The hype
Travelers love the location and the pool, but consistently drag the cleanliness and noise levels.
Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown
$150-250/ night
Book this if You need a pool for the kids and a subway stop at your doorstep, and you're willing to trade silence for savings.
Why People Love It
- Rare indoor pool and sauna in downtown Brooklyn
- Subway entrance (Hoyt-Schermerhorn) is practically in the lobby
- Walking distance to Barclays Center and BAM
Quick Take: A functional, aging crash pad that relies heavily on its killer location and indoor pool to distract you from the thin walls.
Reviewed by @travelwithchyna: I booked this for a quick trip and was blown away. The room was standard, but finding a full indoor pool, jacuzzi, and steam room in a Holiday Inn? That’s a total hidden gem. I spent every evening decompressing in the sauna after walking the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You might find stains on the carpet or mold in the grout, and the 'soundproof' windows lose the battle against Brooklyn sirens.
- You're a family who needs a pool to burn off energy
- You have business at the nearby courts or MetroTech
- You prioritize subway access over luxury finishes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.3
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Reviews frequently mention missed days or rushed service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Watch for mold in the grout and peeling paint on ceilings.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Loud AC units and slow drains are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean but worn. Some reports of stained sheets and scratchy towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby is fine, but hallways can smell musty or like pool chlorine. Some rooms have lingering smoke/urine smells.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Subway rumble (A/C/G lines)
- Loud in-room heating/cooling units
- Street sirens from Schermerhorn St
Before you book
Good to know
- A $250 security deposit is required upon check-in.
- Breakfast is NOT free; expect to pay ~$20-45 per person at the on-site bistro.
- The pool has specific hours and can get crowded with families on weekends.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine (essential)
- Flip-flops for the pool and room carpet
- Refillable water bottle (tap water is fine, but lobby hydration stations are hit-or-miss)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor 'Verrazano Bridge View' rooms (floors 10+) for less street noise and actual sunlight
- Rear-facing rooms to minimize Schermerhorn Street siren noise
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floors (2-5) where the subway vibration is most intense
- Rooms near the elevator shaft (mechanical noise complaints)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on the highest possible floor, facing away from Schermerhorn Street. If available, a Verrazano View room would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there free breakfast?
No. Breakfast at the Grand Canyon Bistro costs between $20 and $45 per person.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, it's an indoor heated pool, usually open year-round, though temperature can fluctuate.
Can I park my own car?
No. It is valet-only parking for about $42-52 per night, with no in/out privileges for some rates.
How close is the subway?
Incredibly close. The Hoyt-Schermerhorn station (A, C, G trains) is essentially next door.
Is it pet-friendly?
Yes, but with a steep $150 fee per stay.
Does the hotel have a resort fee?
No specific 'resort fee' is listed, but watch out for the hefty parking and pet fees.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Verrazano Bridge View' isn't just marketing; on a clear day, you can actually see the bridge arch, which is rare for this price point.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 minutes to Devoción for arguably the freshest coffee in NYC.
- ✨
The sauna and steam room are often empty during mid-day weekdays—a hidden solo spa moment.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during morning rush hour.
💡The 'Grand Canyon Bistro' is serviceable but overpriced; you are in Brooklyn, eat elsewhere.
💡The carpet in the hallways often smells faintly of chlorine from the pool.
💡You can feel the subway train vibrations in the lobby furniture.
💡Housekeeping sometimes misses restocking towels; check your rack immediately upon arrival.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown is located and what's nearby.