you have kids, don’t miss the 100-year-old, beautifully restored Jane’s Carousel, just north of Brooklyn Bridge. For shoppers, Brooklyn Flea, under Manhattan Bridge on weekends from April to December, is a must-visit, and bookworms will be in heaven at Powerhouse Arena, which specialises in art books and hosts regular events and signings. Foodies aren’t forgotten, either: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria often tops the ‘best of’ lists, and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory has a line snaking out the door. If you’re looking for a memorable meal, you’ll find a Cecconi’s outpost here – housed in a former coffee warehouse, it has striped awnings, a modern Italian menu and one of the best views you’ll find.
Talking of views, a number of cool hotels have appeared in recent years, all cashing in on the iconic panorama, but 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the most fabulous. It has serious eco credentials, with a carbon-neutral footprint. Step into the lobby and you’re confronted by the first sign of this – a colossal living wall and large work table, its pine beams from the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn. Each incredibly stylish guest room is fitted with a filtered water tap to discourage use of plastic water bottles, the bed linen and mattresses are non-toxic and sustainably sourced, and guests are encouraged to donate unwanted items of clothing to the hotel’s charity partner, Housing Works. Alongside all the thoughtful living is also an achingly hip social scene. The rooftop bar is buzzing into the night and the pool is the place to be (book a sunlounger in advance). Best of all is the restaurant, The Osprey, which serves a menu of incredible farm-to-table food. In fact, with a set-up this wonderful, you might not even make it into Manhattan.
PRICES AT 1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE START AT AROUND £420 A NIGHT FOR A DOUBLE ROOM. 1HOTELS.COM/BROOKLYN-BRIDGE