Traveler Favorite

Brooklyn, New York: 3B
Nominated By: Adam Robinson at Publishing Genius, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, November '11

Price Range: US$45-$160 # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes 3B so Darn Good? Run by a small cooperative of creative Brooklynites (dare we say hipsters), 3B is cool. The design is thoughtful, the all-vegetarian breakfasts are inspired, and the location is near hip Brooklyn neighborhoods as well as that little island across the river called Manhattan.

Location: 3B is located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn's not-the-most-attractive business district, but within easy walking distance to historic Brooklyn Heights and the hip shops, bars, and restaurants of Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. The entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge is a short walk away, and subways to Manhattan are just around the corner.

Rooms: I booked a room with four bunks, but I kind of wished I'd laid out for one of the two private queen rooms because they are spacious and airy, have big windows, and the beds in their downy white comforters looked expansive. The traditional hardwood floors and handsome furnishings give the entire place a sense of crisp cleanliness. The mirrors, pictures, desks, accordion lamps, and antler coat hooks all come together to create a deliberate and wholesome atmosphere. In addition to the bunk room and the two queen rooms, 3B has a two-bedroom suite, a community room with a big iMac for guests to use, and free wifi.

Food: Breakfast in the morning was a fresh goat cheese frittata with asparagus and strong, good coffee. The hot vegetarian menu changes every day depending on who's cooking and what vegetables are in season, but you can always expect homemade granola, coffee, and orange juice. In addition, 3B makes running out for dinner easy. They provide an annotated list of restaurants that made me feel like I'm in-the-know. I chose to eat at Wild Ginger, a vegan restaurant a five minute walk away.

Vibe: 3B is run by a cooperative of young creative people who share the responsibility of running the B&B. The group lives in an apartment on the floor below, and when they are not cooking, cleaning, or decorating, they are off writing, designing, and making music.

Keep in Mind: 3B has one bathroom with a shower and another 1/2 bathroom shared between all four rooms. Also, the B&B is located on a third floor walk-up.