I’m always looking for family-friendly places that offer a bit of everything, and I recently discovered The Rockaway Hotel and Spa. It’s located in Rockaway Park, Queens, which is part of New York City.
Your Rockaway Getaway Guide
I’ve been researching unique places to visit in New York City, and The Rockaway Hotel and Spa caught my eye. It’s a 61-room boutique hotel that opened in 2020. It seems to offer a good mix of big-city style with resort-like amenities. It’s located right by the water, which sounds like a lovely change of pace from the usual city sights.
I think it’s a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing trip without leaving the city. It’s not too far from Manhattan, which makes it easy to get to. For families, the idea of having beaches and pools so close is very appealing. I imagine it’s a place where you can really unwind.
Hotel Features and Amenities
The hotel is designed with a Scandinavian look, featuring light wood and a neutral color scheme. I found that many hotels aim for a specific style, and this sounds quite calming and modern.
They have several dining options, including Margie’s, the main restaurant. I like that the menu changes with the seasons, suggesting fresh ingredients. I also learned about the Pool House, which can be enclosed in cooler weather and opens up in May for easy pool access. It even has cedar barrel saunas, which sound wonderful for relaxation.
For families like mine, space in hotel rooms can be a concern. The standard king rooms are described as compact, around 190 square feet. The hotel calls them ‘cozy’ and ‘smart,’ with features like hidden storage drawers under the beds. While many rooms might not have large closets, there are hooks for hanging clothes.
They also have suites and one- and two-bedroom bungalows. These bungalows sound like a good option for families as they offer more space, balconies, and small kitchens. Every room is said to have a view of either Jamaica Bay or the Atlantic Ocean, which is a nice touch to avoid facing a solid wall.
I want to make sure the kids will have things to do, and it seems this hotel is designed so guests won’t spend all their time in their rooms. There are quiet spots in the Pool House and on the rooftop for lounging or a quick bite. I’m always on the lookout for places that encourage you to get out and explore the surroundings.
What are the wellness options here?
The hotel emphasizes wellness, with a focus on sustainability. They offer a full-service spa with four treatment rooms, providing massages, facials, and body treatments. I noticed they even offer chair massages or reflexology by the pool, which sounds like a treat for adults while kids play nearby.
Fitness classes are also available daily, mostly yoga, with some mat Pilates and strength training. These classes are included for hotel guests, which is a great perk. I think it’s wonderful when hotels offer these kinds of activities that help you stay active and relaxed during your stay.
Activities and Exploring Rockaway
One of the best parts for me, when planning a trip, is understanding the local activities. The Rockaway Hotel and Spa provides bikes for exploring the area. The beach and boardwalk are just a four-minute walk away, making it super convenient for a family beach day.
I found out that the hotel can also help arrange paddleboard or surfing lessons. Rockaway Beach is actually the only place in New York City where surfing is legally allowed, which is a unique point of interest. They can also help with sailboat charters around Jamaica Bay.
Nearby attractions include Fort Tilden, a historic military park that’s now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and the Jamaica Wildlife Refuge. These sound like great opportunities for nature exploration and learning, which I always try to include for Emma and Sofia.
How do you get to this hotel?
Getting around is important when planning. I’ve learned that there’s ferry service to Manhattan that runs every half hour, which is a convenient way to experience the city without dealing with driving or parking. There’s also a subway, though it was under construction, with hopes to open by summer.
I imagine the ferry ride itself could be an adventure for the kids. It offers a different perspective of the city and the waterways. I’m always looking for ways to make the journey part of the fun for them.
Community and Arts
I was interested to learn about the hotel’s involvement with the local community. They sponsor fundraisers and offer swimming lessons and summer camps for children in the area. They also invited guests to join a beach cleanup for Earth Day, showing a commitment to the environment and local engagement.
There’s also a strong arts presence mentioned, with the hotel featuring paintings and photographs by emerging artists. They aim to support the local arts scene, which I think adds a nice cultural layer to the experience. It’s always interesting to see local art when visiting new places.
Summer Events and Entertainment
The hotel really comes alive in the summer with special events. They have a summer concert series that starts in May and runs through Labor Day weekend. I saw that artists like John Oates are scheduled to perform.
These concerts are open to the public, but guests staying at the hotel have a great view, especially from rooms overlooking the stage. I think this creates a really fun atmosphere, almost like a big party. It sounds like a fantastic way to enjoy a summer evening.
I’m always trying to find experiences that are enjoyable for the whole family, and a live concert could be a memorable event. Even if the older children might not be as engaged with every type of music, I think there’s a general appeal to live performances. It offers a different kind of entertainment than what we typically find at home.
What are the costs involved?
I’ve looked into the pricing to help you plan. A standard room can start at just under $250 on a weekday in mid-May. For more space, a two-bedroom bungalow can start at $1,000, with a minimum stay required. Long-term rates might be available too.
There’s also a $50 amenity fee (plus tax) per stay. This fee covers things like a welcome drink, use of bikes, local rides in house cars (when available), fitness classes, saunas, the heated pool, and beach chairs during the season. It’s helpful to know what these extra fees cover when budgeting.
Restaurants and the spa are open to everyone, not just hotel guests. Spa guests can access the pool an hour before their treatment. Summer day passes to the hotel are also available, starting at $50, depending on availability and the day of the week.
It’s worth noting that prices and availability can change, so it’s always best to check the hotel’s website or call them directly for the most current information before you plan your visit. I find that detailed planning helps avoid surprises.
Visiting new places and finding accommodations that suit everyone in the family is my goal. The Rockaway Hotel and Spa seems to offer a well-rounded experience, combining relaxation with activities and a connection to the local area. It feels like a good destination for a break.
