More nature is to be found in the calming, outdoor terrace restaurant upstairs as well as in the sunken eating area beside it. The latter, surrounded by abundant greenery hanging over the whitewashed brick walls, green shrubs and potted citrus trees brings a sense of privacy - one can imagine it would be the ideal location for an intimate party of best friends. Here, an array of picnic-style slated wood tables are surrounded by colorful chairs and stools in "sun faded" tones bringing an almost country ease to the city.

Meanwhile, the hotel's 76 fully equipped rooms display another kind of warmth. They are all different - perhaps another nod to the individuality of Brooklyn - some featuring wood ceilings bookending wood floors, while in others the wood "wraps" around the walls and ceilings, boxing in the space and is juxtaposed by polished cement floors. No matter the design concepts, all rooms feature all the "must haves" on every traveler's wish list - including comfortable, enveloping beds.

It's all of these mindful details and natural touches that make the Gowanus Inn & Yard an amazing pit stop for visitors seeking to explore this multifaceted city, or locals in search of a new place to call their own.