Basking in Brooklyn

Written in cooperation with the Hipmunk Boutique Hotel campaign

Brooklyn. The name conjures up images of Ellis Island, Brighton Beach and Coney Island. New York City’s second borough is breaking out of Manhattan’s shadow with increasing velocity. Boutique hotels are all the rage, the art scene is thriving, and more and more travelers are embracing the diverse ethnic neighborhoods.

For those wanting to enjoy the true “melting pot” of New York, Brooklyn is the perfect location featuring many of the cities top museums, attractions, and flea markets all with cultural influences from around the world. Brooklyn is also home to a large number of free attractions such as Coney Island and an abundance of parks.

Hotel La Jolie offers many perks such as Tempur-Pedic mattresses, Egyptian linens, and rainfall shower heads. Free breakfast, newspapers and free parking are cause for celebration in a city always short on parking. The location is ideal for trips into Manhattan as well as exploring the nearby area filled with art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and vintage stores.

image via Flickr by Wagner T. Cassimiro “Aranha”

For business travelers driving into the city, the Brooklyn Motor Inn is perfect. Offering free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour concierge service, the hotel rooms feature comfortable furnishings, a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer and ironing board. A quick trip over the impressive Brooklyn Bridge puts you in the heart of the action, or you might prefer to make a day of it by water taxi visiting Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty.

image via Flickr by Jauher Ali Nasir

If travelers are looking for a bit of luxury, in the midst of charming neighborhoods, perhaps the Condor Hotel is the right choice. This sleek hotel embraces an urban theme and the rooms will pamper you with plush bedding, rainfall showerheads, and soaking tubs. Complimentary breakfast starts off your day and in the afternoon indulge in freshly baked cookies, tea, coffee, and lemonade. Located near several subway stops, all of the delights of this electric city are at your doorstep.

image via Flickr by nitdoggx

For those looking for a hipster style hotel, check out the Hotel BPM. Close to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, this hotel looks like a sleek downtown hotel, all for a lower price point. A quick couple of subway stops from Manhattan, the Hotel BPM has a fantastic nightclub for those night owls who want to end their evening close to their lodging, and guests are able to use the nearby fitness center.

image via Flickr by nick.amoscato

Loft style living is all the rage with the minimalist theme making headlines across the country. Take advantage of your own loft accommodations at Aloft New York Brooklyn. The spacious lofts feature platform beds and elegant bathrooms with bliss showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and mini-fridges. Located near public transportation to all of the sights and sounds of New York, this hotel also offers a fitness center, Wi-Fi and a rooftop lounge.

image via Flickr by Nicholas Vollmer

For anyone considering a trip to New York, keep Brooklyn in mind. Enjoy easy access to the Botanical Gardens, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and an unbelievable number of flea markets, shops, and artist retreats. Brooklyn has it all.