Thanks for the birthday wishes, Pirates! You are total rockstars.

My Huffington Post series “Travel SOS” is back! This time, the questions is: “Help — how can I find a decent, well-located hotel in Manhattan for under $150 a night?”

La Carmina’s advice… you’re looking in the wrong borough. Try staying in Brooklyn, as I did on my recent trip to New York.

I was hosted by NU Hotel (85 Smith Street), and it was probably my favorite NY stay to date. In this new travel video (above and on Huff Post Travel, I explore the benefits of Brooklyn hotels.

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My friend Molly and I loved the friendly staff and laid-back modern vibe. NU’s front desk doubles as a bar, and there are free chocolate chip cookies.

Every bathroom has a chalkboard wall, and doodling is encouraged. I drew Basil Farrow to remind me of home.

Brooklyn rocks. The neighborhood has a more relaxed pace, and a greener environment. I loved the colorful local art, cute boutiques, concerts and cafes.

Watch us take a shopping tour of Smith Street. We visit the boutiques Bird and Dear Fieldbinder, which have a well-edited selection.

How scrumptious is this vegetarian sweet and sour lunch from Wild Ginger?

My room was so spacious (a rarity in NYC) that Tigi stylist Brandon was able to set up a hair station.

White wide-brim hat: Giovanno (similar to this)
Black and white top: Spider, from Hong Kong
Skull bracelets: gifted from Kreepsville 666
Lace Goth fish-tail skirt: gifted from Corset Chick (see my review)

At the NU, some suites even have hammocks. This one has a swivel chair.

A final reason to stay in downtown Brooklyn: the location. You’re only a 10-15 minute subway ride from the Lower East Side, St Mark’s Place, and the East and West Villages.

Convinced? Next time you’re visiting New York, keep the NU Hotel in mind.

Have you spent time in Brooklyn? Where are your favorite hangouts? I hope you find my latest video helpful.