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While Manhattan just went through a serious hotel boom (with 15 or so hotels opening in 2010), neighboring boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens are following suit. The Sheraton Brooklyn (www.sheratonbrooklyn.com) seems to have jump-started the borough trend when it opened as Brooklyn's first new full-service hotel in 12 years last May, and four more newbies are set to debut this spring and summer. Here’s a quick rundown of the openings, the on-trend digs, and the phenomenally affordable prices that are well worth the bridge or tunnel trek.
Z New York Hotel Located one stop across the East River via the 7 train, Long Island City is already a real-estate hub, thanks to its slew of luxury condos overlooking Midtown Manhattan. In July, LIC welcomes the boutique Z, a former warehouse-cum-designer hotel that will feature rooms with custom furnishings, sweeping city views (in all rooms!), free Wi-Fi and free global phone calls, a small outdoor lounge on every floor, a rooftop lounge (open to non-guests, too), a beer garden (debuting late July), and a free shuttle service to/from Manhattan for guests. Opening July 2011; rates from $199/night; zhotelny.com
Hotel Williamsburg New restaurants and bars seem to pop in the Burg almost every other day. A new hotel, on the other hand, is big news. Reps for Hotel Williamsburg are pitching it as a full-service boutique hotel, the first in the nabe, blending “old-school Brooklyn grit” with “new-school luxury.” Perhaps an Ace Hotel-like vibe? The 64 rooms, many with panoramic views of the city, will come with record players and complimentary records, while the rooftop bar and poolside club ought to be a summer hot spot. Opening early June; opening rates from $199/night through June 30; standard rates from $295/night; www.hwbrooklyn.com
Aloft Brooklyn Starwood’s second New York Aloft (Aloft Harlem opened in October) debuts this June in Downtown Brooklyn next to Fulton Mall and the new Sheraton. The hotel will feature an open-air “backyard,” rooftop terrace bar, 176 airy guest rooms, and a Smart Check-In program which allows guests to bypass the front desk with RFID keycards. We especially love the roster of regular live musical acts scheduled to perform at the property (past shows at other Aloft hotels have included Five For Fighting and the Plain White T's). Fun fact: This is the 50th Aloft hotel to open since 2008 making it the fastest brand launch in industry history. Opening June 1; rates from $169/night; www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City This new-build hotel right by the Queensboro Bridge in LIC just opened this week. It’s quiet, convenient, fresh, and boasts those only-from-LIC skyline views and rates for less than $200/night. Opened May 11; rates from $169/night; www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints
Who says you have to spend over $300 for a nice New York hotel?
For more trip-planning info and hotel advice, see our New York City Travel Guide and our Brooklyn Travel Guide.