A practical day trip: Coney Island or Brighton Beach from Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Yes — both Coney Island and Brighton Beach are easy day trips from Ace Hotel Brooklyn. Brighton Beach is the quicker subway ride (about 20 minutes), while Coney Island takes roughly 35 minutes by subway and offers more boardwalk attractions.
In this guide
How to get there from Ace Hotel Brooklyn
The hotel sits at 252 Schermerhorn St, directly across from the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station (A, C, G lines). You can reach Brighton Beach and Coney Island by transferring at Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center or riding through Brooklyn on the appropriate line.
Public-transit journeys cited by the hotel-area travel guides estimate about 20 minutes to Brighton Beach and about 35 minutes to Coney Island by subway. The single-ride subway fare is collected on the MTA; check current fares before you travel.
- To Brighton Beach: plan about a 20-minute subway ride from the hotel (one transfer commonly required).
- To Coney Island: plan about a 35-minute subway ride (Atlantic Av–Barclays Ctr to Coney Island–Stillwell Av is a commonly used routing).
- Rideshare or taxi will be faster door-to-door but depend on traffic.
| Destination | Subway time (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton Beach | About 20 minutes | Usually one transfer; boardwalk access |
| Coney Island | About 35 minutes | More boardwalk attractions, longer ride |
Which beach is right for your day trip
Brighton Beach sits closer and is known for its quieter stretch of boardwalk, local restaurants, and Russian-speaking neighborhood character. It’s convenient if you want a shorter trip and a taste of local Brooklyn beach life.
Coney Island is farther but offers more classic seaside attractions — the boardwalk, amusement rides, and food stands. Choose Coney Island if you want rides and more pedestrian activity along the waterfront.
- Choose Brighton Beach for a shorter transit time and a more local, low-key beach experience.
- Choose Coney Island for amusement rides, more vendors, and the classic boardwalk scene.
- Coney Island and Brighton Beach are close to each other (about a 5-minute Q train ride or a walk along the boardwalk if you prefer).
| Feature | Brighton Beach | Coney Island |
|---|---|---|
| Transit time from hotel | Shorter (~20 min) | Longer (~35 min) |
| Boardwalk activity | Quieter, local-focused | Busy, attractions and rides |
| Good for | A relaxed seaside visit | An attractions-focused day |
Suggested half-day itinerary
If you have one day, split your time: arrive mid-morning, walk the boardwalk, eat lunch, then return to Boerum Hill for an evening at the hotel.
The schedule below assumes you leave the hotel mid-morning and return before or around dinner; adjust timing for your pace and transit.
- 9:30–10:30 AM — Depart Ace Hotel Brooklyn and arrive at Brighton Beach or Coney Island
- 10:30 AM–1:00 PM — Walk the boardwalk, visit shops, or ride attractions (Coney Island)
- 1:00–2:30 PM — Lunch at a boardwalk stand or nearby restaurant
- 3:00–5:00 PM — Return to hotel; use coworking spaces or the 24-hour gym (if you want a quick workout)
- Evening — Dinner at Lele's Roman or The Lobby back at Ace Hotel Brooklyn
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Travel and boardwalk stroll |
| Afternoon | Lunch and light beach time |
| Late afternoon | Return to Ace Hotel Brooklyn; relax or use hotel amenities |
Eat and drink: what to plan for
Ace Hotel Brooklyn offers on-site dining that fits different schedules: Lele's Roman serves breakfast through dinner and weekend brunch; The Lobby serves breakfast, an all-day menu and craft cocktails. Koju is an omakase counter with reservations required for evening seatings.
If you plan to be back for dinner, reservations are available for Lele's Roman via Resy and Koju via SevenRooms or Resy. The Lobby also has an all-day menu if you prefer a casual dinner after your day trip.
- Lele's Roman — breakfast daily and dinner service; reservations via Resy.
- Koju — 14-seat omakase with seatings Tue–Sat (reservations essential).
- The Lobby — breakfast and all-day menu plus craft cocktails; the bar hours extend later on weekends.
| Hotel dining | When it serves | Best use after beach |
|---|---|---|
| Lele's Roman | Breakfast–dinner | Formal dinner or weekend brunch |
| Koju | Dinner seatings, Tue–Sat | Special-occasion omakase (reserve in advance) |
| The Lobby | All-day menu and cocktails | Casual dinner or nightcap |
Hotel practicalities to keep in mind
Check-in at Ace Hotel Brooklyn begins after 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon). Early check-in and late check-out are available on request and subject to availability. The hotel requires a valid government-issued photo ID and a credit card at check-in, and the primary booking guest must be 21 or older.
A destination fee applies per night; it covers 24-hour gym access, enhanced in-room WiFi with TV casting, complimentary domestic and international phone calls, and a retail discount. The property does not have an on-site pool or spa.
- Primary booking guest must be 21+ and show photo ID at check-in.
- Destination fee is charged per night and includes gym access and enhanced WiFi.
- No on-site pool or spa; the gym is on the 3rd floor and open 24 hours with guest-key access.
| Practical detail | What the hotel provides |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | After 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
| Rooms | Room types include Room (Small), Room, 1 Queen Bed, Double Room, Room (Medium), Room (Medium Skyline), Suite |
| Amenities | 24-hour gym, free WiFi, in-room minibar, coworking spaces |
Practical beach day tips
Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim; the hotel does not provide beach gear. Plan for food purchasing on the boardwalk or bring snacks — both beaches have nearby food options but selections differ between Brighton Beach and the busier Coney Island boardwalk.
Transit times can vary by time of day; allow extra time for weekends and summer months. May and October are commonly recommended months for milder weather in New York if you prefer less heat or humidity.
- Pack sunscreen and towel; the hotel does not supply beach equipment.
- Allow extra transit time on weekends and in summer months.
- If you want a short trip, choose Brighton Beach; choose Coney Island for rides and more vendors.
| Need-to-know | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bring beach gear | Hotel does not provide towels or beach supplies |
| Check subway status | Service changes can affect travel time |
| Plan reservations | Lele's Roman and Koju take reservations for return meals |
