🇺🇸 Brooklyn, United States
McCarren Hotel & Pool
📍 160 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Your stay — McCarren Hotel & Pool
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Brooklyn.
The Property — McCarren Hotel & Pool
The McCarren Hotel & Pool is a concrete-and-glass block in Williamsburg that channels a slick, no-fuss energy. Its USP is the year-round heated rooftop pool and bar, open to guests and locals alike, which turns the place into a social hub in summer. The lobby is all polished concrete, mid-century furniture and a check-in desk that feels more like a members’ club than a hotel. It suits travellers who want a buzzy base near Brooklyn’s indie shops and nightlife, not a quiet night in.
Chronicles of Brooklyn
Brooklyn was settled by Dutch farmers in the 1600s and remained a separate city until 1898, when it merged with New York. Its 19th-century grid of brownstones and industrial waterfronts gave way to post-war decline, then a creative renaissance from the 1990s. Today, Brooklyn is a dense patchwork of immigrant enclaves, artist studios and tech offices, with a cultural identity that prides itself on being scrappier and more authentic than Manhattan.
Best Time to Visit
Full Brooklyn guide →Best months
May and September offer mild temperatures (15–23°C) and longer daylight, with fewer tourists than July–August. June also works, but can get sticky.
Peak / festival surge
July is the hottest and busiest month, driven by summer holidays and outdoor festivals like the Fourth of July. Hotel prices in Williamsburg rise 30–50% then. The Northside Festival and Williamsburg Walks street closures add to the crush.
Budget shoulder season
Late April and early October are the best budget shoulder months. You’ll get cooler, crisp weather (10–20°C), thinner crowds and room rates 20–30% lower than summer peak.
Weather & packing
New York’s climate is humid continental: June can swing from 25°C sunny to 18°C drizzle in a day. Pack a light waterproof jacket and layers, plus swimwear if you plan to use the rooftop pool.
Live City Briefing — Brooklyn
- The L train between Manhattan and Brooklyn is running on a reduced weekend schedule for track repairs through late June 2026, so check MTA alerts before crossing the East River.
- A new pedestrian plaza on Berry Street, just two blocks from the hotel, opened in spring 2026 with pop-up food vendors and benches, which can get crowded after 5pm.
- The city’s ‘Open Streets’ programme will close Bedford Avenue to cars on Sundays in June, turning it into a walkable market with stalls and live music.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to McCarren Hotel & Pool, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Due to the hotel's proximity to busy North 12th Street, rooms on the higher floors (3rd floor) are likely to be quieter, with less street noise. Request a room on the 3rd floor for a relatively quieter stay.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the main entrance, as the constant comings and goings may cause some noise disturbance. Additionally, rooms near the elevator may experience some vibration and noise from its operation.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on North 12th Street in Brooklyn doesn't offer spectacular views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline, depending on the orientation of the room.
Quietest floors
3rd floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from North 12th Street, which is a busy street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, may be a concern. The hotel's proximity to the street means that rooms on lower floors may experience more noise from traffic and pedestrians.
Insider tips
Request a room on the 3rd floor for a quieter stay, as it's likely to be above the main noise level from North 12th Street. Consider valet parking, as the $45/night fee may be worth it for the convenience and security of having your vehicle parked in a nearby, covered location.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — McCarren Hotel & Pool
Complimentary standard-speed Wi-Fi for all guests (no login required, no bandwidth cap); premium tier available for $9.95/day but rarely needed
One elevator serves all four floors; no stairs-only sections
Free digital newsstand via PressReader in lobby; no printed newspapers; property is a converted 1920s factory building with exposed brick and original steel beams
Check-in from 15:00; early bag drop allowed (free); late check-out until 13:00 for $50, after 13:00 charged half-night rate subject to availability
Complimentary luggage storage at front desk for early arrivals or after check-out
Step-free entry via ramp at side door (not main entrance); elevator access to all floors; two accessible rooms (roll-in shower, grab bars); no hearing-impaired alerts in public areas
No on-site parking; valet parking $45/night (uncovered, 1 block away); nearest public garage is MPG Williamsburg at 45 North 5th Street (self-park $30/night); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 14.75% plus $3.50 occupancy tax per night (mandatory, added at checkout)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required for non-refundable rates; refundable rates require first night deposit plus a $100 incidental hold per night on a credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Saint Vincent De Paul's Roman Catholic Church (567 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (621 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Family (628 m · ~8 min walk)
- Church: Shalom Catholic Community (629 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Public Plaza — 297 m · ~4 min walk
Museum of Food and Drink — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
National Sawdust — 381 m · ~5 min walk
Bushwick Inlet Park Playground — 279 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 210 m · ~3 min walk
CVS Pharmacy — 413 m · ~5 min walk
Walk In Deli — 68 m · ~1 min walk
Bedford Avenue — 532 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
ATMs are everywhere; avoid airport and hotel bureau de change for poor rates. Your bank’s ATM fee is usually better than any exchange counter.
Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere; Amex less so. Contactless is standard; many small shops and bodegas prefer cash under $10.
Restaurants: 18-20% before tax. Taxis/Uber: round up or 10-15%. Hotel bellhop: $2-3 per bag. Housekeeping: $3-5 per night.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Drip coffee at a bodega or deli, $2-3.
