Collective Governors Island
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Hotel Details
Location
New York City
United States, North America
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Key Highlights
- ✓Helpful and Organized:** The Collective Retreats hospitality staff is described as "outstanding," with well-organized processes, including meeting guests at the ferry via golf cart.
Expert Review: Collective Governors Island
Collective Governors Island: A Luxurious Glamping Escape with Unbeatable Views
Collective Governors Island, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a truly unique and highly-rated "glamping" experience, allowing guests to escape the urban bustle of New York City without ever truly leaving its breathtaking embrace. The general consensus among visitors is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting an exceptional blend of natural tranquility and sophisticated comfort.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The property consistently receives very good ratings, with an overall score of 8.2 out of 10. Guests frequently describe their stays as "super cool," "big fun," and a "dream experience." The sentiment is one of delight in finding a serene retreat with stunning views so close to Manhattan.
Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about several standout features:
- Spectacular Views: Unparalleled vistas of the Lower Manhattan skyline, including One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty are a recurring highlight. Roasting marshmallows by the fire pit overlooking the city lights is often cited as a memorable evening experience.
- Unique Glamping Experience: The novelty of sleeping in a luxurious tent or shelter on an island just minutes from Manhattan is a major draw. It's described as a "grown-up summer-camp experience."
- Amenities & Activities: Heated beds, campfires, hammocks, curated interiors, and innovative cocktails are frequently praised. The retreat also offers activities such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, wine tasting, and cooking classes.
- Peaceful Seclusion: Despite its proximity to the city, the island provides a feeling of being "a world away," offering a quiet escape from urban noise.
Room Quality
The accommodations, ranging from Journey+ and Summit Tents to the more cabin-like Outlook Shelters, are designed for comfort.
- Tents & Shelters: These are described as enclosed, electricity-enabled, and air-conditioned canvas tents on sturdy wooden platforms. They come with comfortable, hypo-allergenic beds with 1,500 thread count sheets.
- Bathrooms: Summit Tents and Outlook Shelters offer en-suite bathrooms, while Journey Tents have dedicated, private bathrooms with full flush toilets, showers, and hot running water.
- Luxurious Touches: Guests appreciate amenities like Frette robes, high-end bath products, and especially the heated sheets. The top-end Outlook Shelter features an indoor soaking tub facing the Statue of Liberty.
Dining Experience
The dining at Collective Governors Island, particularly at the on-site Three Peaks Lodge, is generally well-received.
- Three Peaks Lodge: The restaurant is noted for its "Fire & Water" menu, focusing on sea-centric, contemporary American dishes with a wood-flame grilling emphasis. Reviewers have given the food, presentation, and team effort five stars.
- Dinner Options: Offerings range from a la carte seafood to a five-course tasting menu, often accompanied by live music.
- Breakfast: A buffet breakfast is served in the main tent and is often described as "great" and "lovely simple breakfast," with the cheese selection being "phenomenal."
- Other Food & Drink: Innovative cocktails and a grand wine list are available. Campfire s'mores are a beloved activity. Guests have also noted the option to enjoy happy hour drinks and cornhole.
Service & Staff
The hospitality at Collective Governors Island consistently receives high praise.
- Attentive and Friendly: Guests frequently comment on the "professional and kind staff," noting that "everyone was really nice."
- Helpful and Organized: The Collective Retreats hospitality staff is described as "outstanding," with well-organized processes, including meeting guests at the ferry via golf cart.
- Personalized Touches: Guests have mentioned receiving special birthday surprises, adding to the positive experience.
Location & Accessibility
Collective Governors Island boasts a prime location that offers both convenience and a sense of escape.
- Proximity to NYC: It's an 8-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan (Battery Maritime Building in the Financial District or Pier 25 in Tribeca) and a 5-minute ferry from Brooklyn.
- Car-Free Island: Governors Island is a peaceful, car-free parkland, which contributes to its tranquil atmosphere.
- Views: The island location provides unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, the New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.
- Ferry Service: While the public ferry requires advanced reservations, Collective also offers a private water taxi service from Pier 25 in Tribeca. Guests are advised to coordinate arrival times for golf cart shuttle service from the ferry.
Value & Pricing
The "glamping" experience at Collective Governors Island is considered a luxury, and pricing reflects this.
- Price Range: Prices typically range from $150 to $500+ per night, though some sources indicate a higher range of $529 - $1200 per night, depending on the season, day of the week, and accommodation type. The "tiny houses" (Outlook Shelters) are noted to be more expensive than the tents.
- Worth the Cost: Many guests feel the unique experience, stunning views, and level of service justify the cost, viewing it as a worthwhile "staycation" or special adventure. Some guests who stayed during softer openings found it to be more affordable and romantic.
Common Complaints
While generally positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- Helicopter Noise: Some guests have mentioned helicopter noise, though it reportedly stops after a certain hour.
- Restaurant Disappointment (for some): While many praise the dining, a few older reviews suggest the restaurant was "pretty disappointing" or lacked a full menu in earlier days. However, more recent reviews indicate improvement.
- Alcohol Policy: Guests have noted that bringing personal alcohol is technically not allowed, although some have successfully brought their own wine without their bags being checked.
- Ferry Schedule Limitations: Late evening ferry schedules can impact plans to dine off-island, as guests may need to take an earlier ferry back to the island.
- Potential for Animals: One isolated comment mentioned a concern about rats coming out at night, though this was not a widespread complaint.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- •Potential for Animals:** One isolated comment mentioned a concern about rats coming out at night, though this was not a widespread complaint.
