Why book?
Views, views, views. A rooftop pool with a view of the Manhattan skyline as far as the eye can see? Check. A bedroom that looks out at the Statue of Liberty? Check. A restaurant where you can dine on Wagyu beef sliders while watching cars drift across the Brooklyn Bridge? Check.
Set the scene
The hotel once played host to Gwyneth Paltrow (who documented her stay on Instagram), which gives you an idea of the clientele it attracted when it first opened. These days, the guests skew younger and hipper than outrageously wealthy (though room rates are still nothing to scoff at). The neutral color palette complements the open, airy space. The decor leans eco-minimalist, with plenty of greenery, natural light, and wood and stone elements.
Once I made it inside—somewhat tricky, as the front door isn’t marked and the reception desk isn’t where you'd expect—the space opened up into a plant-filled haven, with communal areas scattered throughout its industrial, greenhouse-like interiors. And of course, the iconic Dumbo views are the cherry on top.
The backstory
Opened in 2017, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge was the brand’s first ground-up development. Sustainability was central from the start—it was built using 54% regional and reclaimed materials and runs entirely on wind power.
The rooms
To truly experience this hotel, book an East River–facing room. While all the rooms feature moody neutrals, plant life, and eco-friendly details like filtered water taps (no single-use plastic bottles here), the real star is the view. I stayed in a Brooklyn Bridge–facing room. As someone who’s lived in New York City on and off for nearly seven years, I still found myself stunned by the view of Manhattan—it’s one of the best perspectives of the city. While some rooms face Dumbo, the real reason to venture to this waterfront location is the skyline.
Rooms are a bit tight compared to what you might find outside the city (this is NYC, after all), but smart storage solutions help them feel roomy—and the floor-to-ceiling windows don’t hurt either. One thing to keep in mind is that the bathrooms are open-concept, flowing into the bedroom and living area with no door separating the sink/vanity. The shower (outfitted with all-natural products and a filtered rain showerhead) has a clear glass door, while the toilet has a frosted one—neither of which closes fully or securely. I visited solo, which was ideal. However, I originally planned to bring my sister, which would have made things more complicated. Families and friend groups are welcome, but note that not all rooms offer full bathroom privacy—they’re best suited for couples.
Food and drink
At first glance, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge seemed like a typical NYC rooftop—the kind of place where views take priority and food is an afterthought. I was pleasantly surprised. The Asian-inspired light bites and cocktails were stellar, making Harriet’s just as ideal for a late-night drink as for a sunlit lunch. I started with a refreshing, fizzy mocktail (they offer several non-alcoholic options) and a bowl of edamame. By the time the main course arrived, I was thoroughly impressed. Weeks later, I’m still thinking about the King Salmon Truffle Roll—perfectly balanced between fresh fish and rich truffle—and those Wagyu sliders.
Whether you’re on the rooftop or in the lounge, you’ll enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline from nearly every angle. While it wasn’t open during my visit, Barbuto Brooklyn is the property’s newest addition—an offshoot of the beloved West Village eatery. Expect seasonal California-Italian dishes and signature staples like the JW Gnocchi and kale salad.
The spa
Guests can unwind at the Bamford Wellness Spa, originally created by Carole Bamford in the English countryside. When I first arrived, I was harried, bringing along negative energy that likely permeated the room due to my unease at being a few minutes late after being held up chatting with the restaurant staff. But the calming voice of the spa attendant immediately helped me reset and ease into the space.
I opted for a basic full-body massage, which, while not reinventing the wheel, was soothing and relaxing, leaving me in the perfect state of tranquility after a hectic morning. The spa also offers an array of signature treatments worth exploring—from wellness rituals (like the Signature Bamford Treatment, which includes a footbath, massage, and assisted yogic breathing) to body rituals (mud baths, sauna wraps) and facials (including a luxurious 24K gold option).
The neighborhood/area
Nestled in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the hotel is just steps from the Dumbo ferry terminal and a handful of great ice cream spots, including the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (expect a line) and Van Leeuwen. It's about a 12-minute walk from the nearest subway station—a bit of a trek, but worth it for the gorgeous waterfront views, charming shops and restaurants, and the brownstone-lined, tree-shaded streets of Dumbo.
The service
Service is nice but fairly no-nonsense. It's not particularly warm and fuzzy, but you'll feel waited on with kindness and a positive attitude. You won't feel overly attended to, and will likely have to go on the hunt if you need something. But find yourself at Harriet's Rooftop or Lounge, and you'll adore the friendliness of the staff as they deliver you rounds of delicious food and drinks.
For families
The hotel is both kid- and pet-friendly, welcoming guests of all ages. Connecting rooms makes it easy for multigenerational families or groups with older children to stay together while maintaining a bit of privacy. Families with younger children should consider the Starlit Sleepover Offer, which transforms your room into a luxe campground, complete with a kids’ tent, galaxy projector, cookies and milk, and an in-room movie experience with snacks.
Eco effort
This hotel prides itself on its environmental aspects, which you'll notice almost immediately upon entering the building. It's LEED Certified Gold, and you'll find that 25% of the rooftop is green space. At check-in, guests receive a small, round wooden token that acts as your room key to avoid excess plastic use. In each room, you’ll also find a “One Less Thing” block to place on any gently used clothing you’d like to donate before heading home.
Accessibility
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is ADA-compliant with accessible entrances and restaurant areas. Select guest rooms feature roll-in showers, grab bars, widened doorways, visual sensors, and more.
Anything left to mention?
If you’re coming here, you’re likely coming for the view—and it delivers. Even on rainy days (as it was during my stay), gazing out at the skyline and the boats puttering by the Brooklyn Bridge is a quintessential New York experience. The rooftop pool is arguably one of the best in the city. Located next to Harriet’s, it overlooks the East River, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. While it’s more of a lounging pool than a swimming one (it’s only three feet deep), it’s the perfect backdrop for an envy-inducing Instagram shot.
60 Furman St., Brooklyn, New York 11201
United States
https://www.1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge?
(877) 803-1111