The hype
Travelers love the modern cleanliness and free breakfast but consistently complain about the tiny room size.
Tru by Hilton Brooklyn, NY
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a brand-new, no-nonsense crash pad near Barclays Center without the Manhattan price tag.
Why People Love It
- Brand new build (opened Feb 2024) means no decades of grime
- Free 'Top It' breakfast with the legendary pancake machine
- 3-minute walk to Union St subway (R train) for easy city access
Quick Take: It’s a glorified dorm room for adults, but it’s clean, cheap for NYC, and you won't get bed bugs.
Reviewed by @tripswithqt: I stayed in the Two Queen room here and it's a solid, no-nonsense base for NYC. The 15-minute walk to Barclays is the real selling point for me, and the beds were surprisingly comfortable. It's basic, but the free breakfast and location make it worth it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'rooftop' is often just a terrace or not fully open yet—don't book expecting a buzzing nightlife scene upstairs.
- You're going to a concert at Barclays Center
- You just need a clean place to sleep and shower
- You travel light and don't need unpacking space
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Every-other-day service by default (Hilton standard). Generally reliable.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Grout is new (2024 build). Pressure is good.
- Maintenance: Excellent. Everything is brand new. No peeling paint yet.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though towels can be on the smaller/thinner side.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh. No 'old hotel' mustiness. Some 'new carpet' smell in halls.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Ambulance/traffic noise on lower floors
- Noisy in-room refrigerator motors
- Hallway chatter due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Luggage storage is available but verify fees (some Hiltons charge ~$5/bag)
- Incidental hold is typically $50-$100 on credit card
- Digital Key available via Hilton app to bypass front desk
What to pack
- Earplugs for street noise
- Slippers (floors are hard laminate, no carpet)
- HDMI cable if you want to stream from laptop to TV
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (5th) facing the back for least noise
- Corner rooms for slightly more window light
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevator (high foot traffic)
- 2nd floor street-facing rooms (maximum siren exposure)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room on the highest possible floor, facing away from President Street/4th Avenue, and away from the elevator.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a pool TABLE in the lobby, but no swimming pool.
Is breakfast actually free?
Yes, the 'Top It' breakfast bar is included. Expect pancakes, eggs, sausage, and 35+ toppings.
How far is the subway?
Union Street station (R train) is a 3-minute walk (0.1 miles).
Is parking available?
Yes, uncovered self-parking is ~$40/night. Expensive, but standard for Brooklyn.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but the fee is steep: $150 non-refundable fee (1-4 nights).
Is the neighborhood safe?
Gowanus is industrial-chic and generally safe, but can feel gritty/desolate late at night. Stick to main streets.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The lobby 'Game Zone' has free foosball and board games—great for killing time.
- ✨
Skip the hotel snacks; there's a 24/7 market, but local bodegas are cheaper.
- ✨
Ask for a room with a 'city view'—some upper floors have a decent skyline peek.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'closet' is just a metal rail on the wall.
💡Bathroom doors are often sliding barn-doors that don't lock tightly.
💡The pancake machine is a mesmerizing conveyor belt contraption.
💡You can hear the subway rumble faintly from the basement level amenities.
💡The 'gym' is tiny but has a Peloton bike.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Tru by Hilton Brooklyn, NY is located and what's nearby.