Hôtel Weekend | Barefoot Luxury for the Modern Nomad

View Original

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Book a room

Situated in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel Brooklyn stands at the convergence of Boerum Hill, encompassing the dynamic crossroads of various energies. This location forms a geographical Venn diagram, connecting the tree-lined streets and brownstones of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens to the vibrant art and cultural hubs of Fort Greene, extending down to the lively East River. Offering 287 guest rooms, the property boasts an expansive in-room art program, a public lobby with multiple bars, an art gallery, and the all-day neighborhood eatery, As You Are—a culinary homage to Brooklyn's rich and intricate history.

The Demo Kitchen by Ace Hotel is a novel event space concept designed to serve as a canvas for culinary and community engagement, the Ace Hotel Brooklyn is a 13-story structure crafted in raw concrete by longtime collaborators Roman and Williams, with Stonehill Taylor as the project's architect. The building's facade, composed of metal, glass, and precast concrete elements, celebrates the natural beauty of its materials and pays tribute to the craftsmanship of its builders. A custom ceramic mural by modernist Stan Bitters and a sculptural light installation inspired by the Hotel Okura in Tokyo, designed by Yoshiro Taniguchi, adorn the dramatic centerpiece of the facade.

Inside, the interiors, envisioned by Roman and Williams, harmonize exposed concrete with textured elements such as douglas fir, oak, plywoods, and leathers, creating organic and open shapes. Vintage and custom seating, half moon windows, and original artworks contribute to the lobby's unique atmosphere. The guest rooms draw inspiration from Le Corbusier's Le Cabanon, presenting elegant and efficient cabins of creative refuge. Handcrafted furnishings, custom sofas and chairs, cotton bedding, and purpose-built fixtures define the minimalist aesthetic. The in-room art program, curated by artist Niki Tsukamoto, showcases a diverse collection of original textile and fiber pieces from approximately two dozen artists, many of whom are based in the borough.

THE RESTAURANT

Chef Camille Becerra, a beloved culinary talent renowned for her stints at De Maria and Navy, is the new Chef-Partner overseeing all culinary initiatives at the establishment. Chef Camille takes charge of crafting menus for As You Are, The Lobby bar, in-room dining, and private events. Boasting more than 25 years of industry expertise, Chef Camille is celebrated for her vibrant, inventive, and soulful cooking, now showcased daily at As You Are for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. In collaboration with Executive Chef Patrick Smith, Pastry Chef Danny Alvarez, and the kitchen team, Chef Camille's leadership marks a significant milestone for Downtown Brooklyn's dining landscape, marking her return to managing a restaurant kitchen after a five-year hiatus.

THE REVAMPED MENU

At As You Are, Chef Camille aims to honor the enduring spirit of the neighborhood restaurant while infusing modern twists into classic American cuisine. Embracing superfoods like goji, ginger, nuts, sprouts, and legumes, the menu emphasizes more vegetable-forward and vegan-friendly options. The eclectic array includes both new creations and beloved staples, offering a welcoming dining experience for locals and travelers alike.

New breakfast offerings at As You Are feature delights such as the Mixed Grain Porridge Bowl with miso-butter, sesame-hemp, and poached egg, and the Cured Salmon Plate with deviled egg, pickles, quinoa hash brown, roe, and cream cheese. Lunch selections include nods to Camille's past, like the Sesame Chicken Salad inspired by her time at The Coffee Shop, as well as the Spring Chopped Salad with spring veggies, egg, feta, ham, and green goddess. Innovative options like the Hippie Sandwich and Buddha Bowl provide satisfying alternatives. Evening small plates showcase items like Fluke Ceviche with beet aguachile, almond, and shiso; Chicories and Seaweeds Salad with avocado, hazelnut, and miso-honey dressing; and Mussel Toast with aji aioli and herbs. Enticing dinner entrees include Black Bass En Croute with sorrel creme fraiche, Chicken Milanese with puffed quinoa and spring vegetable-sorghum succotash, and Crab Bucatini with spring garlic and onion, calabrian chile, lemon, and breadcrumb.

AS YOU ARE

Established in 2021, As You Are is the all-encompassing bakery, restaurant, and bar at Ace Hotel Brooklyn, catering to the local Downtown Brooklyn community.

The welcoming dining space features stained plywood paneling, large banquettes, custom wooden tables, earthy green upholstery, and pendant milk glass luminaires casting a warm glow from above. Streetside, a wall of windows bathes the room in natural light, complemented by a vibrant mosaic by artist Isaiah Zager and anchored by a custom wood bar and bakery/coffee counter at either end. Lush greenery, works by designers Gaetano Pesce and Minjae Kim, and art from Brooklyn's own Miles Shelton further enhance the atmosphere.