RED LION INN AND SUITES BROOKLYN, New York

Atlantic Avenue station connects to several subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road, making Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn and events at Barclays Center easy to reach; the World Trade Center is about 30 minutes away by transit. The immediate streets are industrial and transitional, with warehouses, car-repair shops and newer construction nearby, so street-level activity is limited after dark and taxis are practical for late returns. Brooklyn Academy of Music and downtown Brooklyn are within walking distance, and Brooklyn Bridge is a roughly 30-45 minute walk. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Insa, Threes Brewing, Pacific Standard, The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, Fourth Avenue Pub and Burgrito's are all about half a kilometre from the hotel.

Rooms are on the small side, and some layouts have barely enough space for the bed, so light packing helps. Bed configurations vary and can include a king bed or a combination of a double and single bed; family rooms are available and children under 17 can share existing beds. Private bathrooms are clean and well planned; some have full-size tubs, good water pressure and toiletries such as charcoal soap, and selected rooms include a jacuzzi tub. Air conditioning is fitted, but temperature control can be inconsistent and some units are noisy. Sound insulation between rooms is limited, so rooms from the second floor upwards and away from the lift and street tend to be quieter. In-room conveniences include a mini fridge, microwave, flat-screen TV, direct-dial phone, alarm clock and USB charging points; blackout curtains are provided, though some tracks leave small gaps. Non-smoking rooms are standard throughout.

Breakfast is typically available from around 06:30 to 09:30; the buffet is well stocked at the start of service, but the dining room is small and hot items and seating can run out quickly, so an early start is the practical option. There is no full restaurant or bar on site, but vending machines cover drinks and snacks. Coffee, tea and hot water are available throughout the day. The buffet does not label allergens or gluten-free items, and vegetarian options are limited to items such as eggs and yogurt. Bagels, fresh fruit, cereal, oatmeal and juice usually round out the selection. Breakfast can be taken back to the room when the dining room is crowded.

The active leisure offer is modest: tennis court access is available, and The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, a shuffleboard and drinks venue, is about 0.5 km away. There is no pool, spa or gym on the property; a free public outdoor pool is within walking distance. The surrounding Brooklyn neighbourhoods are well suited to cycling, and Brooklyn Bridge is a roughly 30-45 minute walk for a longer outing.

The front desk operates around the clock and provides express check-in/check-out, taxi arrangements, Spanish-speaking staff and luggage storage before check-in and after checkout. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas, though connection quality varies by floor. The business centre offers fax and photocopying; laundry and dry cleaning are available, and hairdryers and irons can be provided. Vending machines cover drinks and snacks. The building has lift access, wheelchair access and air conditioning in public areas; if the lift is unavailable, upper-floor rooms require stairs, so mobility-sensitive stays should ask for a lower room. On-site public self-parking is available. Free bottled water is available at reception.