The William Vale hotel in Brooklyn offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life

When The William Vale opened its doors in 2016 at the intersection of Wythe Avenue and North 12th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, it replaced a collection of low-rise factory buildings that had been a fixture of the neighborhood for many years. Today, The William Vale is part of a growing hotel scene in northern Williamsburg, joining the Wythe Hotel, the Arlo Williamsburg, and The Hoxton, Williamsburg, all within walking distance. What sets The William Vale apart is its stunning Manhattan skyline views, available through the floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies in every room.

Visitors can also take in the breathtaking views from the popular Westlight rooftop bar or enjoy Southern Italian dishes at chef Andrew Carmellini's Leuca, located on the ground floor.

Although the vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops of both Greenpoint and Williamsburg are just steps away, guests looking for a peaceful escape are often content to relax by the fourth-floor pool during their staycation, enjoying the property without venturing out until the weekend is over.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at The William Vale and tips for making the most of your weekend getaway.

How to Get to The William Vale

Nestled on the edge of Brooklyn's Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods, The William Vale is located at the corner of North 12th Street and Wythe Avenue, just a few blocks away from the East River waterfront.

The nearest airport to The William Vale is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which is about a 30 to 35-minute drive in heavy traffic. A taxi or ride-hailing service from the airport to the hotel typically costs between $60 and $80 one way. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are about an hour away by car, or slightly more depending on traffic, and fares can exceed $100 one way for a taxi or ride-hailing service. While all three airports are accessible by public transportation, the journey involves multiple transfers from Williamsburg and takes considerably longer than a taxi or Uber ride.

Manhattan is just one subway stop away from the L train station at Bedford Avenue, which is a 10-minute walk south of the hotel. For a more scenic travel option, the NYC Ferry runs along the East River, and the North Williamsburg stop, located on North Fifth Street, is just a 13-minute walk from the hotel.

How to Book a Stay at The William Vale

The William Vale boasts 183 rooms and suites, with rates starting at $267 per night for the entry-level Queen With Balcony rooms. Prices go up to $10,000 per night for the luxurious Vale Garden Residence duplex suite, which offers two bedrooms and 2,952 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space.

As an independent hotel, The William Vale doesn't participate in traditional loyalty programs. However, it is part of The Hotel Collection via American Express Travel.

If you hold an eligible card like the The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card, and book a minimum two-night stay through Amex Travel, you'll enjoy benefits such as a $100 credit toward eligible charges, early check-in (subject to availability), a room upgrade at check-in (subject to availability), and late checkout (depending on availability). When booked directly through the hotel, early check-in and checkout are priced at $200 each, making these perks quite valuable when available.

You can also earn 5 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid bookings at this hotel by booking through AmexTravel.com with the Amex Platinum (terms apply), or 2 points per dollar using the Amex Gold card.

Key Features

• Every guest room and suite comes with a balcony offering stunning views of either the Manhattan skyline or Brooklyn.
• Westlight, the hotel's rooftop bar, serves a delightful selection of snacks and cocktails to complement its breathtaking panoramic views from the 22nd floor.
• The fourth-floor pool stretches 60 feet in length, making it the longest outdoor pool in the city, offering plenty of space to swim without feeling crowded by other guests.

Drawbacks

• The automated curtains in the corner suites obstruct a large portion of the view and can be somewhat temperamental.
• At 8 years old, some of the room furnishings — including the blackout curtains and couch fabric — are starting to show signs of wear and would benefit from an update.
• Two of the hotel’s four elevator banks are dedicated to public access for the rooftop bar, which can slow down hotel guests trying to move between floors during peak times.

The Atmosphere

Designed by the architectural firm Albo Liberis, this 22-story tower of glass and concrete was built from the ground up. Guest rooms begin on the 11th floor to maximize the views of the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhood and the Manhattan skyline across the East River. The building’s sleek, modern design, with its sculptural trusses on the lower floors, is matched by the minimalist, contemporary interior decor.

