Forget those Manhtattanite jibes in Sex and the City and Gossip Girl about Brooklyn being Siberia. This outer borough where so many Jewish immigrants lived, is now very cool. Or at least, that's true of areas like Park Slope, New York's answer to Notting Hill with its restaurants, shops and brownstones that a growing number of young professionals call home. No surprise, then, that Hotel Le Bleu should emerge here as Brooklyn's first boutique hotel, though putting it on 4th Avenue is a bit like a London developer plonking a Westbourne Grove hotel beneath the Westway. It may be just a block from Brooklyn's happening 5th Avenue, but 4th is windswept and edgy; you can walk out by day, but may want to return at night by cab.

Inside this nine-storey vision of chrome and glass designed by Andres Escobar, Le Bleu is contemporary, chic and comfortable. Frosted glass divides the shower room from the sleeping area, and many of the well-appointed rooms have balconies. But the best view is from the roof terrace, which looks across the East River to the lights of Manhattan. Alas, the rooftop dining room and bar, intended as a local rendezvous, has been dogged with troubles and is currently closed though guests may be allowed to enjoy the view.

In-room goodies include complimentary Kettle Chips, cookies, iPod docks, Bose sound system, free wi-fi and a coffee machine. Knowledgeable staff will direct you via the beautiful Carroll Gardens area to enviable designer shopping on Smith Street, a 10-minute stroll.

RATES: About £130
TEL: 001 718 625 1500