The Rockaway Hotel

The Rockaway Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Queens, United States, offers a distinctive "urban beach getaway" experience, blending contemporary design with the laid-back charm of the Rockaways.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Rockaway Hotel is largely positive, with guests often describing it as a "hip," "stylish," "relaxing," and "design-forward" retreat. It garners praise for its unique atmosphere and its ability to transport guests away from the city's bustle, even though it's still within New York City. While many highlight its strengths, some recurring criticisms include perceived smaller room sizes for the price and issues with management responsiveness.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Rockaway Hotel for its striking blend of surf culture and Scandinavian minimalism, featuring a design by Morris Adjmi Architects and Curious Yellow Design that incorporates natural blue and tan tones, teak, linen, wool, and local art. Its prime location just one block from the Atlantic Ocean provides stunning water views and easy beach access.

Amenities are a major draw, including a heated outdoor pool that transforms into a "Winter Pool House" with cozy decor and cedar saunas during cooler months, a lively rooftop bar with dual-aspect views, and a full-service spa offering various treatments and wellness classes. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycles for exploring the area.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 53 guest rooms and eight longer-stay bungalows, all thoughtfully designed with sustainable furnishings and a "fresh and modern" beachy aesthetic. Rooms are typically furnished with custom beds made from teak and cane, crisp white linens, and feature accent walls with teak slats. Many accommodations offer Atlantic Ocean or Jamaica Bay views, with some including balconies or terraces. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, and pleasant, with deluxe bath amenities and modern connectivity. However, some guests have noted that the rooms can feel smaller than expected for the price. There have also been mentions of missing in-room amenities like tea/coffee makers, safes, and sufficient drawer space in some rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The Rockaway Hotel boasts a diverse culinary landscape with several on-site options. Margie's, the ground-floor restaurant named after the owners' grandmother, offers a modern twist on American classics and seaside favorites, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The Rooftop, located on the sixth floor, provides breathtaking views of Manhattan, Jamaica Bay, and the Atlantic, serving snacks, shared plates, a raw bar, and Asian-inspired dishes alongside a diverse bar selection. The Pool House offers a seasonal menu, transforming into a cozy bistro space in winter with breakfast and all-day selections like warm bowls and salads. For quick bites, Claudette's Cafe provides artisanal options, smoothies, açai bowls, and coffee. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available, though some guests have reported slow service during breakfast.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many guests praising the team's attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness. The staff, often locals from Queens, contribute to the hotel's welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. However, there have been "significant complaints regarding service, particularly with management's responsiveness to issues."

6. Location & Accessibility

The Rockaway Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Rockaway Beach on 108th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, just a five-minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean and boardwalk. It offers a convenient escape from Manhattan, accessible by a scenic NYC Ferry ride from Wall Street or the A-Train/S-Train subway lines to Beach 105 Street Seaside Station. The hotel is also a short drive from John F. Kennedy International Airport (15 minutes) and LaGuardia Airport (30 minutes). This strategic location allows guests to feel like they're on a remote retreat while remaining connected to the city.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing at The Rockaway Hotel varies, with rooms ranging from approximately $171 to $434, and some going higher for specific room types like Queen rooms with two queen beds (up to $633). While Booking.com gives a "value for money" rating of 7.2, some guests have expressed concerns that room sizes are smaller than expected for the price. Additionally, "amenities fees seem exorbitant for so little amenities" according to some guest feedback.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms include the perceived small size of the rooms relative to their cost. Some guests have noted a lack of basic in-room amenities such as coffee/tea making facilities, safes, and sufficient drawers. Slow service at breakfast has also been mentioned. A significant concern for some is "management's responsiveness to issues." One guest also cited the outdoor pool being frequently "taken over by children," despite its design not being explicitly child-friendly, leading to a less relaxing experience for others.

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