While the fast rhythms of Manhattan mean that a New-York minute is gone in a flash, time slows down at The William Vale, just across the East River.
There’s nothing inconspicuous about The William Vale. Boasting 23 stories within a tall lattice steel frame, and decked with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the building stands dramatically apart from its surrounding industrial park. Futuristic and friendly all at once, since opening in 2016, The William Vale has quickly become a hub for the creative community of Williamsburg and wider Brooklyn.
Towering above the Neo-Gothic architecture of Williamsburg, The William Vale is where Brooklyn locals as well as Manhattanites flock come evening. You’ll feel the pulse of New York City; but the hotel is also a place where you can take time out to enjoy the vibe, whether from the sweeping balcony (in every one of the hotel’s bedrooms), or from its outdoor pool, park space, or rooftop bar.
The Vibe
Inside The William Vale, you’ll find it all. Built to become almost a mini village in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint, once you step inside there’s really no reason to leave. Designed by Albo Liberis architects, the property purposefully stands out from its industrial neighbourhood, where exposed brickwork and timber detailing reign supreme across nearby warehouses – most of which have been converted into events spaces, bars, and offices. Contemporary and sleek, the building brings fresh, state-of-the-art architecture to the area.
The William Vale
As you arrive at the base of the towering lattice structure, a valet is on hand to receive your bags and park your car (should you have one). Moving inside, past the outdoor dining spaces, the reception is airy with marbled floors and a large lounge space, and is peppered with art by Brooklyn-based, internationally-recognised Marela Zacarias. Interiors across the hotel have been designed by Studio Munge, who worked in collaboration with the Brooklyn Arts Council to showcase artwork produced in Brooklyn by Brooklyn-based artists; hundreds of pieces are creatively scattered across the property, from the lobby, to the rooms and the restaurants.
The Rooms
The William Vale
The 183 rooms offer varying sizes and, remarkably, each comes with a balcony for uninterrupted views across both Manhattan’s skyline and the plains of Brooklyn. We stayed in the natural light-flooded Gotham Corner Suite, with wrap-around balcony, a large bathtub, and a spacious (for New York standards) lounge area. Bedroom interiors are minimalist; a white palette with grey furnishings gives way to the showstopper of the space – the view. Manhattan’s infamous skyline shines brightly, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Pour a drink from the mini bar (or order something from the in-room dining menu available 24 hours a day) and take it all in. There aren’t many spots in New York where you can say you’ve bathed while gazing at The Empire State Building, but The William Vale is one of them. Soak with the Le Labo toiletries before hitting the softest Bellino linen sheets. For a luxury that’s hard to envision in New York, opt for the Vale Garden Residence which boasts an outdoor Jacuzzi and private garden.
The Food + Drink
The William Vale
Three different dining experiences await at The William Vale, each curated by award-winning chef, Andrew Carmellini, and NoHo Hospitality Group – the teams behind New York’s loved Lafayette and Bar Primi, among others. Breakfast is served on the hotel’s ground floor in Leuca, a Southern Italian-inspired restaurant with a beautiful marble and dark wood bar, and handprinted plates decorating the walls. You’ll find all the Italian brunch classics on the menu including panini, Calabrese eggs al forno, and Greek yoghurt parfait. The evening menu offers wood-fired pizzas and grilled specialities, including grilled branzino and chicken Rosalina.
It’s the 22nd floor – at Westlight – where the party really starts and you’ll rub shoulders with Williamsburg’s young, creative crowds, as well as plenty of Manhattanites who flock here for golden hour. Swerve the swarms of selfie-takers as the sun starts to set, and head for a table on the large balcony before ordering a cocktail from the extensive drinks menu. The food menu is equally impressive, with a fusion of global cuisines from Mezcal-cured salmon tostadas to charred eggplant dumplings, each split into small bites for sharing or big bites for mains. For a post-dinner drink and DJ set, head upstairs to The Turf Club.
The Little Extras
The William Vale
On the fourth floor, you’ll find Vale Pool. Measuring 60 feet, it’s the longest outdoor hotel pool in the city. Chef Andrew Carmellini serves a poolside offering here – the hotel’s third restaurant spot – of street-food style bites and speciality cocktails to enjoy while relaxing on a day bed or terrace lounge spot (which are complimentary for hotel guests to reserve and enjoy during their stay).
The elevated, 15,000 square-foot Vale Park is where you can enjoy the view from a park bench, or hit the fitness centre equipped by Freemotion and powered by iFIT. The amenities here are stand out, and testament to the innovative city – and borough – that the hotel calls home.
The To-Do List
If you’re visiting in sunnier seasons (and manage to tear yourself away from the skyline views and poolside bathing), don’t hop straight over the East River to Manhattan – spend time getting to know The William Vale’s unique neighbourhood. There are plenty of independent bakeries around, including La Bicyclette and Bakeri to pick up a coffee and pastry as you stroll the East River. Williamsburg is known for vintage spots, so stop by Seven Wonders Vintage Collective, Dobbin St. Vintage, and Chickee’s Vintage. Gelateria Gentile is a chic Italian ice cream spot for a sweet pick me up post shopping.
Lead image: Vale Garden Residence, The William Vale. All images © The William Vale
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