If you’ve spent any time on the corner of Meeker and Graham, you know the vibe is... intense. It’s loud. The BQE is right there, humming with that specific Brooklyn industrial energy that never quite sleeps. But then you see it: La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg. It sits there looking polished and weirdly calm despite the chaos of the intersection nearby.
Most people just walk past. They’re headed to Variety Coffee or trying to find the entrance to the L train. But honestly? If you’re looking for a place to stay that doesn't feel like a corporate dorm or a $700-a-night "luxury" warehouse, this spot is actually worth talking about. It’s a boutique hotel that manages to feel like a real hotel without the pretension.
It’s Brooklyn. It’s messy. It’s gorgeous.
The Reality of Staying at La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg
Let's get the geography right first. A lot of "Williamsburg" hotels are actually in Greenpoint or tucked so far toward the water that you’re walking fifteen minutes just to see a bodega. La Jolie is different. It’s located at 120 Meeker Avenue.
You’re basically at the crossroads of North Williamsburg and East Williamsburg.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg is the light. The lobby isn't huge—don't expect a sprawling lounge with a DJ—but it’s bright. They went with a European-chic aesthetic. Think clean lines, pops of yellow, and a certain "French-inspired" minimalism that feels refreshing when the street outside is covered in street art and grit.
What the Rooms Are Really Like
NYC hotel rooms are notoriously tiny. We’ve all seen those "micro-hotels" where you can touch both walls if you sneeze too hard. La Jolie isn't that. The rooms feel surprisingly airy.
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- The Beds: They use high-end linens. It’s that crisp, cool-to-the-touch feeling.
- The Bathrooms: High-pressure rainfall showers. Honestly, after walking ten miles around Brooklyn, a good shower is the only thing that matters.
- The Views: This is where it gets interesting. Some rooms face the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
- The Tech: Smart TVs that actually work and Wi-Fi that doesn't drop when you’re trying to stream a movie.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or one that doesn't face the BQE. The hotel has double-paned windows, which do a heavy lift in blocking the noise, but this is New York. Silence is a myth. You’re here for the energy, right?
Why the Location at 120 Meeker Ave Changes Everything
Staying here puts you in a specific pocket of Brooklyn that most tourists miss. You aren't in the middle of the "Bedford Avenue Disney World" vibe. Instead, you're near the Graham Avenue L stop. This is where the old-school Italian-American community meets the new-school creative crowd.
You've got Carmine’s Pizzeria just a few blocks away. It’s legendary. No-nonsense slices. Then you have Mother’s, which has one of the best burgers in the borough.
Walking Distance Gems
- McCarren Park: It’s about a 10-minute walk. On Saturdays, the greenmarket is packed. On Sundays, it's the best people-watching spot in the city.
- The Brooklyn Union: A low-key bar nearby if you want a drink without having to shout over a 22-year-old’s birthday party.
- Grimm Artisanal Ales: If you like beer, you’re in luck. This is one of the top-rated breweries in the country, and it’s a short stroll from the lobby.
The "Boutique" Label: Is It Just Marketing?
The word "boutique" gets thrown around a lot these days. Sometimes it just means "we have colorful pillows and no room service." At La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg, it feels a bit more intentional.
The staff actually remembers your name. It’s a smaller operation, so you don't feel like just another confirmation number in a database. There’s a continental breakfast—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done with coffee and pastries—and the rooftop access is a major plus.
The rooftop isn't a "scene." You won't find people spraying champagne or waiting in a two-hour line. It’s just a place to sit, look at the Manhattan skyline, and realize how massive this city actually is. It’s peaceful. Sorta.
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Comparing La Jolie to the Big Names
If you look at the Wythe Hotel or The Hoxton, you’re paying for the brand. Those are great hotels, don't get me wrong. But you’re also paying for the "cool tax."
La Jolie offers a similar level of cleanliness and modern design but at a price point that usually leaves you with enough money to actually afford dinner at Lilia (if you can even get a reservation).
What you lose: You don't have a 24-hour gym or a high-end restaurant attached to the lobby.
What you gain: A quieter stay, a more authentic neighborhood feel, and a much shorter walk to the train.
Addressing the Common Complaints
No hotel is perfect. Let’s be real. If you read reviews of La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg, the most common gripe is the proximity to the highway.
Yes, it’s next to a highway.
If you are looking for a pastoral, quiet countryside retreat, why are you in Williamsburg? The "Jolie" experience is about being in the thick of it. The soundproofing is solid, but you’ll still hear the occasional siren. That’s just the soundtrack of New York.
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Another thing: the elevator can be slow. It’s a boutique building. Patience is a virtue, or just take the stairs and count it as your workout for the day.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, there are a few ways to make the most of it. First, check their direct website before hitting the big booking engines; sometimes they offer "resident" or "last minute" deals that don't show up on Expedia.
Second, utilize the neighborhood. Don't just stay in the hotel. Walk down Graham Avenue. Go to The Meat Hook for a sandwich. Check out Sage for Thai food. The area around La Jolie is much more "real Brooklyn" than the polished glass towers near the water.
Getting Around
The L train at Graham Ave is your lifeline. It’ll zip you into Union Square in Manhattan in about 15 minutes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a Citi Bike. There’s a station nearby, and riding through the side streets of Williamsburg is honestly the best way to see the architecture and the murals.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Request a high-floor room: Specifically ask for a "City View" to ensure you’re facing away from the most direct traffic noise.
- Download the "ParkWhiz" app: If you’re crazy enough to drive to Brooklyn, street parking near Meeker is a nightmare. Use an app to find a nearby garage or a dedicated spot.
- Pack a pair of earplugs: Even with the best windows, New York is loud. It’s better to have them and not need them.
- Visit the rooftop at sunset: The way the light hits the Empire State Building from the East Side is something you shouldn't miss.
Staying at La Jolie Hotel Williamsburg isn't about luxury in the traditional, stuffy sense. It’s about having a stylish, clean, and functional home base in a neighborhood that is constantly evolving. It’s for the traveler who wants to be close to the action but doesn't need a bellhop in a top hat.