Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale: Rooftop Pools & Manhattan Views Compared

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Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale: Rooftop Pools & Manhattan Views Compared

Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale: compare rooftop pools, skyline views, rooms, transit and 2026 nightly rates.

By Matthew S Crawford Β· Published October 23, 2026

Quick answer

Williamsburg has two hotels that draw visitors for their rooftops and skyline views. Arlo Williamsburg is at 96 Wythe Avenue, at North 11th Street.

Overview: Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale

Williamsburg has two hotels that draw visitors for their rooftops and skyline views. Arlo Williamsburg is at 96 Wythe Avenue, at North 11th Street. The William Vale is at 111 North 12th Street, at Wythe Avenue, a block away. Both usually fall in the mid-range, about $320 to $480 a night, though summer weekends can run higher.

Manhattan skyline across the East River as seen from the Brooklyn waterfront β€” Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale
Manhattan skyline across the East River as seen from the Brooklyn waterfront, a key landmark for Location and Neighborhood.

Location and Neighborhood

The two hotels sit within a block of each other, near the East River waterfront and Domino Park. Restaurants, bars, shops and the Brooklyn Brewery are all within a short walk. Bedford Avenue is about a ten-minute walk east. The neighborhood is lively on weekends and calm on weekday mornings. Because they share nearly the.

Getting Around by Subway

Neither hotel sits on a train. The L at Bedford Avenue is about a fifteen-minute walk east, and it reaches Union Square in about fifteen minutes. A ferry stop on the Williamsburg waterfront serves the East River route, which is a pleasant way to reach Manhattan. The G at Nassau Avenue is farther. At night.

Rooms and Design

The William Vale is a tall tower with big windows, bold geometry and many rooms with skyline views, and some rooms have balconies or terraces. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with a stylish look. Arlo focuses on compact, efficient rooms with a clean design, aimed at travelers who spend most of their time outside the.

The Williamsburg Bridge spanning the East River between the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, Brooklyn β€” Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale
The Williamsburg Bridge spanning the East River between the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a key landmark for Rooms and Design.

Rooftop Pools and Bars

Both hotels are known for rooftop spaces, and both have rooftop pools with views of Manhattan, though pool access, hours and rules change with the season, so confirm before you plan a day around swimming. The William Vale’s rooftop is higher, with a wider view, and it draws a larger crowd on warm weekends. Arlo’s.

Service and Amenities

Service at both hotels is friendly and informal. The William Vale offers a fuller range of services, with restaurants, a fitness center and event spaces, while Arlo keeps things simple, with a lobby bar, self-service options and a lively community feel. Confirm current amenities, resort-style fees and hours before you book. If you want a.

East River commuter ferry passing the Financial District and South Street Seaport piers β€” Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale
East River commuter ferry passing the Financial District and South Street Seaport piers, a key landmark for Service and Amenities.

Who Should Book Which

The William Vale suits travelers who want skyline views, a bigger hotel and a polished rooftop scene. It works well for couples and groups, and for guests who want more space. Arlo suits travelers who want a simple, stylish stay at a competitive price and who plan to spend most of their time exploring Brooklyn.

Nearby Sights and What to Do

From either hotel, you can walk to Domino Park, the waterfront path, the Brooklyn Brewery and Bedford Avenue’s shops. The weekend food markets and live music venues are close. Greenpoint is a short ride north, and Bushwick is a short ride east. The waterfront path is lovely at sunset, with a clear view of the.

Prices and Booking Tips

Plan on about $320 to $480 a night at both hotels, with Arlo sometimes closer to $295 in slower weeks and the William Vale at the upper end on summer weekends. Winter is usually cheaper. Compare the final price after taxes and fees, since resort-style charges can add to the total. Book a refundable rate.

Getting From the Airport

Williamsburg is easiest to reach by taxi or rideshare from all three airports, usually 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. From JFK, the subway option takes longer, with the AirTrain to Jamaica, a train toward Manhattan and a transfer to the L. From LaGuardia, a taxi takes about 25 to 35 minutes. From Newark.

Seasons and Timing

Rooftop pool season runs from late May through September, and these hotels are busiest then. Fall is comfortable for walking along the waterfront. Winter is quiet and cheaper, though the pools are usually closed. Check seasonal pool access before you book. Spring weekends can be pleasant but unpredictable, with cool evenings by the river.

Questions Guests Ask

Guests often ask whether the pool is free for hotel guests. Policies change, and some days may limit access, so confirm before you book. They also ask about views. Higher floors facing west look toward Manhattan, while others face Brooklyn. Ask for a skyline view if that matters, and confirm any resort fees.

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not plan a pool day without checking the season and the rules. Do not book a lower floor if you want a skyline view. Do not forget to compare the final price after taxes and fees.

Which One Should You Book?

Choose the William Vale if you want a tall tower with skyline views, a larger rooftop scene and more room choices. Choose Arlo if you want a compact, stylish hotel at a lower price with a relaxed rooftop. Both put you steps from the waterfront and the best of Williamsburg. For views and space, pick.

Common questions

What should visitors know about Location and Neighborhood?

The two hotels sit within a block of each other, near the East River waterfront and Domino Park. Restaurants, bars, shops and the Brooklyn Brewery are all within a short walk.

What should visitors know about Rooms and Design?

The William Vale is a tall tower with big windows, bold geometry and many rooms with skyline views, and some rooms have balconies or terraces. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with a stylish look.

What should visitors know about Service and Amenities?

Service at both hotels is friendly and informal. The William Vale offers a fuller range of services, with restaurants, a fitness center and event spaces, while Arlo keeps things simple, with a lobby bar, self-service options and a lively community feel.

What taxes, fees and transit tips apply when booking for Arlo Williamsburg vs. The William Vale?

New York City hotel stays carry a 14.75% combined occupancy and sales tax plus $3.50 per room per night in statutory fees, and many Manhattan and Brooklyn properties add a $25 to $55 nightly destination fee. Use OMNY contactless tap-to-pay ($2.90 per ride) on nearby MTA subways and buses to compare door-to-door travel times before locking in a non-refundable rate.

Keep reading

Where to Stay in Brooklyn & Williamsburg: Neighborhood Guide Β· Boutique and Design Hotels in NYC: Stylish Places to Stay Β· The William Vale: Williamsburg Hotel With Skyline Views Β· Brooklyn Hotels With Manhattan Views Β· Brooklyn & Queens Hotels With Manhattan Skyline Views: DUMBO, Wburg & LIC Β· NYC Hotels With Outdoor & Rooftop Pools: Seasonal Dates & Access Rules

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.
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