The compact lobby features a striking sculptural painting by local artist Marela Zacarías. Due to its small size, the lobby isn't the bustling social hub that other nearby hotels are known for. Instead, you'll likely find guests gathering on the fourth floor around the pool or at the 22nd-floor rooftop bar, Westlight. Both spaces offer a lively atmosphere where local Brooklyn residents come to relax, whether for a staycation or a night out. The service throughout the hotel is casual yet attentive, from check-in all the way up to the rooftop bar.

The Room

The highlight of The William Vale's 183 rooms and suites is that each one offers floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with sweeping views of either Manhattan or Brooklyn. To ensure the focus remains on the views, the room interiors are elegantly minimalist, featuring a soft white and gray palette and simple geometric artwork.

During my birthday weekend in late July, I stayed in a Deluxe Corner Suite with Wraparound Balcony on the 12th floor. My suite offered 380 square feet of indoor living space, plus a spacious 300-square-foot balcony that could be accessed from both the bedroom and the living room through sliding glass doors.

My suite, positioned at the building's northwest corner, boasted stunning views of Manhattan's skyline, featuring iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. However, newer office and apartment complexes along the Williamsburg and Greenpoint waterfronts are beginning to rival these vistas. For uninterrupted views, consider booking a Gotham Corner Suite with Wraparound Balcony on a higher floor.

The balcony was fully furnished with a daybed perfect for enjoying my morning coffee, along with a low metal coffee table and two dining chairs placed on the corner of the deck. It was the ideal spot for unwinding and soaking in the sunset while sipping on a Brooklyn Brewery beer from the minibar.

Although the balcony was incredibly inviting, I eventually surrendered to the comfort of the king-size bed with its crisp, white linens. As I settled in, I drifted off to sleep while watching Netflix on the wall-mounted TV in the bedroom. With plenty of outlets (three, to be exact), a convenient multiplug charging cube eliminated the need to hunt for an outlet behind the bed to charge my phone.

One of the room's best features — the expansive windows — turned out to be a bit of a double-edged sword. After eight years, the automated blackout shades that can be controlled by a button were no longer flawless. I woke up to the morning light creeping in through the gaps where the curtains failed to close completely. Fortunately, I had an eye mask on hand to block the light and catch a few more hours of sleep.

The bathroom, equipped with full-size Le Labo bath products in a refreshing Hinoki scent, was tucked behind a sliding barn door located between the bedroom and living area. Despite being a compact space (as one would expect in New York City), I was impressed by how the bathroom managed to fit a deep soaking tub, complemented by a rainfall showerhead above it. Although I generally prefer shower doors over curtains, the shower here was enclosed on three sides by curtains, which was necessary given the floor-to-ceiling window in the bathroom. The bathroom lacked much counter space, and the sink, like other parts of the room, showed signs of wear, with noticeable damage to the wooden front.

Directly opposite the bathroom was a narrow double closet, which provided enough space for hanging clothes or storing small bags (though larger suitcases had to be kept in the living room or bedroom, as only small backpacks fit in the closet).

Just past that, you’ll find the suite’s living area. A plush gray sofa, comfortably seating three, also doubles as a pullout bed (you’ll need to request extra sheets from housekeeping). Above a set of drawers, there’s another mounted TV, alongside the minibar stocked with local favorites like Fine + Raw Chocolate, Brooklyn Brewery beer, and Hudson Whiskey, as well as a Lavazza coffee machine. In one corner, a low-profile leather chair completes the space. The walls are lined with sliding glass doors, each opening onto the balcony. Unfortunately, the curtains here also obstruct a significant portion of the corner view of Manhattan when sitting inside.

Food and drink

The hotel’s three dining venues, including bars and restaurants, are all operated by chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group, which is behind other New York favorites like The Dutch, Lafayette, and Locanda Verde.

Westlight

The rooftop bar, located on the 22nd floor of the hotel, is the go-to spot for both locals and guests. Offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, it’s no surprise that this is the most popular venue in the hotel. Fortunately, the drinks and food match the stunning vistas. Be sure to make a reservation, particularly if you’re hoping to score a seat on the outdoor terrace at sunset.

