* More space for less: In the average Manhattan hotel room you can usually sit on the bed and touch all four walls. Here, the minimalist, white-on-white suites are amply sized, with nice amenities like huge flat screens and free WiFi. Budget-minded buddies can book the "Nu Friends" suite, which has a full-size bed plus two bunk beds.
* Artsy meets eco: Cork floors and salvaged wood furnishings meet Jean-Michel Basquiat prints and reclaimed signage (the over-sized "85" outside came from the Brooklyn Brewery). They're in the process of having three bikes specially made for the hotel so guests can bike around the neighborhood.
* Sense of humor: Chalkboard walls in the bathrooms give guests a place to jot down those brilliant ideas that arise while they are shaving or brushing their teeth--or just to leave notes to the housekeeping staff. Some suites have hammocks, just because.
* Nice extras: Free New York Times and daily continental breakfast, plus a compact, well-stocked gym (complete with punching bag).

The hotel is also going out of its way to support Brooklyn businesses: It's got everything from Brooklyn Industries tees and Korres bath products to Watchismo timepieces and "Eau de Brooklyn" soap. Plus Ceci-Cela pastries in the morning breakfast spread and NuNu chocolates and Fred water for purchase in the rooms. Off the side of the lobby, the NuBar has a handful of specialty drinks created by Employees Only cocktail guru TK. Try the Kings County, made with Prosecco, Elderflower liqueur, and Aperol, then head out to sample Smith Street's hip bars and restaurants--Clover Club is a Daily Traveler favorite. 

Further reading:
* Brooklyn breweries are holding their own, too (The New York Times)
* Word of Mouth: the buzz worldwide