The Rockaway Hotel is set to open its doors this summer in the Rockaways in Queens, New York. This beach retreat on the Rockaway peninsula is sure to offer a much-needed respite from the city bustle.
A project ten years in the making, the highly anticipated property is the brainchild of 7G Realty and IGC Hospitality whose partnership is founded on a shared passion for the beach, arts, food, culture, wellness, and the Rockaways. Leading the team from 7G Group is Managing Partner Jon Krasner who helped create Hero Beach Club in Montauk alongside 7G Partner and Chief Social Impact Officer, Michi Jigarjian.
Founded by third-generation Rockaway Beach residents Terence and Dan Tubridy, IGC Hospitality owns and operates diverse restaurants and bars throughout New York City. The Tubridy brothers’ first-hand, neighborly knowledge of the destination will help strengthen the hotel’s place within the local community. Together, 7G Realty and IGC Hospitality have melded a myriad of New York experiences to offer something new to guests of The Rockaway Hotel.
“With an upscale yet unpretentious design, inspiring artwork and a nearby surf break known around the world, The Rockaway Hotel will be the new go-to spot to stay and hang out in the Rockaways,” said Jon Krasner, in a statement. “Visiting Rockaway Beach is a right of passage for New Yorkers and we look forward to introducing the Rockaways to travelers from around the world.”
“The hotel will serve as an anchor for the Rockaway Beach community, a gathering place for locals and an opportunity to bring Rockaway Beach’s surf, art and music scene to guests through cultural experiences,” said Michi Jigarjian. “Community engagement is one of our key pillars and we’re delighted to showcase local artists, designers, and filmmakers through rotating exhibits, events and programming.”
The Rockaway Hotel is steps from the only designated surfing beach within New York City limits. Both locals and visitors alike can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool area, rooftop bar with sweeping ocean views, extensive public arts program, recreational activities, full-service Spa Rockaway, live entertainment and robust food and beverage program.
There are 53 guest rooms, along with eight fully furnished, extended stay suites. All rooms boast either an ocean or bay view and many offer outdoor terraces. Inspired by the history and existing topography of Rockaway, Morris Adjmi Architects designed the new building to complement the bungalows that hug the shoreline.
With an emphasis on supporting the dynamic culture of Rockaway Beach, the hotel will collaborate with local organizations, artists and brands to produce programming. Events will include festivals, film screenings, artist panels and public art initiatives. The hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms will feature a rotating selection of artwork from local and internationally renowned artists.
It will sponsor The Liberty Bell Project, a virtual public art installation by Nancy Baker Cahill set to launch on July 4, 2020 in partnership with the Art Production Fund, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Rockaway Artists Alliance. The hotel will also be the lead sponsor and collaborator on a mural project launching in September 2020 at Seaside Playground, known as “The Big Yard” by the students of Waterside Children’s Studio School located directly adjacent to the hotel. This jointly operated outdoor recreational area is used by over 700 children daily and is open to the rest of the community outside of school hours.
Among the hotel’s partners, local New York City store Warm will not only open its second location at the property, but will be designing the hotel staff uniforms. The hotel will host pop-ups for local brands to showcase goods, such as Rockaway Brewing Co., which will be served on property, as well as Locals Surf School, the hotel’s surf school partner. Sustainable greenery situated around the pool and on guest room terraces will be planted in custom macrame hangers produced by Rockaway Beach-based artist Fabiola Sheppard of Handmade Cocoon. Guests will also find soaps and bath products from Goldie’s – a Rockaway Beach shop – throughout the hotel and sold in the hotel’s store.
The hotel will offer guests four distinct food and beverage options managed by IGC Hospitality. “We’re thrilled to launch new food and beverage concepts at The Rockaway Hotel, right in our hometown,” said Terence Tubridy, founder and managing partner of IGC Hospitality, in a statement. “Guests and locals alike will enjoy our seasonally-inspired dishes and drinks with unrivaled views, exciting entertainment, and of course, good company.”
They included Margie’s, an 88-seat eatery helmed by IGC Hospitality culinary director, Chef Jeff Haskell, that anchors The Rockaway Hotel’s food and beverage program. Located on the ground floor, Margie’s serves reinvented American classics made with healthy, natural, and sustainable ingredients for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
The Pool offers a light menu consisting of health-conscious seafood dishes and salads. With 61 seats by the pool and 81 bar-area seats, The Pool provides the perfect place for guests to take in some sunshine while enjoying poolside bites and frozen cocktails.
The Rooftop, located on the sixth floor and spanning 6,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor space, the rooftop bar boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay and The Atlantic Ocean alongside a menu of small plates and craft cocktails.
Greenhouse Cafe,The Rockaway Hotel’s street side coffee shop concept allows guests on the move to enjoy quick bites of artisanal offerings. The rotating menu features sandwiches, salads, desserts and coffee.
Go to www.therockawayhotel.com for more information. For more hopeful travel news, go to #AmazingDaysAhead.