Even though I arrived right when the bar opened at 4 p.m., there was already a queue forming for the elevators in the lobby. Thankfully, hotel guests have access to their own set of two private elevators, allowing them to bypass the wait.

I found it tough to decide from the wide array of cocktails on the menu, but I eventually opted for the Lone Star ($23), a refreshing swizzle-style drink featuring Plantation Isle of Fiji rum, Rhum JM Agricole, yellow chartreuse, arrack, falernum, star fruit, and lime. My friend chose the Trinidad Sunset ($19), a cocktail made with 6-year-old WhistlePig bourbon, amaro sfumato, Angostura bitters, orgeat, and lemon.

The tempura bass buns ($20), topped with nuoc cham aioli, spicy peanuts, and fresh herbs, are a must-try. We also loved the charred eggplant dumplings ($19) paired with bonito aioli and shiso, as well as the mezcal-cured salmon tostadas ($24) with guacamole, cilantro crema, and smoked trout roe.

Leuca

Leuca, inspired by southern Italy, is the hotel's all-day restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and more throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This expansive and casual eatery occupies two dining areas — one with airy tile and the other with cozy wood paneling — just below street level. The space is perfect for large groups with advance reservations and solo diners can enjoy the bar seating for a more spontaneous experience.

For dinner, I began with the tuna crudo ($25), one of the most recommended appetizers, according to the waiter. It was lightly drizzled with grassy olive oil and topped with fresh basil from the hotel's rooftop garden, a touch of chile for heat, green olives for depth, and crispy farro for added crunch.

The cocktails were potent yet perfectly balanced. I opted for the Giardino d'Leuca ($18), a crisp blend of Beefeater gin, green chartreuse, peach liqueur, and lemon, topped with a brandied cherry. The waiter recommended a mineral-driven Benanti Carricante white wine ($20), made from grapes cultivated on the slopes of Mount Etna, to complement the black tonnarelli pasta ($29) which was enriched with squid ink, succulent ruby shrimp, and local calamari.

Another standout was the deceptively simple yet delightful "Joey C" pizza ($26) featuring roasted tomatoes, stracchino cheese, and fresh basil. The dessert options included Sicilian pistachio cake ($12) paired with olive oil gelato and limoncello tiramisu ($14), though it's definitely worth asking about the seasonal specials. The strawberry crostata ($14), adorned with lemon verbena and drizzled with aged balsamic at the table, was especially delicious.

Room service

On Friday morning, I indulged in room service for breakfast, which arrived within 30 minutes of my call. Since Leuca offers room service, the in-room menu reflects the restaurant's Italian influence, featuring items like a southern Italian eggs Benedict ($21) with crispy pepperoni, pane siciliano, pizza hollandaise, and baby kale, as well as a wild mushroom frittata ($22) with preserved tomato vinaigrette and caprino cheese. Breakfast room service runs from 7 to 11 a.m., while an all-day dining menu is available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering pizzas and sandwiches.

I went for the lemon ricotta pancakes ($24), which were served as three fluffy, dinner-plate-sized stacks topped with a hearty pat of butter, toasted pine nuts, and fresh orange segments. I also ordered a side of applewood-smoked bacon ($9), which struck the perfect balance between crispy and chewy, and an iced oat milk latte ($7) to round off the meal.

Vale Pool

The Vale Pool offers a full-service bar and a light lunch menu, perfect for snacking between swims. During my visit, servers were frequently making rounds on the pool deck, taking drink and food orders. As warned, the frozen pina colada ($21) was potent but very tasty. Made with a mix of light and dark rums, allspice, amaro lucano, coconut, vanilla, pineapple, and lime, it was refreshing on a hot day without being overly sweet. One was plenty, though.

For a snack, I embraced my inner child and ordered crispy chicken tenders ($24) served with fries and honey mustard, alongside a side of watermelon ($14) sprinkled with spiced chili sugar and lime. Around 3 p.m., a server passed out complimentary ice pops to all the guests lounging on the pool deck.

