Lauren D.
Yelp
I don't want to come off sounding over eager, but this was one of the best hotel stays I have ever had. From the check-in to check-out, everything was above expectation and full of the kind of personality you don't find at chain hotels.
First off, my partner and I had booked a standard queen room but upon arrival were offered a free upgrade to a two level loft space. "UM YES, of course we will accept this offer, we are not idiots" my we said. Our original room was lovely, but our upgrade was amazing. It featured a big living space with pull-out couch, stovetop, microwave, mini-fridge/freezer, coffee and tea making supplies, a full set of dishes/cups/flatware, two TVs, a big fully loaded bathroom, a separated bedroom upstairs from the main level, plus a terrace with a table and chairs. Legit this place was bigger than my apartment in Toronto. Sad news for the state of the Toronto rental market, yes, but happy news for the sake of the weekend.
Second: the rooms themselves are so much more interesting and aesthetically pleasing than most hotels I've stayed in. Lots of bold and bright colour choices, unique pieces of artwork on nearly every wall, and cool little knick-knacks to look at. Plus random cookbooks and other reading material if you're so inclined.
Third: the hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from the hotel, within a mile (or maybe its a half mile?) of the hotel. This is enough to get you to a number of the subway stations in the neighbourhood, or right into the heart of Williamsburg.
Fourth: every person on staff we encountered was lovely and had an actual personality. For example we had a good laugh with the receptionist who checked us in, and got some great NYC and general life anecdotes from Christian, who is one of the hotel's drivers.
Other bonuses: free storage of your luggage if you arrive before check-in or are departing the city after check-out and cool little onsite restaurant and bar where you get a two-for-one drink with stay.
Next time I'm in Brooklyn, you know I'll be back at The Box House.