Penny Williamsburg Hotel recently opened their “Your Majesty” Suite, and at 700 square feet of Brooklyn’s finest loft living, it marks as the hotel's grandest accommodation yet. Upon entrance guests are greeted with a bright living room inclusive of a 63” TV, lounging space, and a Roly Poly chairs by Faye Toogood. The dining area is a pliable space that can double as a workspace or game table, with a large kitchenette inclusive of pour-over coffee, a fridge, toaster, oven and microwave.

For the ultimate homey experience, the bedroom is decorated with art pieces from LAND Gallery, a local art partner with the hotel. Inclusive of a Queen bed, a TV, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and shower, there is an additional guest room that can be rented for the maximization of a spacious stay. Exteriors include a private terrace that can be accessed through the living, dining, and bedroom areas. 

The hotel is a new accommodation in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a hospitality concept conceived by Sydell Group, which is known for its work with stays such as NoMad, LINE, and Freehand. The group worked with New York City-based architecture and design firm Stonehill Taylor to create a spirited and idiosyncratic hotel reflective of the community that surrounds it. This property is the first of its kind offering housing for Bard graduate students while also operating as a hotel. Penny has a commitment to create a residential atmosphere with apartment style accommodations for both short and long term stays, located on a quiet block which is walking distance to the wonder of restaurants, shops, bookstores, and cocktail bars that Williamsburg has to offer. 

The hotel is complete with a rooftop restaurant and bar, elNico, consisting of a modern iteration of Mexican cuisine and Latin-American inspired cocktails with panoramic views of Brooklyn and Manhattan, open Sunday and Monday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 11 PM, and Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to Midnight. Chef Fernanda Serrano leads the culinary team after working as sous chef at The NoMad London, and at 30 years old is her first time having full creative control over a kitchen. Inspired by her upbringing in Mexico City, the menu features casual, colorful meals stemming from her Mexican heritage and sophisticated travels around the Latin diaspora. Dishes include Caviar sope with salsa cruda and crème fraiche, vegan Pink Mole with beet, tahini, fennell, kumquat, and pine nut, and classics such as Carne Asada. Dessert consists of an ice cream sandwich elevated by licor 43 ice cream lounging between two espresso cookies and Fresas con Crema, a beloved dish made classic with strawberries, pink peppercorn, and whipped mascarpone.

James Beard, award winning author and beverage director Leo Robitschek, and Cristhian Rodriguez are responsible for the skillfully crafted cocktails which complement Serrano’s menu. Finding inspiration in their shared accounts as immigrants (Robitschek born in Venezuela, Rodriguez from Peru) to create a vibrant, profuse cocktail menu. Hosting a large selection of Agave spirits and locally and seasonally sourced ingredients found around Latin America, the menu is derived of four sections: Classics (where one can enjoy the Rhubarb Margarita), Fresh (highlighting seasonal and evergreen ingredients with their Turn the Beat Around beverage), Preserved (flavors derived from pickled and jammed ingredients such as in their Paw Paw Pineapple cocktail) and lastly, non-alcoholic offerings that take on the likes of Agua Fresca, Horchata, and more. 

Photographed by Alice Gao.