Union Hotel Brooklyn Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a convenient and comfortable place to stay in one of Brooklyn's most dynamic neighborhoods, the Essence Hotel Brooklyn (formerly known as Union Hotel Brooklyn) offers a compelling option. Situated in the heart of Gowanus, this hotel provides a practical and welcoming base for exploring not just Brooklyn's myriad attractions but also offering excellent access to Manhattan. In a city where accommodation can often be a trade-off between location, comfort, and cost, the Essence Hotel Brooklyn aims to strike a balance, prioritizing essential amenities and a friendly atmosphere. This article is designed for you, the local New Yorker, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of the Essence Hotel Brooklyn, detailing its features, services, and why it might be the ideal choice for your next staycation, business trip, or visit from out-of-town guests.
The Essence Hotel Brooklyn, previously operating as the Union Hotel Brooklyn, has established itself as a straightforward and accessible option for travelers and locals alike. It's a boutique hotel, meaning it focuses on providing a personalized and often stylish experience, typically with fewer rooms than larger chain hotels. Located in a rapidly evolving neighborhood, it reflects the industrial-chic aesthetic often found in Gowanus. The hotel's design aims for a contemporary feel, with individually furnished and decorated rooms that include touches like soundproofing, premium bedding, and rainfall showers. While it may not boast extensive luxury amenities, its strength lies in its strategic location and its commitment to offering a clean, safe, and functional environment for guests. The change in name from Union Hotel Brooklyn to Essence Hotel Brooklyn has been noted by guests, but the core offering remains centered on providing a practical and well-connected lodging experience. Its overall approach aligns with providing a comfortable and efficient stay, perfect for those who prioritize location and essential comforts over expansive, full-service hotel experiences.
The location of Essence Hotel Brooklyn is undeniably one of its strongest selling points, making it incredibly convenient for New Yorkers and visitors. The hotel is precisely located at 611 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood, known for its blend of artistic studios, industrial spaces, trendy restaurants, and burgeoning nightlife. It also benefits from its proximity to other popular Brooklyn areas like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, which are just a short stroll away.
Accessibility via New York City’s public transportation system is a major advantage. The hotel is situated just two blocks from the Union Street subway station, served by the R train. This provides direct and easy access to Manhattan, making it a quick 10-minute subway ride to the city. Furthermore, the F and G subway lines are also within a reasonable walking distance, providing additional connectivity to other parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. For those attending events, Barclays Center Brooklyn is an 11-minute walk (approximately 1.0 km) from the hotel, offering unparalleled convenience for sports fans and concert-goers. Prospect Park is also a short 19-minute walk (about 1.6 km) away, providing a vast green oasis for recreation. The surrounding area is well-served by local MTA bus routes, offering even more options for getting around. While on-site parking is not available, the excellent subway access significantly negates this concern for most New Yorkers. Its central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the best that Brooklyn has to offer.
Essence Hotel Brooklyn focuses on providing essential services and amenities that ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests. While not a sprawling resort, its offerings are thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of modern travelers.
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Ensuring round-the-clock assistance for check-ins, check-outs, and any guest inquiries.
- Free On-the-Go Breakfast: A complimentary breakfast is provided daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, offering a convenient start to the day.
- Free In-Room WiFi: High-speed wireless internet access is available in all rooms, with speeds of 25+ Mbps, allowing guests to stay connected.
- Daily Housekeeping: Rooms receive daily cleaning service, ensuring a fresh and tidy environment throughout the stay.
- Luggage Storage: Guests can securely store their luggage before check-in or after check-out, providing flexibility for travel plans.
- Multilingual Staff: The hotel employs staff who speak multiple languages, enhancing communication and service for diverse guests.
- Flat-Screen TVs with Premium Channels: Each room is equipped with a flat-screen television offering premium satellite channels and pay movies for entertainment.
- Air Conditioning: Climate-controlled air conditioning is available in all rooms for guest comfort.
- Private Bathrooms with Rainfall Showers: Rooms feature private bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries for a refreshing experience.
- Pillowtop Beds with Egyptian Cotton Sheets: Rooms are furnished with comfortable pillowtop beds and premium Egyptian cotton sheets for a restful night's sleep.
- Room Service: While offerings may vary, room service is available for guests' convenience.
- Shared Microwave: A microwave is available in a common area for guest use, useful for heating up quick meals or snacks.
- Vending Machine: For late-night snacks or drinks, a vending machine is on-site.
- In-Room Safe: Guests can secure their valuables in an in-room safe.
- Desk and Phone: Each room includes a desk and a phone for business or personal use.
- Complimentary Newspapers: Guests may find free daily newspapers available.
- Iron/Ironing Board (on request): Available upon request for guest convenience.
- Soundproofed Rooms: Designed to minimize external noise for a peaceful stay.
- Lift/Elevator: Providing easy access to all floors.
- Accessibility Features: Includes wheelchair-accessible path of travel, registration desk, braille/raised signage, handrails in hallways and stairways, and closed-captioned TV.
The Essence Hotel Brooklyn stands out for its strategic advantages and thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience in a bustling city like New York.
- Exceptional Location: The proximity to Barclays Center, Prospect Park, and multiple subway lines (R, F, G) is a significant highlight. This makes it incredibly convenient for accessing major event venues, green spaces, and Manhattan's attractions, minimizing travel time for guests.
- Modern and Clean Accommodation: Reviews often highlight the hotel's cleanliness and safety, which are paramount for any stay in New York City. Despite some rooms being on the smaller side (typical for NYC), the focus on well-maintained and individually decorated spaces with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, and premium bedding provides a comfortable environment.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Consistent positive feedback regarding the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff is a major asset. Personalized service can significantly enhance a hotel stay, particularly in a vibrant but sometimes overwhelming city.
