Penny Williamsburg
Art-forward, plant-filled, residential-feel Brooklyn boutique. Idiosyncratic and low-key — not trying to be a scene. Think cool friend's loft, not hotel lobby.
Ask for a room with a Williamsburg street view — natural light is a standout feature guests consistently rave about
Why It Matters
First-of-its-kind hybrid: 118 hotel rooms share a building with 102 Bard College graduate student dorm rooms. The ground floor runs as a rotating art gallery, $1 from every reservation goes to LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts, and the 11th-floor rooftop restaurant elNico has become a genuine neighborhood draw in its own right.
The Penny is a 118-room boutique hotel on a quiet end of North 8th Street in Williamsburg — part hotel, part Bard College grad student housing, part art gallery. Designed by Stonehill Taylor for Sydell Group (the NoMad and Freehand people), the rooms look like proper Brooklyn apartments: hardwood floors, exposed concrete ceilings, farmhouse sinks, kitchenettes, and one-of-a-kind artworks from two local nonprofits that support artists with developmental disabilities. Named after founder Andrew Zobler's chihuahua, the place has the casual confidence of a neighborhood that's seen too many trends to care about them.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Niche Queen
A step up from the base Queen with a slightly more defined layout. Same residential DNA — kitchenette, hardwood floors, artwork from LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts — but with a bit more breathing room.
Queen
Queen
The entry-level room and the smallest in the building, but it punches well above its square footage. High ceilings, oversized windows, and clever mirror placement make it feel bigger than the number suggests. Includes a full kitchenette, hardwood floors, exposed concrete ceiling, and the same art program and Bellino linens as every other room.
QueenSleeper Queen
Same footprint and fittings as the other Queen rooms, but with a lounge chair that folds out into a bed — useful for a travelling companion who doesn't need their own room. Smart pick for a solo traveler who wants the extra floor space.
QueenSupreme Queen
The largest of the standard Queen categories, with a proper lounge area that makes the room feel like a studio apartment. Good option for longer stays when you want a clear separation between sleep and sitting space without going full suite.
QueenYour Majesty Suite
The only suite in the building and genuinely loft-scale for New York City. A queen bedroom leads into a full living and dining area, and a separate kitchen that goes beyond a kitchenette. The soaking tub is in a large private bathroom. The private terrace with a garden is the headline feature — it's a rare thing in this zip code. Can be connected to an adjacent room for a two-bedroom configuration.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel has no on-site gym but partners with nearby Chalk Gym. Guest day passes available for $25.
Bikes available for guest use at no charge — useful for exploring the Williamsburg waterfront, Domino Park, and the surrounding neighborhood without touching the subway.
The rooftop at elNico features a custom built-in DJ kiosk and dedicated space for live music performances and cultural events. Check elNico's calendar for specific programming nights.
Yoga mats and basic exercise supplies provided in every room at no charge.
All-hours digital minibar with 24/7 in-room delivery. Includes snacks, beverages, wellness items, and even dog treats (Bac'n Nutty Treats) for pets.
The ground floor of the hotel operates as a functioning rotating art gallery showcasing work by LAND Gallery and Pure Vision Arts artists — New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. Installations change regularly; past featured artists include Yuko Nishikawa.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
ADA-compliant rooms available across all room categories including the suite. Spacious elevators. Wheelchair accessible throughout.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property at 500+ Mbps — fast enough for 6+ people or 10+ devices simultaneously.
Room service available via Penny Mart digital minibar (all-hours delivery) and traditional in-room dining.
An elevated patio on the second floor that overlooks North 8th Street below.
Private courtyard and ground-level patio — a lush, landscaped outdoor space designed by Brooklyn studio Verdant. Intended for working, socializing, and lounging. Not accessible to the public.
Pets stay free of charge. Up to two pets allowed, maximum 75 lbs each. Dog bowls and beds available on request. Bac'n Nutty dog treats available via Penny Mart. Guests sign a damage waiver.
There is no pool on property. The nearest public pool is McCarren Park Pool, approximately an 8-minute walk away.
Round-the-clock front desk staffed by multilingual team (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Greek, Arabic, Vietnamese).
Parking available at the iPark lot at 247 N. 8th Street. Fee applies.
BUILD YOUR PENNY WILLIAMSBURG PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning