The William Vale

Even from the outside, this hotel is a stunner. An angular slab rises 22 stories above Williamsburg, held up by huge concreted trusses and striated with balconies and open balconies (the architects are Albo Liberis). The interiors by Studio Munge are no less arresting, punctuated by intriguing local art, designer lamps and elegant metalwork overlay. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that offer uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline. That’s one reason to stay on this side of the East River—but the William Vale also taps into the vibrant Brooklyn lifestyle, with events like film screenings, yoga classes and pool parties. The restaurants by New York chef Andrew Carmellini include Leuca for Italian, the Westlight rooftop bar and even a retro Airstream trailer serving burgers and ice cream in the adjacent park. Fun times all but guaranteed.

An architectural star grows in Brooklyn.

For old geezers. Everything from the Marela Zacarias lobby installation to hopping rooftop bar is designed for millennials (or the young at heart).

You want to hang with the cool kids and are eager to partake in Williamsburg’s fresh, inventive energy.

You join the casual-but-chic guests milling around the Vale Pool, Manhattan’s skyscrapers glinting in the distance. The DJ spins soothing tunes as you grab an Aperol spritz from the bar and toast the Brooklyn vibe.

Leuca - Southern Italian