New York has always been synonymous for cosmopolitan. The skyscrapers, the penthouses, the concrete… they makes you think twice about running off to the peaceful countryside for solitude. But if you’re sick of the monotonous high rises and the hotels that all look the same, escape to the hip and trendy streets of Brooklyn where you’ll find the unconventional, yet hip homestay known at The Funky Loft.
(Click here for $40 off The Funky Loft)
The Property
Established in 2013, The Funky Loft is a quirky homestay known for its whimsical design and vintage decor. Think of the experience like a homestay at your best friend’s house. That is, if your best friend provided hospitality like you were at a 4-star hotel.
Owner and treasure-collector Marcella originally founded The Funky Loft in Los Angeles and moved to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn in 2017. Its home was originally an empty and spacious loft that Marcella redesigned and constructed into a 4-bedroom loft with a common space, kitchen and bathroom. It even has a swing in the middle of the room!
Her creativity flourished by filling the entire space with thrifted and collected treasures. From the old, used coloring books to the bright red, 1950’s vintage refrigerator, every detail holds a story.
But The Funky Loft is unlike any other homestay you’ve experienced. Marcella and her partner, António, live in the loft right above the 3 bedrooms that are available for guests. 2 of those bedrooms are for couples, 1 is a single.
Staying at The Funky Loft is a one-of-a-kind experience, perfect for those looking for authenticity in a city known for its embellishments and fantastic opulence.
Amenities
Keep in mind that because this is a homestay, the items included are slightly different than that of a hotel. For example toiletries (like shampoo and conditioner) are shared amongst guests and not takeaway bottles.
I was lucky enough to share a room with Angie in the Tropical Room. Our room included:
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Complimentary wifi
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A memory foam mattress*
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A bohemian bookshelf
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An extra world power adaptor*
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A space heater (perfect for the winter cold)*
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Sliding barn door
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Exposed brick walls*
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Built in shelf
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Window with a view of the snowfall
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Shared bathroom with other guests*
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Rain Shower*
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Complimentary towel and toiletries
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1950’s Coca Cola Refrigerator to use*
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Indoor Swing for all to use*
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Entire wall of beautiful windows
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Full Kitchen and light breakfast (cereal, toast & jam, oatmeal, tea and coffee)*
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Speaker system*
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Heat and AC*
*=Available in all room styles
As a guest of The Funky Loft, you are not only living amongst these hand-picked treasures, but you can take advantage of its space as a creator! This homestay loft is not only a destination for travelers to rest their weary heads but is also a major photoshoot destination.
Models, instagrammers and content creators visit this location regularly to capture the bohemian, vintage setting. As a guest, you get this scenery for your entire stay (just make sure the photoshoot schedule is clear so you can take photos at your leisure).
Things to Do
Contrary to the hotel scene, this homestay doesn’t necessarily offer any activities like yoga classes or sightseeing tours. To be fair, why would you want to stick around a hotel when there’s so much to explore throughout the most famous city in the world?
New York-lovers know Brooklyn is where it’s at these days and staying at The Funky Loft means you’re at the epicenter of style and diversity.
If you’re looking for things to do in a short amount of time, check out my 48-hour itinerary!
Staff and Hospitality
I might have been drawn to the old movie posters and the nostalgic wall art found throughout the loft. But it was the warm and inviting hospitality that made me fall in love with The Funky Loft.
What it may lack in formality, The Funky Loft makes up for in charm and comfort. Sure, you may be in someone else’s home, but Marcella’s intimate conversation and warm vibes make it feel like an extension of your own home. It felt as though I just happened to have a second place in New York!
As someone who likes the privacy of her own room, I have to admit I was hesitant about a homestay/shared situation. The only other time I had a shared common space was during my hostel-hopping years and I wasn’t sure I was ready to go back.
Yet The Funky Loft was so much more grand than a trip to a strange and crowded hostel. It truly felt as though you were visiting family.
Upon our arrival, Marcella gave us a brief tour and explained the house rules. The main ones being that quiet hours are between 10 pm and 10 am and to not be naked in the common living area. Something that usually goes without saying but hey, might as well give us the heads up. (Please note: if being quiet for 12 hours or not having a locked door is an issue, you might want to consider an alternative location.)
Overall, my stay was an incredibly fun and unique experience. Not only do I have some trendy Insta photos from the experience, but some wonderful memories as well!
Planning on Staying at The Funky Loft? Click here to book a reservation! (And use this code for $40 off!)
Thank you, Marcella, for hosting me during my stay in New York. As always, the content and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Honestly our experience at The Funky Loft could not have been more different – perhaps the author of this is a friend of Marcella’s?
We found the communication so very unfriendly, with a myriad of rules and regulations, the location wasn’t great and the place was very prettily styled but completely unpractical – don’t stay here if you have a big suitcase, it won’t fit. No hanging space either and the pillows sit up against pictures on the wall, there’s no headboard and the pictures fall off.
Also they have photo shoots “once or twice a month” and while we were there over 3 days, they had shoots on 2 of them so we had to leave at 11am for photographers/stylists/models to come in. There’s no security for personal items either so a but weird leaving the house knowing there are strangers working around your stuff. Not sure why photoshoots are a selling point, they are annoying for guests.
Read our full review on AirBnB, we are decent people, clean and tidy and good guests but we were SO disappointed in this place.