Hotel Brooklyn opened its doors in Manchester on Valentine’s Day, shortly before lockdown. As one might expect from the name, the design of the 189-bedroom hotel is inspired by the hipster-saturated New York City borough, weaving in elements of The Great Gatsby and Guys and Dolls.
The hotel is in the middle of Manchester’s city centre on Portland Street – a hop from New York Street with Chinatown to the front, and the LGBTQ district of Canal Street situated 450 yards behind. It is walking distance from the central shopping district, including the Arndale Centre, as well as the more interesting independent shops and craft beer bars of the Northern Quarter.
Despite its Fifties inspiration, the Brooklyn borrows hints of midcentury Americana, rather than drenching itself in it there are vivid splashes of colour and neon signage among staple leather seating and granite tables.
The hotel plays on the industrial glamour of the Brooklyn scene, with its own rooftop bar for guests to sink a cocktail in while taking in Manchester’s own architectural skyline. Rooms in the hotel are spacious, with splashes of pastel blue and pinks among more muted tones.
Spacious, and tastefully designed, with the comfortable, spacious bed and cloud-like pillows. There’s a full-screen TV, desk space and a bundle of books from the era for guests to enjoy. Runyon’s restaurant, named after the author of Guys and Dolls, Damon Runyon, features more than the usual burger and chips offerings of many American-inspired eateries. Chicken and waffles can be selected alongside a burrata and orange and fennel salad, and a selection of rib eye, tomahawk and New York strip steaks are available on the menu as well as halloumi and falafel dishes.
Cocktails inspired by the likes of Marsha P Johnson and Andy Warhol feature spirits brewed for the Brooklyn brand.
