Graduate by Hilton New York
You know what really caught me off guard about Graduate by Hilton New York?
You know what really caught me off guard about Graduate by Hilton New York? It’s actually on Roosevelt Island, not Manhattan proper – something I honestly didn’t realize when I first booked it. But here’s the thing: this turned out to be way better than I expected. The four-star property sits right on North Loop Road, and once you get over the initial “wait, where am I?” moment, you start to appreciate how clever this location actually is.
The hotel itself has this modern academic vibe going on – think sleek but not sterile, with these really comfortable common areas where you can actually work without feeling like you’re camping out in a lobby. I mean, the Graduate brand does the whole university town aesthetic well, and even though New York doesn’t scream “college town,” they’ve made it work here. The rooms are honestly really well thought out, with proper work spaces and these great river views (if you get the right side of the building). The beds are legitimately comfortable too – not just hotel marketing comfortable, but actually sleep-well comfortable. What I loved most though was how quiet it is at night. You’re literally minutes from Manhattan but you can actually sleep without earplugs, which is sort of miraculous when you think about it.
Here’s what nobody tells you about Roosevelt Island though – the tram ride is actually amazing, especially at sunset, and it’s included in your MetroCard. Sure, it takes about 10-15 minutes to get to Midtown, but the views during that ride are honestly better than most tourist attractions you’d pay for. Plus, there’s something weirdly relaxing about coming “home” to the island after a day of Manhattan chaos. The hotel staff totally gets this too – they’re not trying to oversell the location, they just help you figure out the rhythm of getting around. Parking is actually reasonable here (well, reasonable for New York standards), and the whole check-in process was refreshingly smooth. I stayed here during a busy spring week and never felt rushed or crowded, which is pretty rare for anything Hilton-affiliated in the NYC area. Would I stay here again? Absolutely – especially if I wanted to be near the city but not completely overwhelmed by it every time I walked outside.
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Our Rooms
King Room with Roll-In Shower - Mobility/Hearing Accessible
Max. people: 2Graduate Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Skyline View
Max. people: 2Junior King Suite with Roll-In Shower - Mobility Accessible
Max. people: 2Guest Reviews
Great stay for great price compared to other NYC hotels
The room was amazing with breathtaking river views. Hotel is just steps away from the Roosevelt island tram. Drcor was fun
What could be improved: Difficult to get to the rooftop bar. Took a bit long to get additional requests up to my room
Fantastic. The only place to stay if you’re visiting NYC
Amazing location, friendly and helpful staff. Brilliant bar upstairs with a brilliant DJ, friendly and courteous bar staff. Food in the restaurant was unexpectedly amazing, extremely high quality, particularly breakfast! A great oasis from the madness of Manhattan!
What could be improved: The rooms are pretty snug, but we didn’t feel cramped and there were 4 of us in our room.
Wonderful location, incredible views over Manhattan, rooms were clean, staff were always accommodating, would definitely
The location was fantastic and the rooftop bar views were unbeatable
What could be improved: Tea and coffee station should remain available to guests 24 hrs per day
Very Good
Comfortable rooms. Friendly staff.
Best possible accommodation?
I feel like I have discovered the best kept secret to visiting New York and I'm almost reluctant to share it. Roosevelt Island isn't a place I'd heard much of, it flies under the radar but it's the perfect location to be very close but not in the thick of the city. You can admire the skyline from your bed (in silence!) we could see the Empire State and Chrysler. Getting there is a few stops on the F train or the delightful Tram 🚡 alongside the Queensboro bridge. The island is safe and peaceful, it has a goose sanctuary and the Louis Kahn Roosevelt memorial which is a lovely place to spend an afternoon - check closing time but it is free to visit. A cocktail at the hotel rooftop bar (over 21s only) is another good way to round off the day. We'll be back!
What could be improved: Nope.
Wonderful
very nice view, comfortable beds! had a really nice stay!
What could be improved: personal could be more friendly and talkative. the bar on top is way overpriced and overcrowded!
Wonderful
Very nice place to stay. By far the quietest place I've ever stayed. Great escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
What could be improved: The roof top bar doesn't open until later in the day. Very cool view from there but we only made it up once.
Exceptional
Everything
The Graduate Hotel is a hidden gem.
The hotel is in a fantastic location on Roosevelt Island. Get a room with a skyline view, you wont regret it. No tea/coffee in the room but between 7am to 11am it's available in the restaurant.
The room is a good size and cleaned every day. I nearly booked an Airbnb in Time Square which was terrible in comparison to this hotel. The price difference is well worth it. Plus you get $15 credit each day per room in the restaurant. I got a couple of Sprites each day for nothing. If you don't use it you lose it.
What could be improved: The restaurant has a set menu and you carn't ask for specific items. I didn't eat here as there is a food wagon at the subway station just passed the tram station. This is the only grip I have.
Fabulous skyline views!
The views were amazing. It was in a quiet, safe area. Staff service and food were excellent. Beds were very comfortable. Very convenient to Metro and Manhattan. Rooftop bar had spectacular views. Really enjoyed my stay here with my two adult daughters. Thanks.
What could be improved: Maybe have signs on door for guests to let cleaner know when room is free to clean rather than cleaner knocking door early morning to enter when room was occupied.
Location
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Bryant Park4.6 km
- Queens West1.8 km
- Mac Arthur Park4 km
- Chrysler Building4.1 km
- Flatiron Building4.9 km
- Murray Playground2.3 km
- Queens Bridge Park2.9 km
- Empire State Building4.3 km
- Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge4.7 km
- Queensboro Oval Softball Field5 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Panorama Room50 m
- Restaurant Piccolo Trattoria500 m
- Restaurant Granny Annie's Bar & Kitchen450 m
Top attractions:
- Central Park6 km
- Top of the Rock5 km
- Strawberry Fields7 km
- Rockefeller Center5 km
- Museum of Modern Art5 km
- Metropolitan Museum of Art5 km
Natural Beauty:
- Peak Laurel Hill (26m)6 km
- Lake Conservatory Water6 km
Public transit:
- Subway Roosevelt Island450 m
- Train Court Square- 23Rd St2.7 km
- Train Court Square- Crosstown Line2.6 km
- Subway21 St Street Queensbridge Ind 63Rd Street Line3 km
Closest Airports:
- La Guardia Airport6 km
- New York Skyports Seaplane Base3.6 km
- John F. Kennedy International Airport24 km
Graduate by Hilton New York
New York, United States
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