Some places have a way of making you feel like you belong the moment you arrive. The Wythe Hotel is one of them. Nestled in a beautifully restored 1901 factory, this boutique hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience, a reflection of Williamsburg’s creative energy, and a gateway to a world of design, craft, and culture.
The moment I step into the Wythe’s lobby, it’s clear that every detail has been carefully considered. Sunlight streams through towering industrial windows, casting warm shadows on exposed brick walls. The original timber beams and hand-painted wallpaper by a local artist bring an immediate sense of place — this is Williamsburg, and you can feel it in every inch of the space.
The check-in process is seamless, the staff effortlessly cool yet welcoming, as if they already know you’ll want recommendations for the best coffee, vintage store, or the hidden vinyl shop down the street (we received many). The energy is relaxed, but there’s a quiet buzz — a feeling that something creative, something interesting, is always happening here. One of my favourite moments of the stay happened right at the start — I checked the hotel’s Instagram before arriving and said to my friend, “I love the green totes that they have!” Low and behold, what was waiting for me was, indeed, a green tote. A little touch that made the start of the stay so sweet.
New York hotels have the tendency to look great online and fail to live up to the images when you arrive, but the Wythe completely exceeded expectations. The room is a masterpiece of understated elegance. High ceilings, polished concrete floors, and iron-framed beds echo the building’s industrial past, while custom furniture and plush linens ensure a sense of warmth. The Manhattan skyline unfolds before me through massive factory windows, a view so mesmerizing I lose track of time just watching the city breathe.
As the sun begins to set, I take the elevator to Bar Blondeau, the Wythe’s rooftop escape. The moment I step onto the terrace, the view steals my breath — Manhattan shimmering across the East River, Brooklyn stretching out below. The crowd is effortlessly stylish, a mix of artists, designers, and in-the-know travelers, all drawn here for the same reason: this place feels special. I sip on a Blondeau Martini, a perfectly balanced mix of gin, dry vermouth, and white port, its briny complexity a perfect match for the crisp evening air. The menu leans French, light yet indulgent — oysters, tartines, and small plates meant for lingering. Conversations swirl around me in different languages, the energy intimate yet electric.
Dinner takes place downstairs at Le Crocodile, the Wythe’s brasserie-style restaurant. The space is timeless, with warm wood tones and soft lighting that invite lingering over a glass of Burgundy. The menu, crafted by chefs Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber, is an ode to classic French fare with a Brooklyn sensibility. The duck frites are everything — crispy, rich, and deeply satisfying. As I take my last bite, I already know I’ll be returning.
Morning at the Wythe unfolds slowly, in the best possible way. The smell of fresh Devoción coffee drifts from the lobby café, inviting guests to ease into the day. I order a cortado and settle into a sun-drenched corner, flipping through a beautifully curated selection of art books stacked near the check-in desk. The hotel itself is a living gallery. Each floor features rotating art installations, a tribute to Brooklyn’s creative spirit. I find myself wandering the halls, stopping to admire an abstract painting or a thoughtfully placed sculpture. There’s a sense of discovery here, a quiet but deliberate celebration of craftsmanship in every detail.
Back in my room, the morning light filters through linen curtains, casting soft shadows on the exposed brick. I take a long shower in the marble-tiled bathroom, the scent of Aesop bath products lingering in the air. The attention to detail is remarkable — from the handwoven textiles to the vintage-inspired lighting, nothing feels accidental. It’s luxury without pretense, comfort with an edge.
Unlike many hotels, the Wythe doesn’t push you to leave. I could’ve stayed in the hotel for my entire stay as it always feels like it’s brimming with excitement and people. I spend the afternoon with a book on the rooftop, occasionally looking up to watch the skyline shift with the changing light. The lounge areas are filled with fellow guests — some deep in conversation, others absorbed in their own quiet moments of reflection.
For lunch, I return to Le Crocodile, opting for something lighter—a salade niçoise, perfectly composed, paired with a crisp white wine. The servers remember me from the night before, adding to the sense that this place, for now, is home.
As my time at the Wythe draws to a close, I find myself back at Bar Blondeau, watching the city transform under the glow of twilight. The air is filled with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby table. I sip one last cocktail, letting the moment stretch just a little longer.
Returning to my room, I take one final look at the skyline, the Empire State Building glowing in the distance. The sheets are impossibly soft, the city’s energy just a murmur beyond the windows. And as I drift off to sleep, I know one thing for certain: the Wythe isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place to return to, again and again. And I can’t wait to be back.
Book your stay at the Wythe Hotel in New York City at wythehotel.com.
Words Kelsey Barnes
