One hotel in Brooklyn offers a unique approach to guest experience by centering its design and operations around sustainability and biophilic principles.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Features
I’m looking into places that make a conscious effort to be kind to the planet while still offering a luxurious stay. The 1 Hotel brand, and specifically the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, seems to be doing just that. It’s crafted with a strong focus on using raw, natural, and upcycled materials. This approach aims to connect guests with nature and show how we can work with the environment instead of against it.
The hotel’s CEO, Barry Sternlicht, also founded St. Regis and W Hotels. With 1 Hotel, he wanted something different, centered on sustainability. This connection to nature isn’t just for show; it’s inspired by biophilic design, which is all about using natural elements to create spaces that reduce stress and promote rest. This focus makes the hotel a truly restorative place to stay, especially in a busy city like New York.
Prime Location in Dumbo
You’ll find the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn. Its location right on the waterfront offers amazing views. From the hotel’s rooftop pool, which has a lightning shape, you can see the Lower Manhattan skyline. It’s hard to beat this view, especially with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge right there. The hotel is also right next to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is full of greenery. Much of this green space is kept healthy by a special rainwater collection system on the hotel’s roof. This water is then used to irrigate the park’s plants.
Being so close to the park means you can easily enjoy nature while staying in the city. The hotel is also just a short walk from some of Dumbo’s best restaurants and shops. This includes places like Lucky Rabbit Noodles, Juliana’s pizza, and the Time Out Market. For easy access to Manhattan, the Dumbo-Fulton ferry is only a five-minute walk away, and public transportation like the A, C, 2, and 3 trains are also nearby. While some first-time visitors might prefer staying in Manhattan, I think Dumbo offers a quieter, cooler, and very safe base for exploring the city.
What is the hotel’s location?
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is located in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
It sits right on the waterfront, offering excellent views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Thoughtful and Sustainable Design
The hotel’s lobby is quite impressive, blending industrial furniture with earthy colors and plenty of plants. A large living wall, about 7-8 meters tall, really sets the natural tone for the entire property. This space showcases how the hotel works with nature. Many of the artworks are made from reclaimed materials. For example, artist Jarrod Beck created a piece called OVEREACHOTHER using rubber from a roof that was damaged by a tornado. This work acknowledges nature’s power.
Another artist, Rachel Mica Weiss, used 6,000 pounds of obsidian rocks to create a display near a staircase inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge. These rocks are similar to the stones found in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The hotel was built using reclaimed materials for more than half of its structure. This commitment to using recycled materials not only helps the environment but also gives the hotel a unique story to tell. It helps guests feel more connected to New York’s history and location, much like older, historic hotels.
How does the hotel use sustainable design?
The hotel extensively uses raw, natural, and upcycled materials throughout its structure and decor.
Over half of the entire new-build hotel was constructed using reclaimed materials, giving it a unique story and connection to place.
Comfortable and Eco-Conscious Rooms
My focus is always on finding places that are comfortable and convenient for families. The Bridge King Rooms at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge are designed with biophilic principles in mind. They feature bed frames made from reclaimed wood and mattresses with organic cotton. There’s also a system that provides high-quality filtered drinking water directly in the room. While the room I looked into, at 27 square meters, isn’t the largest, the design makes it feel spacious and comfortable. The large picture windows can even open up like a balcony, letting in a nice breeze.
Even the small details in the rooms show the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. You might find hangers made from recycled paper, and a small coaster that gently suggests guests consider donating clothes if they’ve overpacked. I think this thoughtful approach makes the brand feel genuine and important. Higher category rooms and suites offer more space and additional design touches. Some top suites even have a hammock by the window, offering a relaxing spot to watch the city. Selecting a room with a view that isn’t obstructed by construction would be ideal, especially for enjoying the city sights.
What are the room features like?
Rooms include features like reclaimed wood bed frames and organic cotton mattresses, encouraging a connection with natural elements.
Filtered drinking water is provided directly in the room, and guests may find amenities like hangers made from recycled paper.
