85 Smith Street, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
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NU Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking into NU Hotel on Smith Street, you immediately notice how this four-star boutique property manages to feel both sleek and welcoming. The lobby has this minimalist-modern vibe that doesn’t try too hard — clean lines, warm lighting, and just enough personality to remind you that you’re in Brooklyn, not some cookie-cutter chain. I mean, the staff actually seems to enjoy working here, which honestly makes a bigger difference than you’d think.

Boerum Hill Location

Here’s the thing about staying in Boerum Hill — you’re perfectly positioned between the touristy waterfront areas and the more authentic Brooklyn neighborhoods. Smith Street itself has become this great little strip with independent shops and solid dining options within walking distance. You can easily hop on the subway to Manhattan (the Borough Hall stations are close), but you know what? You might find yourself wanting to stick around and explore. The couples who stay here seem to get it — there’s something romantic about wandering these tree-lined streets that feel genuinely residential yet still vibrant.

The Room Experience

The room design follows that same understated modern aesthetic, and I appreciate that they didn’t sacrifice comfort for style. The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given in boutique hotels), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. What I really like is how they’ve thought about the little things — good lighting for reading, plenty of outlets where you need them, and blackout shades that actually work. The bathrooms are compact but well-designed, with decent water pressure and toiletries that don’t smell like generic hotel soap.

Breakfast and Amenities

The breakfast setup is pretty solid — they do both continental and buffet options, which gives you flexibility depending on whether you’re rushing out to catch a morning flight or planning to take your time. I’ve seen hotels charge extra for what NU includes, so that’s a nice touch. The fitness center is small but has the essentials, and honestly, with Prospect Park not too far away, you might prefer to get your exercise outdoors anyway. There’s also parking available, which anyone who’s tried to find street parking in Brooklyn will appreciate.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it strikes that balance between being polished enough for business travelers but relaxed enough for couples on a weekend getaway. The location consistently gets high marks because it gives you that authentic Brooklyn experience without feeling like you’re roughing it. You’re close enough to Manhattan when you want the big city energy, but far enough away to actually get some sleep at night. The staff seems to understand that most guests are here because they want something different from the typical Midtown hotel experience — and they deliver on that without making it feel forced or overly curated.

Hotel in New York reservations spike before fashion week, so style lovers lock in loft suites early.

NU Hotel Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
Queen Room1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
King Room1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
Double Room with Two Double Beds2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
Junior Suite2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
Bunk Bed Suite1 bunk bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
Mobility Accessible Queen Room with Roll-in Shower1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
Deluxe King Room1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
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Reviews of NU Hotel

  • Catherine from Austria (8/10)

    Everything! The hotel totally exceeded my expectation. The service was fantastic, the room super clean, comfortable and spacious, and the breakfast buffet was excellent.

  • Claire from United Kingdom (9/10)

    The room was a good size and had everything we needed. The location is great, it is right next to the Subway station that takes you straight in to Manhattan in about 15 minutes. The staff at the hotel are really friendly, my mum is gluten free and they provided GF bread for her for breakfast which was great of them!

  • Natasha from United States (9/10)

    Great staff! Friendly, responsive, and professional. Spacious and quiet room. Nice location.

  • Susan from United Kingdom (9/10)

    Great design, friendly staff, great sized room.

  • Michelle from United States (8/10)

    Room is great size for New York, staff is very helpful. Free breakfast and coffee is a bonus. It is in a great location of Brooklyn. Close to the subway and walking distance to so many places. It is a smaller hotel so no waiting on elevators.

  • Yasmin from United Kingdom (8/10)

    Modern rooms, clean, good shower facilities.

  • Warren from Australia (7/10)

    Location and security

  • Ann from United States (8/10)

    Room was spacious and comfortable. Breakfast was good. I love the location, it’s close to many restaurants and other shopping and not far from the Barclays Center.

  • Pam from United States (7/10)

    Clean, nice staff.

  • Family from Netherlands (8/10)

    It was right, absolutely right

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Columbus Park: 650 m
  • Adam Yauch Park: 950 m
  • Mc Laughlin Park: 900 m
  • Cadman Plaza Park: 1 km
  • Van Voorhees Park: 1.2 km
  • Palmetto Playground: 950 m
  • Van Vorhees Playground: 1.2 km
  • New York Transit Museum: 300 m
  • Brooklyn Historical Society: 950 m
  • Sixteen Sycamores Playground: 650 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Soul Spot: 200 m
  • Restaurant French Louie: 250 m
  • Restaurant Black Walnut Restaurant: 100 m

Top attractions:

  • Bryant Park: 8 km
  • The High Line: 7 km
  • Brooklyn Bridge: 2.2 km
  • Chrysler Building: 8 km
  • Flatiron Building: 6 km
  • Statue of Liberty: 8 km
  • Rockefeller Center: 9 km
  • Empire State Building: 8 km
  • One World Trade Center: 4.2 km
  • National September 11 Memorial & Museum: 4.3 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Reservoir No 3: 10 km
  • Peak Lookout Hill (55m): 4.5 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Hoyt Street: 350 m
  • Metro Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets: 150 m
  • Train Fulton Street Subway Station: 3.7 km
  • Train Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall: 3.4 km

Closest airports:

  • La Guardia Airport: 17 km
  • New York Skyports Seaplane Base: 7 km
  • Newark Liberty International Airport: 24 km

Facilities

View:

  • City view

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock

General:

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Lift
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron

Kitchen:

  • Tumble dryer

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Services:

  • Pet bowls
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Wake-up service
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Dry cleaning
  • Business centre
  • 24-hour front desk

Wellness:

  • Fitness
  • Fitness centre

Activities:

  • Bicycle rental
  • Temporary art galleries
  • Cycling Off-site

Living Area:

  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Snack bar
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Spanish

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology:

  • iPod dock
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • Radio
  • Telephone
  • TV

Parking Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs U S$55 per day.:

  • Parking garage
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House Rules at NU Hotel

Pets:

  • Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

Groups:

  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • Until 12:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 21

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.5

Comfort:

8.2

Location:

8.7

Free WiFi:

8.2

Facilities:

7.8

Cleanliness:

8.2

Value for money:

7.2