The Hoxton, Williamsburg

The Hoxton, Williamsburg brings the brand's sociable, lobby-first formula to Brooklyn, with 175 rooms in a building on Wythe Avenue, a few blocks from the East River waterfront. The Hoxton began in London, and its hotels are designed to be places where locals come to work, eat and drink as much as guests, so the ground floor buzzes from morning to night.

Rooms are cosy rather than large, with comfortable beds, brass details and modern bathrooms, and some have twin beds. Ask for a Manhattan-view room for a skyline outlook across the river. Wi-Fi is free throughout, which suits remote workers and independent travellers.

Food and drink are a big part of the appeal. Laser Wolf, the Israeli skewer house from chef Michael Solomonov, occupies the rooftop, where grilled meats and vegetables come with a spread of salads and views of Manhattan; it is popular, so book ahead. K'Far, in the lobby, is an all-day Israeli café and bakery, good for breakfast and coffee, and Jaffa Cocktail and Raw Bar on the mezzanine serves drinks and seafood indoors and out. Every Saturday from 7pm to 10pm, free live jazz plays in the lobby space known as The Apartment.

Prices sit in the mid-range for New York, and the hotel suits couples, friends and solo travellers who want to stay in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan. Williamsburg is lively at night, with bars, restaurants and music venues within a few blocks, so expect some street noise at weekends. The waterfront parks along Kent Avenue offer good sunset views. Allow around 30 to 40 minutes by subway to reach Midtown Manhattan, so Williamsburg works best for travellers happy to spend time in Brooklyn as well as across the river.

The hotel is at 97 Wythe Avenue, at North 10th Street. Bedford Avenue station on the L line is about ten minutes' walk, and from there Manhattan's 14th Street is one stop away. The NYC Ferry also stops at North Williamsburg, a short walk west, with services along the East River. The Wythe Hotel is a block away, and Westlight, the rooftop bar of The William Vale, is a few minutes' walk north.