Hotel Review: Penny, New York

Located in the hip Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, the closest subway choices are the L and G train at Lorimer Street and the L train at Bedford Avenue, both just a five-minute walk from the hotel.

By plane: flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh to New York take 7 hours. A taxi will take one hour from JFK airport. Parking nearby costs $25 per day. Book flights to New York.

The décor is generally white throughout the building with splashes of bright colour, such as a yellow sofa in the lobby or a couple of bright orange chairs by the lifts on a guest room floor. It all feels pretty new and spotless, almost clinical.

Service is friendly and efficient. Facilities are quite modest: a small lobby area with seating, a courtyard at the back that is a tranquil spot with some tables and chairs, and an 11th floor rooftop bar-restaurant offering a casual menu, craft cocktails, a custom built-in DJ kiosk and space for live music, performances, and cultural events. There is no gym, however guests can purchase discounted day pass from the hotel's partners, nearby Chalk Gym, for $25 per day.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Courtyard
• Bike hire
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

All 118 rooms offer residential views and have a concrete ceiling and hardwood floor, kitchenette with microwave and kettle and a few books. There's a safe, iron, steamer, hairdryer and hanging space. Penny Mart is the 'digital minibar', available via QR code. A frosted glass door leads to the sleek shower room.

Room types: Queen, Niche Queen, Sleeper Queen, Supreme Queen, Your Majesty

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes, tea and coffee facilities, 24/7 digital minibar, free Wi-Fi

Rooftop bar and restaurant El Nico serves imaginative Mexican food and drinks with great views. Chef Fer Serrano's imaginative menu is a reflection of her time growing up in Mexico and builds on her family's favourite recipes, adding ingredients and using new techniques. Cocktails are under the direction of Leo Robitschek, with fresh, seasonal flavours and locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on agave-based spirits as well as classics.

El Nico: small plates and large plates, complemented by cocktails. Open for brunch and dinner.