- Complimentary Breakfast: The free on-the-go breakfast offers a practical and cost-saving benefit for guests, allowing for a quick and easy start to the day before heading out to explore.
- Strong Connectivity: Free in-room WiFi with good speed ensures guests can stay connected for work or leisure, a crucial amenity in today's digital age.
- Soundproofed Rooms: Given the urban setting, soundproofed rooms are a valuable feature that contributes significantly to a restful night's sleep, allowing guests to escape the city's buzz.
- Boutique Charm: The hotel's boutique nature, with individually furnished rooms and a focus on essential comforts, offers a more intimate and less generic experience compared to larger chain hotels.
As a contemporary hotel, Essence Hotel Brooklyn (formerly Union Hotel Brooklyn) may offer various promotions or special offers, which can vary seasonally or based on booking platforms. While specific, ongoing "local" promotions aren't always publicly advertised in a static content piece, it's common for hotels of this type to feature:
- Advance Purchase Rates: Discounts for booking rooms well in advance.
- Weekend Getaway Packages: Special rates for Friday-Sunday stays, appealing to those looking for a city escape.
- Seasonal Promotions: Reduced rates or added perks during off-peak seasons or holidays.
- Direct Booking Benefits: Incentives for booking directly through the hotel's official website, which might include slightly better rates or exclusive add-ons (e.g., late check-out, complimentary welcome drink).
- Loyalty Program Discounts: If affiliated with a hotel group (like Ascend Hotel Collection, as Union Hotel Brooklyn once was), members of their loyalty programs might receive exclusive discounts.
- Long-Stay Deals: Reduced nightly rates for extended stays, beneficial for business travelers or those on longer visits.
To discover the most current promotions or special offers, New Yorkers are advised to visit the official Essence Hotel Brooklyn website directly or check major online travel agencies (OTAs) where the hotel is listed. Promotions can be dynamic and subject to change based on availability and demand.
For direct inquiries, reservations, or more information about Essence Hotel Brooklyn, you can use the following contact details:
Address: 611 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
Phone: (718) 403-0614
Mobile Phone: +1 718-403-0614
For the most up-to-date information regarding room availability, current rates, specific amenities, or any special requests, direct contact with the hotel or checking their official website is always recommended. Their 24-hour front desk staff will be able to assist with bookings and provide detailed answers to any questions you may have about your stay.
For New Yorkers, the Essence Hotel Brooklyn (formerly Union Hotel Brooklyn) is highly suitable for several compelling reasons, making it a practical and appealing choice for various travel needs. Its standout feature is its truly excellent location. Being just steps away from the Union Street subway station on the R line, and within easy reach of the F and G lines, means unparalleled connectivity to both the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the bustling attractions of Manhattan. This accessibility is invaluable for both out-of-town guests visiting locals and New Yorkers themselves seeking a convenient base for exploring.
Furthermore, the hotel's emphasis on providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment, coupled with friendly and attentive staff, addresses key priorities for any city stay. While rooms may be compact—a common reality for urban hotels in New York City unless you're paying a premium—the inclusion of amenities like free on-the-go breakfast, free high-speed WiFi, modern bathrooms with rainfall showers, and soundproofed rooms significantly enhance the guest experience. It offers a no-fuss, efficient, and welcoming atmosphere that caters to travelers who prioritize location and essential comforts. For those attending events at Barclays Center, exploring Prospect Park, or simply wanting to immerse themselves in the authentic charm of Gowanus and its surrounding areas, Essence Hotel Brooklyn serves as a reliable and well-connected hub, ensuring a practical and enjoyable visit to the city.
Union Hotel Brooklyn Photos










Union Hotel Brooklyn Location
Union Hotel Brooklyn
611 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
Union Hotel Brooklyn
611 Degraw St
Essence Hotel
611 Degraw St
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279 Butler St
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20 Lincoln Pl
Union Hotel Brooklyn Reviews
It’s called Essence now. Rooms are small but what hotel room in New York City is large?? They are all small unless you pay way more. It’s clean and safe, and the staff are very friendly. The location is excellent. Very close to everything; restaurants, bars, subway, Barclays, and shopping.
Dec 09, 2024 · Andrew GulyaI booked this online as Union Hotel, When I got here, they changed the name to " Essenes Hotel." If I ever come back to Brooklyn, I would never stay here. The rooms are small as hell! No frig, no microwave, no ice machine, not even a vending machine. The bed was hard, but the TV was great. Had a desk in the room that didn't work, plus it didn't have a chair to sit.
Sep 22, 2024 · Wendell LynchGreat space for hosting out of town guests for a tech workshop. Conveniently located near multiple firms of public transportation. The only downside was the hectic traffic in the area due to construction.
Nov 29, 2024 · Fred AllusoI wish I had checked reviews before booking this room (through Priceline). It was the worst, filthiest, smelliest, hole-in-the-wall room ever. No room to move. One sad mismatched towel in a moldy bathroom. TV mounted above the bed with dangling cords and—here’s the clincher—no remote control could be found, even by the one miserable staff person, so therefore UNUSABLE. Ground floor window overlooked a trash-strewn yard. And the price tag was over $400 for one night. We did not stick around. You have a nice location, Union Hotel. Do better.
Nov 02, 2023 · jean whiddonThis is probably the worst place I have ever stayed. Do not stay here. The sheets were stained and when I let the hotel know they said if they replaced the sheets each time they were stained, they would go out of business. Walls were covered in black dots, floors were caked with filth, curtains were see through. They refused to give me a refund and I felt so uncomfortable being stuck there. It is not like the photos. The hotel was also extremely loud and I requested several times for people to quiet down. They were three rooms down and blasting music til at least 2 in the morning.
Nov 21, 2023 · Meghan Ramsey
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