An Upscale Youth Hostel Set for Wythe Avenue

Big news for Williamsburg: Developer Sydell Group paid $10,000,000 for three parcels along Wythe Avenue between North 9th and 10th streets where they plan to build a hotel. The interiors will be designed by none other than Roman and Williams, the influential duo known for their work for the Ace Hotel and a rough-hewn, industrial, 19th century aesthetic that is very much associated with Brooklyn, although as far as we know, this is their first assignment in the borough. The hotel will be part of the Freehand chain of “haute hostels,” which in Miami Beach, at least, has communal lodging starting at the bargain price of $25 a night, The New York Observer noted. The location is, of course, close to the Wythe Hotel, pictured, where rooms (with bunk beds) start at $179. The New York Post calls it “Hotel Wars,” but we are sure the two will find a way to coexist.
Hotels Hitting Hipster ’Hood [NY Post]