Photo: Courtesy of the property
Your New York City experience is incredibly dependent on what neighborhood you choose to stay in — every area offers a wholly different vibe. For a truly quirky, off-the-beaten-path stay, check out Graduate New York, which is located on Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens. Forget the subway: You could be taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway to and from your hotel. Our full review of this funky hotel is below.
The Look of Graduate New York
From the outside, Graduate New York looks like any other modern New York hotel, encased in glass with gray beams. But inside, a treasure trove of funky finds awaits. Really, it looks more like an art gallery or artist’s loft than a hotel. After walking inside, the first thing you'll notice is the larger-than-life statue of Hebru Brantley’s Flyboy character, plus a neon Graduate sign over the reception desk.
The lobby features plenty of communal seating and large picture windows that look out over the Cornell Tech campus. Here, you’ll also find the hotel’s restaurant and wraparound bar, all of which are surrounded by white bookshelves with hundreds of books.
The 224 guest rooms and suites are just as unique as the lobby, with bright pops of color in the main sleeping space and cool black and white wallpaper in the bathroom. Each guest room has fancy Malin + Goetz bath amenities, a mini-fridge, and a premium plush Serta mattress.
The Vibe at Graduate New York
Because the hotel is right in the heart of a college campus, the vibe is fun and lighthearted. If guests aren’t in their rooms sleeping off a full day of walking around the city, they can be found at the lobby bar or the Panorama Room, the latter of which is on the 18th floor and offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Who Will Love Graduate New York
Travelers looking for a hotel in the heart of the city without the bustle and noise will love Graduate New York. Additionally, those into creative arts who avoid cookie-cutter stays will enjoy the ambiance.
Who Might Not Love Graduate New York
There are no real kid-friendly amenities here, so if you’re traveling as a family, you may want to look elsewhere.
Best Amenity at Graduate New York
The best amenity at Graduate New York is the Panorama Room, which combines epic views with great cocktails and shareable plates like broccoli tempura and caviar nachos. A runner-up would be the complimentary shuttle, which can take you from the hotel to anywhere on Roosevelt Island.
What’s Included at Graduate New York
Included with your stay is access to the fitness center, the complimentary shuttle, in-room water, morning coffee in the lobby restaurant, a 30-minute Citi Bike pass, and Wi-Fi.
Extra Fees & Costs You Should Know About at Graduate New York
If you’re valeting your car, it will cost you $70 per night. Additionally, there is a $39 per room, per night amenity fee.
How to Get a Deal at Graduate New York
Before confirming your stay, browse the hotel’s offers tab on its website. Here you can find all of the latest deals, credits, and perks that can be added to your hotel confirmation, like brunch for two, a picnic in the park, and more.
The Sweet Season
The Big Apple is a year-round destination, but the closest to a low season you’ll get is January through March, during which time you may get lucky by scoring discounted lodging rates and enjoying slightly less crowded museums and restaurants.
In the Neighborhood of Graduate New York
On Roosevelt Island, you can explore Southpoint Park or the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. On the opposite end of the island, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse is a great spot for a picnic with views of the city.
Nearest Airport to Graduate New York
The closest airport is New York La Guardia Airport (LGA), which is about six miles away. New York JFK (JFK) is 14 miles from Roosevelt Island.
Nearest Public Transportation to Graduate New York
The W Loop Road / N Loop Road bus stop is just outside of the hotel. There’s also the scenic Roosevelt Island Tramway.
For a funky stay in an under-the-radar neighborhood in New York City, Graduate New York is the spot to be.