Sleeper Hits

Time Out New York
June 28-July 5, 2001

By VALERIE STIVERS

Like ordering a cup of coffee at Starbucks or a filet o' fish at McDonalds, you know what to expect from a Marriott. This downtown-Brooklyn branch, which opened in 1998, supplies the usual big, comfortable beds; feather pillows; corporate-bland color scheme; and traditional amenities such as stationery and a shoe mitt. Grander touches include the lobby's vast trompe l'oeil ceiling, a pool and whirlpool, a fitness center, an in-house restaurant, a fleet of obsequious liveried staff and room service until 1 am. It isn't the cheapest option, but barring B&Bs, it's the only option in a neighborhood that recently has more and more to offer tourists. And at these prices, at least you get an irreproachable bathroom; bright, spotless, large and crammed with Neutrogena products and towels of all sizes. Before raiding the place (shower cap for home?), check for hidden costs. Your computerized minibar will charge you twice if you attempt to beat the system by refilling it, and there's always an additional 8 percent "restocking fee" added to your minibar bill. If you remain in any doubt that you're shacking up in the belly of a corporate-American beast, check the bed-side-table drawer, where right next to the Bible and the Book of Mormon is a copy of the book of Marriott, The Spirit to Serve. No joke.

333 Adams Street between Willoughby and Tillary Streets, Downtown Brooklyn (718-246-7000).