If you’re looking for the Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn, you’re technically looking for something that doesn't exist anymore—at least not by that name.
It’s the Arlo Williamsburg now.
In late 2023, after a saga involving bankruptcy auctions and a $96 million price tag, the property officially joined the Arlo portfolio. But honestly, if you walk into the lobby at 96 Wythe Avenue today, the DNA of the original spot is still very much alive. It’s still that massive eight-story brick tower that looks like it was plucked out of a steampunk dream and dropped onto the corner of North 10th Street.
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People come here for the "vibe," which is a word that gets thrown around too much, but here, it actually fits.
The Identity Crisis of the Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn
For years, this place was the "it" spot. Then it became the "it" spot with legal drama.
The transition to Arlo wasn't just a name change on the front door. There was a whole mess regarding the intellectual property, including the rights to the name and the "Sleep With A Local" tagline. By May 2025, the courts finally cleared the air, confirming that the new owners, Quadrum Global, owned the whole kit and caboodle—IP included.
So, what changed for you, the guest?
Basically, the service got more streamlined. Arlo brought in their "Art Rooftop" (ART) experience and some corporate polish, but they kept the grit that made the Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn famous. You still get those double-height ceilings. You still get the reclaimed wood floors.
The rooms are still tight. It’s New York; what did you expect?
But they’re clever. The Michaelis Boyd design uses every inch. We’re talking brass fixtures, deep gray finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the room feel three times larger than it actually is because the Manhattan skyline is sitting right there in your lap.
The Water Tower and the Rooftop Reality
The Water Tower is the crown jewel. You’ve probably seen it on Instagram. It’s a literal glass-encased water tower sitting on the roof.
It's expensive. $25 for a cocktail? Easy.
But sitting in a plush velvet chair while watching the sun drop behind the Empire State Building from inside a piece of industrial art? That's what you're paying for. The mural underneath it, "Subtle Reminders" by Ryan Wilson (ThankYouX), adds this layer of "new Brooklyn" cool that doesn't feel forced.
The pool is another story.
- It’s 40 feet long and heated.
- It’s usually packed.
- If you aren't a guest, you're likely paying for a ResortPass.
During the summer, the rooftop is a scene. If you hate crowds, stay away on Saturday afternoons. If you want to see and be seen, it's your Mecca.
Where to Eat: Beyond the Room Service
Inside the hotel, you’ve got Sungold. It’s Mediterranean-meets-Italian. They do wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas that are surprisingly good for a "hotel restaurant."
- Try the High Tea: On weekends, they do a Brooklyn High Tea. It's less "polite London" and more "boozy Brooklyn."
- The Mirror Bar: It’s hidden, emerald-green, and feels like a semi-secret club. Great for a nightcap if the rooftop is too windy.
But honestly? You're in Williamsburg. You should leave the hotel.
You’re two minutes from Brooklyn Brewery. You’re a short walk from L’Industrie Pizzeria, which—hot take—is actually worth the line. If you want something fancy, Llama Inn is right around the corner for Peruvian food that will blow your mind.
What Guest Reviews Actually Say in 2026
Recent guests are generally happy, but there are always caveats.
"The elevators are slow," is a common refrain. It’s an eight-story building with a lot of people trying to get to a very popular rooftop bar. Patience is required. Some people complain about noise from the hallways or the HVAC systems. That's the trade-off for staying in the heart of a party neighborhood.
Connectivity can be hit or miss. A few reviews from early 2026 mentioned Wi-Fi hiccups, though the staff usually jumps on it quickly.
The staff gets high marks. People like the "Arlo" touches—the fortune cookies in the room, the community boards, the local postcards you can mail for free. It’s these small bits of "human" touch that keep it from feeling like a cold, corporate box.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're booking the Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn (Arlo), do these three things to avoid a headache:
Book a Balcony Room: If you can swing the extra cost, the private balcony is a game-changer. Even if it's just to stand out there for five minutes at midnight, the view of the East River is the whole point of staying here.
Check the Pool Season: The pool is seasonal. In 2026, it’s slated to reopen for the summer in late May. If you're coming in March expecting to swim, you're going to be disappointed.
Use the Perks: Arlo gives you Citi Bike credits and access to fitness videos via Alo Moves. Don't let those go to waste. Grab a bike and ride down to Domino Park. It’s a 13-minute trip and gives you the best perspective of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Ultimately, this hotel is a survivor. It outlived bankruptcy and a global pandemic to remain the architectural anchor of Wythe Avenue. Whether you call it the Williamsburg Hotel or Arlo, it’s still the most iconic place to sleep in the borough.
Go for the views. Stay for the vibe. Just don't forget your earplugs if you're a light sleeper.