Included amenities and service

The William Vale charges a $45 nightly destination fee, which covers amenities like twice-daily housekeeping, Le Labo bath products, access to the pool and gym, free Wi-Fi, and Lavazza coffee in the room. Here's how to make the most of these perks.

The pool

The 60-foot pool, available seasonally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., is located on the south side of the fourth floor, offering optimal sunbathing conditions. Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary access to the lounge chairs, which can be reserved in advance online for three-hour slots.

For an extra charge, guests can opt for premium daybeds and cabanas, though the cost can be substantial. For example, a daybed for three people reserved for eight hours in late July will set you back $500, even with a hotel discount. Non-guests can also buy day passes through ResortPass, granting access to lounge chairs and premium seating, with prices starting at $150.

On my visit, a Friday afternoon in late July, the atmosphere was calm and laid-back. Soft music played in the background, and people enjoyed quiet moments reading or chatting with friends and partners. The crowd was mostly adults in their 20s to 40s, although a few well-behaved preteens accompanied by parents were also present. (Children are welcome at the pool, but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)

The gym

The small gym, located on the fourth floor, features iFIT-connected Freemotion equipment, including treadmills, spin bikes, and an elliptical that overlooks the pool deck. Across the room, you'll find a selection of weightlifting equipment.

Exploring Williamsburg and Greenpoint

Nestled between the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods in Brooklyn, The William Vale is just a short walk from some of the area's best eateries, bars, and shops. I spent most of my time in Greenpoint, where I used to live, revisiting old favorites like Paulie Gee's Slice Shop, Word bookstore, and Ovenly bakery. I also checked out newer spots, such as the second NYC location of the popular Caffe Panna, an Italian ice cream shop just three blocks away from the hotel. (There’s always a line, but it’s totally worth the wait! Flavors change daily, so be sure to check Instagram for updates.) If you're looking for local souvenirs or picnic supplies, Upstate Stock, a hybrid coffee shop and general store, is just a few blocks away and perfect for picking up something to take to nearby McCarren Park.

While the area around the hotel in Williamsburg has become more commercial, with big-name brands like Whole Foods, Apple, and Sephora filling the streets of Bedford Avenue, many smaller, independent businesses still thrive. A few of my favorites, just a short 20-minute walk south of the hotel, include Catbird and Mociun for beautifully designed jewelry, The Four Horsemen for natural wines paired with light bites, Zaab Zaab for the vibrant flavors of Isan cuisine from northeast Thailand, and Misi for their handmade pasta and vegetable-focused antipasti.

Accessibility Features

The William Vale has been designed with accessibility in mind and meets all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The hotel is well-equipped to accommodate a variety of physical needs. Although I didn't stay in one, each room category offers ADA-compliant versions that feature roll-in showers with handheld showerheads. For those with mobility or balance challenges, it's worth noting that the suites' deep soaking tubs may be difficult to navigate, even for someone without physical restrictions like myself.

The North 12th Street and North 13th Street entrances feature ramps for easier access, and the lobby is equipped with motion-sensing sliding doors for convenience. All other floors are accessible via elevator. Since Leuca is located below street level, guests who need assistance with the stairs at the street-level entrance can use the ADA elevator in the lobby. The pool, gym, Westlight, and the 23rd-floor rooftop venue can also be accessed by elevator.

The hotel's parking garage provides spots for accessible vehicles, and valet parking is available to all guests for an additional fee. The property is equipped with Braille signage throughout, and emergency alarms are both visual and audible for increased accessibility.

While the hotel's website mentions a chairlift at the pool, it was not in operation during my visit. It's a good idea to contact the hotel ahead of time to confirm its availability before you check in.

Checking Out

With a sought-after rooftop bar, one of the largest pools in Brooklyn, and private balconies in every room, The William Vale offers a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect staycation spot for locals like me, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the resort-like amenities all weekend long.

If you do venture out to explore Williamsburg and Greenpoint, you'll find the best of Brooklyn right at your doorstep. However, if this is your first time visiting New York and you plan to be out all day, using the hotel just as a place to rest, a more centrally located spot in Manhattan or a more budget-friendly option in Brooklyn might be a better choice for you.