Dining and Drinks with a Fresh Approach
When I’m planning a trip, finding good food options is key, especially places that are mindful of fresh ingredients. The Osprey, located on the ground floor of the hotel, is run by chef Dan Churchill. It continues the hotel’s green and lively atmosphere. Churchill focuses on fresh, seasonal produce, bringing a farm-to-table approach to Brooklyn. The menu offers clean, healthy dishes that are perfect for a refreshing meal. Imagine enjoying a perfectly cooked salmon dish, which sounds like a great example of the fresh flavors offered.
For drinks, the hotel has two rooftop bars called Harriet’s. The upper level is an open-air bar with a lively atmosphere, serving upscale bar bites and cocktails. It’s located near the rooftop pool, which is a fantastic spot to relax, though it is family-friendly. One floor below, Harriet’s Lounge offers a more sophisticated cocktail bar experience with beautiful glass windows that maximize the city views. You can often enjoy live music and DJs here, with a menu of more refined cocktails.
Where can you eat and drink at the hotel?
The Osprey is the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce and farm-to-table dishes.
Harriet’s features two rooftop bars: an open-air cocktail bar, and a more stylish lounge below with live music and sophisticated cocktails.
Wellness and Fitness Amenities
For families, having options for relaxation and staying active is important. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has a large Bamford Wellness Spa. It features treatment rooms, flotation therapy, infrared saunas, and other modern wellness technologies. This sounds like a wonderful place to unwind and recharge. Nearby, there’s a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center, which is standard for a hotel of this caliber. They also offer weekly “Mind & Movement” fitness classes for guests, which could be a nice way to start the day.
I always consider places that offer activities for everyone. While the spa is more for adult relaxation, the fitness center and movement classes could be adaptable for older children or parents wanting to maintain a routine. The overall wellness focus of the hotel aligns with creating a healthy and restorative environment for all guests.
What wellness facilities are available?
The hotel offers a large Bamford Wellness Spa with various treatment rooms, flotation therapy, and infrared saunas.
A 24-hour fitness center is available, along with weekly “Mind & Movement” fitness classes for guests.
Warm and Helpful Service
Friendly and helpful service really makes a difference. The staff at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge are described as bright, friendly, and spirited, mirroring the cool vibe of Dumbo. I appreciate when hotel teams are knowledgeable and can offer casual suggestions for exploring the area. It sounds like they are eager to help guests find the best places to go. The service on the rooftop is even compared to being with old friends, which suggests a very welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. For getting around nearby, the hotel offers a house car, a fully electric Audi A8 e-tron, which can take guests anywhere within a 3-4 mile radius. This is a very convenient and eco-friendly service.
How is the hotel’s service?
Staff are described as bright, friendly, and spirited, offering helpful suggestions and a welcoming atmosphere.
The hotel provides a complimentary house car, an electric Audi A8 e-tron, for transport within a 3-4 mile radius.
Considering the Value and Experience
When I’m evaluating hotels, I look at the overall experience for the price. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is noted as having a significant cost, with a night’s stay potentially around $630 USD. This is understandable given the hotel’s high-end design and features. While it is an investment, the experience it offers goes beyond just a place to sleep. It’s a hotel designed for guests to truly immerse themselves in the surroundings and enjoy the many amenities. For a family like ours, budgeting for a longer stay to fully appreciate the location and the hotel’s offerings would be worth considering. For example, if Emma and Sofia were looking for a unique experience, the idea of staying somewhere so connected to nature in the middle of the city would be very appealing.
I see this hotel brand as potentially representing the future of hospitality. It’s about creating a beautifully designed environment with excellent service and unforgettable views. The experience offered is something I believe is worth saving up for, especially for travelers looking for more than just a typical hotel stay. While this particular hotel is in Brooklyn, the 1 Hotel brand is expanding, with plans for a location in Melbourne, Australia, in 2025. This shows a commitment to their unique sustainable and wellness-focused model.
Is the hotel worth the cost?
The hotel is a higher-end option, with prices reflecting its luxury design, sustainable features, and comprehensive amenities.
The experience offered is considered valuable, focusing on design, service, and unique city views, potentially representing a future trend in hospitality.
