Hello from the other side (of the bridge, that is). This installation of THE STAYCATIONERS comes to you from the BK, nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, and we’re taking “hipster” out of our vocabulary because this neighborhood is doing the damn thing — case in point, the eclectic, eight-story hotel sitting pretty on Wythe Avenue, which THE STAYCATIONERS called home for a full weekend. Adjacent to some of the borough’s most sought-after eateries, it was only right that our Brooklyn blitz at The Williamsburg Hotel involve our favorite foodies for a carb-filled weekend clad in plush, Millennial Pink robes, so suit up and get cozy for this wild outer-borough ride. Cue the booze.

THE SPOT: The Williamsburg Hotel | 96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn

THE STATS: 150 rooms, panoramic views of the 917 & 347, candy-coated bathroom tiles and in-room balconies, and a technicolor hotel bar with libations to match.

PERFECT FOR: A 48-hour gathering of gourmands against city skyline views.

 

Appetites in tow, The STAYCATIONERS headed to the first stop of their foodie extravaganza — Barano — for an all-things-Italian brunch. Stacks of semolina pancakes, sips of Sbagliati, and bites of bucatini carbonara boded well for a latergram (or two). Fingertips kisses followed, and our proverbial Nonna approved.

 

 

Post-brunch, it was back to the Skyline Suite for endless G&Ts. It was only right we follow the same logic with BK-based purveyors for the weekend drink of choice. Enter Brooklyn Gin and Q Drinks, both born and bred in Brooklyn. Rocks glasses, limes, ice, and the rest is history.

 

 

A few too many brought the crew to RIDER for old school tunes and a dinner spread of epic proportions, but not before a round of proper cocktails. Ensuring land, sky and sea were well represented, we insistently enjoyed one of everything.

 

 

 

How could we possible indulge in another bite? Then again, how could we not? As such, a midnight snack ensued and the vote for bedside eats was unanimous. Relaxed in our respective robes, we reflected on the day’s general epicness between bites from The Meatball Shop , the last supper before sending the shutters down to snooze.

 

Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today for a spot of tea and libations, accompanied with live jazz and a new round of guests. Pinkies up. Intricate nesting tea cups were the vessels that paired perfectly with tiers of pastries. Velvet banquettes and bomb natural light added to the easy-like-Sunday morning vibe.

 

Between bites and bathtub shots, the staycay babes needed touch ups that could stand up to the itinerary ahead. With ultra-matte lips and super pigmented powders, ColourPop saved the day, leaving the ladies ready for another round.

 

Turn down service took on a brand new meaning as THE STAYCATIONERS closed the afternoon on the 8th floor. Donning white and pink plush, the ladies & gents chased light against the skyline, bonded over BK G&Ts and of course, talks of the next meal. #TurnDownForGin

 

 

Family dinners will never be the same thanks to Kings Co Imperial. Inconspicuously placed beneath the BQE, this Chinese eats outpost is something we secretly want to keep to ourselves. As good old Suse spun, chopsticks grabbed bites of soup dumplings, mock eel, and pork ribs. We took Action Bronson’s words right out of his mouth.

Keep up with THE STAYCATIONERS as they take over new hotels in new cities each month. This round made possible by the The Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn Gin, Q Drinks, ColourPop, Barano, RIDER, The Meatball Shop and Kings County Imperial.  

Special thanks to our guests staycationers and foodie favorites Molly Tavoletti, The Brothers Buoy and Jackie Gebel, eats insider and Foursquare queen Kayleigh Harrington, girl-about-town Alexandra Machover, BRAVO bae Stephen McGee, eats informant Matt Bruck, and OG staycationer/Executive Producer Céline Bossart.

Photography by heartbreaker James Bee and the inimitable Brenna Weeks for THE STAYCATIONERS.

Contributed and co-produced by Shanika Hillocks