Why book?
If you've seen enough of New York City, and aren't a fan of the Hamptons, The Rockaway Hotel offers you a true beach getaway—it's easier to access, and the area is far more laid-back.
Set the scene
Driving in from Rockaway Beach Boulevard, one of the main avenues that takes you through this everyone-knows-each-other beach community in Queens, you can spot The Rockaway Hotel easily. It's not because it's taller than some of the nearby apartment buildings or been-there-forever hotels; it's that the marine blue and gray facade, while still somewhat utilitarian in structure, stands out as fresh and modern.
Indeed, the entrance is low-key but the hallmarks are there: the throwback-style neon sign announcing the hotel, the soothing beige-upon-creme sofas and plush chairs in the lobby—with a help-yourself coffee and water stand meeting as you enter. Start to take it in and you see it: art everywhere—gorgeous art, art that makes you say, “Do I know who did that?” People are sitting next to a fireplace and chatting, and you're not sure if they're together, or strangers just making conversation.
The backstory
A project 10 years in the making, this is the first upscale, lifestyle hotel in the Rockaways in over 100 years. The owners, of 7G Realty and IGC Hospitality—of Park Avenue Tavern and Refinery Rooftop in the city—were looking to fill a gap in the Rockaways. “The hotel will serve as an anchor for the Rockaway Beach community—a gathering place for locals and an opportunity to bring Rockaway Beach’s surf, art, and music scene to guests through cultural experiences,” said Michi Jigarjian, 7G Partner and Chief Social Impact Officer.
The rooms
Rooms have a sunny vibe and are not at all fussy or formal: Blonde wood floor, (more) art in white frames, natural materials on furniture with woven accents and lived-in-looking pillows with pops of color. The focus of the rooms are many large windows facing the ocean, and those windows open (!) to let in fresh, salty air. Beds (which had light, fluffy sheets and pillows of white with just a soft throw blanket for accent) face that wall of windows and ocean view—a departure from most hotel rooms, where your bed faces a TV. You'll have a time laying in bed, reading, sipping coffee, and staring at the water.
Balconies, too, are a lovely touch—behind the beds, where the separate sitting area and TV are. Most rooms have a studio apartment feel; one of many touches throughout the hotel that make it feel homier than most. Bathrooms, too, are bright and clean, with simple tiling, ample counter space, and local products featured in the bath. The windows extend into the bathroom, so you can shower while staring at the ocean, if that's your thing.
Food and drink
A major draw at the hotel are its restaurants. Right now there are two: The ground-floor Pool House which, fittingly, faces out to the pool, which is due to reopen in May. There's also The Rooftop, which has views of the ocean on one side and views of Manhattan on the other. Right now both serve the same menu, but what a menu: starters like a fresh, flavorful mezze platter or tuna tartare tacos; a full raw bar; hearty salads next to a solid burger; and, for entrees, don't sleep on the hand-made pasta dishes.
A grab-and-go boutique coffee shop with sandwiches and small bites is in the works, in addition to the opening of Margie's, a new restaurant that will offer a more traditional dining experience serving elevated American classics—but in a swinging, retro-meets-beach-resort atmosphere.
The neighborhood/area
It's clear that locals own the hotel, given its primo location—it's not in *the* hottest part of the Rockaways, but it's between its two busiest spots, giving guests plenty to do in either direction yet assuring them a quieter, more neighborly atmosphere. A ferry stop is directly behind the hotel, and the ocean is one block in the other direction, making access a major advantage, especially when you realize there isn't much else by way of cool hotels nearby.
It's worth noting that locals initially were wary of a hip hotel coming into their neighborhood, but now they've fully embraced it. In the off-season, the bars and restaurants were filled at night—and at breakfast—with neighborhood regulars, and one even told us he takes the hotel's community exercise classes, which return this summer.
The service: It seems the local pedigree behind the hotel shines through here: staff feel familial, the hotel feels like their home, and they treat you like a guest coming for a weekend or a summer stay.
For families
Notably, of the 53 rooms, eight are longer-stay suites, complete with a dining room and kitchen; they require a three- to five-night minimum to book. They've been a huge draw for families who have needed to get out of the city, but didn't want to go too far, in the past year.
Eco effort
Sustainability is core to the hotel: A green roof was incorporated along the building’s balconies, and throughout the design you'll see rattan, one of the quickest developing tropical woods that renews itself in less than seven years. All of the timbers used throughout the hotel were sourced from legally forested teak farms; fabrics used in upholstered cushions are environmentally friendly, while many pieces are vintage to further support sustainability efforts. Additionally, The Rockaway Hotel leads a number of partnerships to bolster the community. Most recently, IGC Hospitality and 7G Group launched The Hospitality Way, a program created to educate the local workforce in Queens, NY, seeking jobs within the hospitality industry.
Accessibility
Four of the guest rooms are ADA compliant, as are the public spaces.
Anything left to mention?
Take some time browsing the art collection—there are more than 150 pieces from local and nationally renowned artists, personally curated by Jigarjian herself. In addition, there are some hotel bikes guests can use—worth consider, since you're one block from the boardwalk and beach. Finally, the boutique by the entrance is thoughtfully curated, with everything from clothing and accessories to bath products.
108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr, Queens, New York 11694
United States
http://thehospitalityway.com/
+1 (718) 474-1216