The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Is a Sustainable City Oasis—With Views You Can’t Put a Price On

I’ve lived in Brooklyn for 10+ years and I still count Brooklyn Bridge Park as my favorite place in all of New York City. A former shipping and cargo complex, the waterfront location has been transformed into a vibrant green space featuring six different piers that run for a little over a mile along the picturesque waterfront. Pier 1 is the showstopper—nestled at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge—and it just so happens to be the site of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, where I recently enjoyed a staycation with my husband and 5-year-old son. Here’s how it went.

Name of Accommodation: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Location: Brooklyn, New York (the DUMBO neighborhood to be exact)
Price: from $399 for a standard room, per night
Accommodation Options: rooms and suites

Sustainability is at the core of the LEED-certified 1 Hotels brand and, whether you’re aware of that or not, it’s hard not to notice this mission during your stay at the Brooklyn Bridge location. For example, the bathroom signage that playfully states: “Most of our guests reuse their towels. Sometimes it’s OK to be a follower.” Also, the aesthetically pleasing wooden salt timer in the shower that subtly encourages you to be mindful about your water use. The design details throughout drive the point home, too, from the earthy neutrals and greenery walls to the lobby farmstand featuring imperfectly shaped fruits near the elevator bank. The best part is that the entire hotel lets the outdoors in—an effort to replicate the vibe of Brooklyn Bridge Park—which makes it a wonderful reprieve for city-weary travelers looking for a calm contrast.

Like I said, I’m local and love this area of New York, so while this may have been my first overnight stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, it wasn’t my first pass-by. I’ve even enjoyed drinks at Harriett’s, the rooftop bar, and was clear on the fashion-forward scene at the hotel. Let’s just say if this property had a mood board, Gwyneth Paltrow (who famously stayed there) would be all over it.

This brings me to a couple of pre-stay jitters: Would 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge be family-friendly? Would I feel out of my league if I had to bop out of my room to get a piece of early AM fruit from the aforementioned lobby farmstand in sweats?

The answers are yes and no, respectively. In fact, from the moment I set foot inside, stroller in tow, not only did I feel at ease, but my son was treated like a star. Hotel staffers—including an extremely sophisticated-looking one by the elevator—sought him out for conversation about his interests. Another kid-friendly moment that stood out was our rooftop pool experience: We snagged a few lounge chairs amongst guests who looked like influencers (one was shooting a 360-degree video of the panoramic views) but didn’t feel at all out of place. Snack menus—and a robust cocktail list—were instantly delivered and I sat back and took in the views while my son relished the four-foot depth of the water. (Bonus that’s a hotel rarity: There’s a lifeguard on hand.)

Risk-takers, we even took my son out for swanky rooftop drinks at Harriet’s at sunset and watched with delight as other kids darted around. (Note for your stay: Make a reservation so you don’t miss out—the restaurant is popular with locals, too; also, order the tequila and grapefruit infused Watchtower cocktail…it doesn’t disappoint.)

The standard room is small, but pretty on par for New York City—maybe even a bit bigger. The bed (a king-size) is comfy and the room includes a banquette-style couch and table, which I definitely made use of working remotely the next day after my spouse and son departed. A detail that surprised me: The window in our room actually opened, which emulated a balcony experience and allowed for a welcome hit of fresh air as we gazed out at the jaw-dropping views. Even though it’s in my “backyard”, so to speak, we loved seeing the skyline light up as we drifted off to sleep—and enjoyed the in-room amenities, too. (The signature 1 Hotels hooded jersey bathrobe was so cozy, I wanted to take it home with me; also, I loved the ease of adjusting the in-room lighting scheme, which is fully labeled—a small, but helpful detail.)

A word to the wise: If you stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, treat yourself to an appointment at the Bamford Wellness Spa. This is the moment where this city hotel starts to truly feel like a resort. I walked downstairs a single flight from the lobby and entered what felt like a legit wellness retreat. (The spa is 5,000 square feet.) The Bamford Signature Treatment was 80 minutes in length—a dream—began with a luxurious foot soak and included Shiatsu and Swedish massage techniques. All of life’s stressors melted away.

For out-of-towners, getting to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge isn’t bad—it should take you a little over an hour from either airport. (If you’re coming from Manhattan, it’s literally the first exit off the Brooklyn Bridge.) Also, as anyone who has visited New York knows, location matters. A stay at this property grants you access not just to Brooklyn Bridge Park, but to the vibrant dining and entertainment options that are less than a five-minute walk away. Think the Time Out New York Market, Jane’s Carousel or the ever-iconic Grimaldi’s Pizza—there’s also a Shake Shack practically outside the lobby door. That said, there are a few restaurants on-site worth trying: The Osprey, which features farm-to-table cuisine and Harriet’s Rooftop of course, but also a grab-and-go spot right off the lobby, called Neighbors. (The latter was perfect for breakfast.)

Yes, this hotel requires a trek to Brooklyn. Yes, it’s on the pricier side (depending on the season). But you’ll feel whisked away from city life and spoiled by all the amenities. Oh, and you’ll return home with a camera roll full of the most epic shots of NYC, which is kind of the point?