The Boro

I know I'm a city girl, but sometimes, I like to get away from it all. For this weekend's #hotellife, I explored a place less traveled, in an unconventional part of town, and a very unique property. Out in Long Island City, Queens, there is The Boro.

Spacious and lofty, with balconies encased in steel wireframes and an inconspicuous entrance (3 out of 3 times our Ubers dropped us off at the Sheraton across the street), The Boro is design-led with industrial chic in mind. Some might say it's too minimalistic, to the point of seeming unfinished.  But it's this unrefined sophistication that makes The Boro an architect's delight; a designer's playground.

The lobby combines walls of patterned cinder blocks, exposed concrete and low hanging pendant lamps with warm, monochromatic tones. Instead of the traditional check-in desk, there's a large communal table shared by staff and guests.  Plush leather ottomans, a library of classics and a jet black fire pit make it a cool space for gatherings. 

Opposite the lobby on the far end is a café/bar which serves specialty coffee, beer and cocktails until 11pm.  If you want late night grub or nightcaps, The Boro is walking distance to the gastropub Dutch Kills Centraal and a cozy Brazilian gem Beija Flor where we enjoyed live music, soccer and large bottles of Xingu all night.

I was upgraded to the Studio Terrace - a 405 sq. ft. King with hardwood floors, a soaking tub deep enough to drown in (seriously), and sprawling views of Queens from a private patio. Some basic amenities are available only by request, such as ironing board, robes and slippers. I spent my mornings sleeping in, getting schooled in soccer and listening to someone yell at the screen. >:)

#NOPANTSLIFE x #HOTELLIFE

Sunrise at 5:20AM overlooking Queens

About Long Island City

Just a river's throw from Manhattan, Long Island City is an up and coming neighborhood that some would say is "the new Brooklyn". The criteria: influx of corporate offices, condos, hotels, Zagat rated restaurants, and – this is very important – hipster coffee shops (I discovered one named Birch). I've seen the evolution first-hand as developers tore down colossal warehouses as primer for gentrification. But walk around and you really can't elude what's still there: power plants, car repair shops and corner bodegas which turn back a decade in time. Walk further from the industrial streetscapes and you'll hit the “main street” vibe of Vernon Boulevard then the urban riviera of waterfront high-rises with unsurpassed views of the New York City skyline.