Slice of classic New York pizza, $4-5, or a deli sandwich, $8-10.
Burger or taco platter at a casual spot, $12-15 for a main.
Halal carts and taco trucks on major avenues like Atlantic or Flatbush are reliable and cheap, $6-10 for a filling meal.
Key Food, Western Beef, and C-Town are the main budget chains here.
Affordable basics at Century 21 or TJ Maxx; thrift stores on Atlantic Avenue for secondhand bargains.
MetroCard or OMNY tap: $2.90 per ride with free transfers within 2 hours; weekly pass $34 (7 days unlimited). From JFK: AirTrain to subway ($8.25 total); from LGA: Q70 bus to subway ($2.90).
Buy groceries at Key Food or Western Beef and cook in your Airbnb. Avoid sit-down restaurants on weekends – happy hour weekdays often give $5-7 drinks and bites. Use Citibike for short trips – $4.99 for a single ride or $19 for a day pass.
Good to know — Brooklyn
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
BrooklynFor non-emergencies, call 311. Brooklyn is part of New York City; all emergency services are reached via 911. The local police precinct can be contacted at (718) 834-0600 (NYPD 84th Precinct, covering Downtown Brooklyn).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Brooklyn, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at McCarren Hotel & Pool
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 210 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · CVS Pharmacy — 413 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
JFK Airport → 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
💡 Take AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then LIRR to Atlantic Terminal (flat fare $7 off-peak). Exit and walk 2 mins to Nevins St 2/3/4/5 subway, go one stop to Borough Hall—hotel is a 5-min walk. Avoid the A train from Howard Beach: it's slower and skips Borough Hall.
Red Hook, Brooklyn (e.g., Ikea) → 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
💡 Use this for a scenic ride along the waterfront if you're coming from Red Hook or Columbia St. Get off at Furman St/Joralemon St—hotel is across the street. Weekday mornings the bus can be crowded with school runs; avoid 8–9am.
Manhattan (e.g., Times Square-42nd St) → 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
💡 From Manhattan, take the 4 or 5 express to Borough Hall—it's faster than the 2/3. Exit at Court St side, walk east on Joralemon St. For Brooklyn Bridge views after sunset, walk the promenade from the hotel instead of taking the subway back.
JFK Airport → 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
💡 At JFK, grab a yellow cab from the official taxi stand—flat fare to Brooklyn avoids surge pricing. For Uber, avoid Grand Central Parkway during rush hour (4–7pm); take the Van Wyck to Belt Parkway instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Due to the hotel's proximity to busy North 12th Street, rooms on the higher floors (3rd floor) are likely to be quieter, with less street noise. Request a room on the 3rd floor for a relatively quieter stay.
Which rooms should I avoid at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Avoid rooms near the main entrance, as the constant comings and goings may cause some noise disturbance. Additionally, rooms near the elevator may experience some vibration and noise from its operation.
Is McCarren Hotel & Pool noisy?
Street noise from North 12th Street, which is a busy street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, may be a concern. The hotel's proximity to the street means that rooms on lower floors may experience more noise from traffic and pedestrians.
Which rooms have the best views at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on North 12th Street in Brooklyn doesn't offer spectacular views. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline, depending on the orientation of the room.
What are insider tips for staying at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Request a room on the 3rd floor for a quieter stay, as it's likely to be above the main noise level from North 12th Street. Consider valet parking, as the $45/night fee may be worth it for the convenience and security of having your vehicle parked in a nearby, covered location.
What time is check-in at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Check-in at McCarren Hotel & Pool is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does McCarren Hotel & Pool have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary standard-speed Wi-Fi for all guests (no login required, no bandwidth cap); premium tier available for $9.95/day but rarely needed
Is there a city or tourist tax at McCarren Hotel & Pool?
14.75% plus $3.50 occupancy tax per night (mandatory, added at checkout)
Where can I eat cheaply near McCarren Hotel & Pool?
Slice of classic New York pizza, $4-5, or a deli sandwich, $8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from McCarren Hotel & Pool?
MetroCard or OMNY tap: $2.90 per ride with free transfers within 2 hours; weekly pass $34 (7 days unlimited). From JFK: AirTrain to subway ($8.25 total); from LGA: Q70 bus to subway ($2.90).
When is the best time to visit Brooklyn?
May and September offer mild temperatures (15–23°C) and longer daylight, with fewer tourists than July–August. June also works, but can get sticky.
Top Attractions in Brooklyn
💡 Go to Pier 2 at sunset for free kayaking in summer or just to watch the city light up. Bring a picnic—Grab a slice from Juliana's next door.
💡 Pay-what-you-wish entry every third Thursday of the month, 5-10 PM. Arrive before 6 PM to avoid the queue. The 'Soul of a Nation' exhibit is often worth the wait.
💡 Free entry until 12 PM on weekdays. The cherry blossoms peak in late April—go early on a Tuesday to avoid crowds. Don't miss the Steinhardt Conservatory.
💡 Walk the 3.35-mile loop path early morning for a peaceful jog. The Audubon Center at the Boathouse has free birdwatching walks on weekends—check their schedule.
💡 Take a free walking tour on weekends (check online for schedule). The Battle Hill viewpoint gives one of the best panoramas of the Manhattan skyline. Respect quiet hours.