Tucked away in Rockaway Beach, Queens, The Rockaway Hotel offers a refreshing alternative to the usual Manhattan stay, combining boutique style with a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

© Kyle Knodell

Perhaps best of all, this beach retreat sits within convenient reach of both John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, making it as practical for business travelers as it is appealing for weekend vacationers.

One of the most memorable parts of the experience begins even before you check in. Rather than fighting traffic out of Manhattan, I boarded the NYC Ferry at Pier 11 and watched the city’s iconic skyline gradually give way to open water. In just over an hour, I was docked in Rockaway, walking the few steps to The Rockaway Hotel.

© Kyle Knodell

The atmosphere immediately felt more like a boutique seaside resort than a New York City hotel. Since my room wasn’t quite ready, I headed straight for the pool to get some work done in the sun (who needs a meeting room?), and it quickly became apparent why this is one of the hotel’s signature spaces. With a chic layout and attentive service, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

The accommodations are admittedly compact, but the airy interior and oversized windows streaming in natural lighting help them feel bright and inviting. The trade-off is well worth it given the property’s unbeatable location — after all, the whole reason of a beachside hotel is to spend time outdoors.

To take advantage, guests can borrow complimentary bikes to explore the neighborhood, stroll along iconic Rockaway boardwalk, or simply linger by the pool before heading upstairs for cocktails. One of the highlights of my stay was spending the evening on the rooftop, where panoramic views of the sun setting over the city set the stage for dinner showcasing the property’s seasonal menu.

© Kyle Knodell

The following morning underscored another side of the hotel’s personality. Wellness-minded guests can start the day with a fitness class at The Studio, conveniently located right across the street, before grabbing coffee and pastries from Rockaway Beach Bakery right in the hotel’s lobby.

Of course, no stay here would be complete without experiencing Rockaway Beach itself. Just a short walk from the hotel, I found the expansive sandy knolls less crowded and more laid-back than other city beaches. Perhaps this was due to one of the property’s most distinctive offerings — a curated beach picnic experience. Completely set up before I even arrived to the beach, the hotel’s staff pulls out all the stops with refreshing drinks, wraps and nibbles, along with beach chairs, umbrellas and even a speaker should you want to fire up that beach playlist I know you have.

The boutique hotel affords travelers a compelling alternative to airport hotels and city skyscrapers. Its proximity to two major airports makes coming and going almost too easy, and offers business travelers either a much-needed opportunity to decompress between back-to-back meetings, or extend a work trip into a real getaway.

The Rockaway Hotel

108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr.

Rockaway Park, NY 11694

tel 718 474 1216