Stay on Roosevelt Island on your next NYC trip.

Roosevelt Island?

Listen, I know how chaotic it can be to start planning a trip, especially to the big apple. Let me guess, You’re bombarded with endless choices on where to stay, and you’re trying to find a hub, so you can get around easy. Am I right?

As I researched our NYC trip, I realized that there were a so many places I wanted to visit. But, they were also scattered all over the place. I needed to stay somewhere that I could easily access the incredible transportation that NYC offers to get me around the place.

I got you covered. Look no further than…

The Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island

(Did I mention it’s gorgeous, and also super affordable?)

I’m not going to lie to you, at first when my husband mentioned this hotel, I was hesitant. I told my husband, “don’t you think it’s kind of far? And also, how the heck are we going to get around?”

Nay, nay my friend. All my worries were squashed, as soon as we made our way onto the island.

Getting there and what to expect at the hotel.

Lyft ride onto Roosevelt Island

From the airport, we took a Lyft to the hotel. Easy peasy, and it probably cost around $20 bucks. When I walked in, I was floored with the top to bottom shelving of books, that you can actually READ. Go ahead, grab one off the shelf and read to your hearts content. AND can we talk about the insane and stunning sculpture hanging over the check-in desk?

Also, your check in cards are in the style of Student I.D. Cards in the form of famous historical figures, or in my case Supreme Court baddies. (get it? Because the hotel is called the Graduate?)

The Graduate Hotel Student I.D. Card | Roosevelt Island

The style and the vibes of this place were incredible. It felt cozy, stylish, and safe. As an artist, I was drawn to all the incredible art touches and colors throughout the place.

But wait for it, the actual best part? The views! From our window, we were graced with not only the Manhattan skyline but the Queens skyline as well. It was stunning to be surrounded by water, watching the ferry’s ride by. But wait, there’s more! Because we were sandwiched between islands, the city noises were muted, and we were able to leave the window open, and sleep like babies.

This hotel also offers a restaurant downstairs called Anything at All, and their famous Panorama Room—rooftop bar (with incredible views!) AND for those who want to relive the Tom Hanks experience in the movie BIG, you can book a room that is inspired if not identical to his adventures in the movie!

Skyline views from the Graduate Hotel | Roosevelt Island

Getting to and from Roosevelt Island.

Not only were the accommodations amazing, but the transportation that Roosevelt Island has to offer is insane (in a good way), here’s why:

01. They have the Roosevelt Island Tram!

It’s literally a block away, we just walked right on over. This honestly, was one of my favorite ways to get into Manhattan. You simply pay with your metro card, and ride over the East River. So cool! (don’t worry, they have metro card machines at the tram station, we did a 7 day un-limited pass for 30ish bucks, which also includes the bus and subway!)

The Roosevelt Island Tram

02. The NYC ferry is also about a block away!

We rode the ferry to Brooklyn/Dumbo, and to other lower parts of Manhattan like East side (to get some bagels!) The Metro card doesn’t work on the ferry, but you can download the app, and purchase your ferry tickets that way. We purchased a one 10 trip pass and it was enough for the 3 of us to ride 3 times for a total of about $28 bucks. Also the app is a great way to check the times of arrivals and departures (super important if you have things planned out!)

03. The subway station is also located about a block away from the tram, walkable in just a few minutes!

We were able to ride the subway to and from multiple destinations in Manhattan! This is where our metro card came in handy. We really used the subway to our advantage. I found it fun to ride, and explore the city.

At night, we would get out of the subway, by the tram, and ride the tram onto Roosevelt Island, because my daughter loved the ride and the twinkling lights from the city skyline. (but you could skip this, since the subway does take you directly to Roosevelt Island.)

Roosevelt Island on its own.

Maybe you need some quiet time to decompress from all the amazing adventures your on in NYC. Roosevelt Island, provides just that. With the Four Freedoms State Park, the Lighthouse Park, you can stretch your legs, and just rest. And if you’re looking for some yummy food, make sure to check out Granny Annies. We had an incredible dinner with boozy hot chocolate, and then my favorite meal of the day, breakfast, their breakfast sandwich was divine!