Shelby Eastman

The William Vale

  • Where:
  • Why:Staycation to treat myself.
  • When:February 2020
  • Who:Me and a good friend.
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The William Vale Brooklyn balcony with a Manhattan view. It doesn’t get any more ideal. Ps. I have one word for the robe and slippers: PLUSH.

Brooklyn balcony with a Manhattan view. It doesn’t get any more ideal. Ps. I have one word for the robe and slippers: PLUSH.

The William Vale The bathroom (most specifically the tub!) was absolutely a highlight of the room and my stay.

The bathroom (most specifically the tub!) was absolutely a highlight of the room and my stay.

The William Vale Is it a coincidence that I started figure skating lessons at the beginning of this year and that The William Vale currently has a rink on their roof?

Is it a coincidence that I started figure skating lessons at the beginning of this year and that The William Vale currently has a rink on their roof?

The William Vale A “wow” moment post-skating at Vale Rink. This was the first sight upon entering the room: cozy bed of my dreams + Brooklyn skyline.

A “wow” moment post-skating at Vale Rink. This was the first sight upon entering the room: cozy bed of my dreams + Brooklyn skyline.

The William Vale It wouldn’t be a staycation at The William Vale without a visit to their iconic rooftop bar, Westlight by Andrew Carmellini, NoHo Hospitality.

It wouldn’t be a staycation at The William Vale without a visit to their iconic rooftop bar, Westlight by Andrew Carmellini, NoHo Hospitality.

The William Vale The gifts (literally) keep on giving! This place is full of surprises. I don’t know how the team does it.

The gifts (literally) keep on giving! This place is full of surprises. I don’t know how the team does it.

The William Vale Million-dollar balcony view. Fun fact: every room in the hotel has a balcony!

Million-dollar balcony view. Fun fact: every room in the hotel has a balcony!

The William Vale YOVO (you only Vale once) – except hopefully I’ll Vale again!

YOVO (you only Vale once) – except hopefully I’ll Vale again!

The William Vale We loved having dinner and breakfast at Leuca, a Southern Italian restaurant on the ground floor.

We loved having dinner and breakfast at Leuca, a Southern Italian restaurant on the ground floor.

The William Vale Soaking up every moment of rest and relaxation.

Soaking up every moment of rest and relaxation.

The William Vale The design-lover in me couldn’t help but adore the lighting throughout the hotel – both natural light and the fixtures.

The design-lover in me couldn’t help but adore the lighting throughout the hotel – both natural light and the fixtures.

The William Vale I really enjoyed all of the art throughout the hotel, most of which is designed by local New York and Brooklyn artists!

I really enjoyed all of the art throughout the hotel, most of which is designed by local New York and Brooklyn artists!

Highs & Lows

  • The William Vale is the only Forbes recommended property in Brooklyn, and it shows. The staff was always one step ahead, almost as if they knew exactly what I needed/wanted before I asked for it. I was in awe of the service from start to finish. I truly felt like a queen during my stay.

  • Like home, but better. I always have a hard time settling in on the first night at a new place and usually don’t sleep well. I did not have that issue here. There is such a strong sense of “home” in the rooms and throughout the property. I felt at home and had some of the best sleep (and overall comfort and relaxation) that I’ve had in a while. Everything I needed was one reach away. Like I said…they are one step ahead.

  • Amenities amenities amenities. It’s way more than just a place to lay your head. As mentioned throughout the review, there is no shortage of things to do or places to eat/drink!

  • The location is unbeatable. You have the luxury of having a front row seat to Manhattan’s skyline while being in the charm of Brooklyn.

  • Design and aesthetic is a huge factor for me and The William Vale really nails it. It’s modern, clean, and timeless with touches of artistic edge throughout the property from local artists. As mentioned throughout the review, I couldn’t stop taking photos. My entire personal Instagram feed currently looks like I AM the hotel.

  • At turndown, the staff brought in a few water bottles which was so nice to have at bedside before falling asleep. However, I think it would be great to see glass pitchers instead of water bottles as a way to cut back on singe use plastic.

  • The biggest negative of all is that I did not want to leave. This hotel is a life changing hospitality experience .

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Plastic Free

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Luxury hotel (the only Forbes recommended hotel in Brooklyn!!).

  • Vibe

    Modern luxury meets local Brooklyn flare.

  • Location

    The best spot in Williamsburg. It’s right on the water (which provides stunning views of Manhattan), steps from McCarren Park, and a close walk to all of the best shops in the neighborhood.

  • Rooms

    183

  • Music

    I exited the elevator in the lobby and “The Passenger” by Siouxsie and the Banshees was playing. So I’d say it’s a WIN.

  • Year Opened

    2016

  • Designed By

    Albo Liberis, architect and Studio Munge, interiors.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes. There is a large outdoor pool during the spring/summer season and a full gym on the 4th floor.

  • Restaurant

    Leuca by Andrew Carmellini, NoHo Hospitality.

  • Bar

    Westlight on the roof by Andrew Carmellini, NoHo Hospitality.

  • Minibar

    Very impressive mini bar. Fully stocked with a variety of sweet, savory, and healthy snack items as well as a full fridge of wine and beer.

  • Pet Friendly

    Yes!

  • Children

    Bring them! While there are many activities for the adults, there’s just as many for the kiddos. This property is super family friendly.

  • Price

    Luxury, but affordable and fair for the experience, service, and amenities

  • Website

    Visit website

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