Take a look inside the first Graduate New York hotel on Roosevelt Island

In New York Roosevelt Island the remnants of the city’s best-kept secrets, a place most out-of-towners, and sometimes even locals, don’t know or care about. That’s what makes it perfect.

For decades, this narrow strip of land on the East River has quietly had a rich history, first as a refuge and then as an experimental city. There was a time when Roosevelt Island wasn’t so much an island as an idea—about the unwanted, the outcast, the temporarily forgotten. Hospitals and asylums appeared along its shores, almost hidden, as if they were secrets hidden beyond the city’s reach.

But slowly, life began to seep in again. There was a bridge that brought not only cars, but behind it the famous Roosevelt Island Tram, a gondola that towered over the river, carrying people who were half tourists, half newcomers. What was once an island for people that no one thought about became an island that people began to think about. Buildings with names like Riverwalk went up, and suddenly there were places to go and things to do. High-rise developers moved in, as did parks, memorials, and Cornell Tech’s shiny new campus, all of which attracted the strange middle of the island—a town but not a city.

now, A graduate of New York became the first hotel on the island, offering a rare combination of tranquility and proximity to the energy of Manhattan, giving guests a rare chance to experience New York from a different perspective. With direct access to Manhattan via the F train, the Roosevelt Island Scenic Tramway, and even the New York City Ferry, it’s an urban oasis that seems a world away but is only minutes away. Part of the Graduate by Hilton collection, the hotel combines a unique blend of academic nostalgia and futuristic technological design that perfectly reflects the campus atmosphere. (Learn more about Graduate’s unique approach to design here.)

Designed by Snøhetta Architects and Stonehill Taylor, Graduate New York makes an unforgettable first impression with its whimsical, sophisticated style. The lobby, lined with tall bookshelves and decorated with a striking Flyboy sculpture by Hebru Brantley, sets the tone for a stay where comfort meets curiosity. An apothecary-inspired front desk and Roosevelt Island photo gallery offer a glimpse into local history with a scholarly twist. above, room “Panorama”.— a rooftop lounge and bar with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Manhattan and Queens skyline — draws crowds from both sides of the water.

Each of the 224 numbers combines comfort with stylish design elements. Subtle hints of the campus’ technologically advanced location are woven throughout, from lamps with Morse code messages to neon lighting inspired by the inventions of Cornell alumni. Rich textures and warm tones make the rooms inviting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the river. Art by local artists, such as Dutch-style tapestry benches and portraits of island celebrities such as Mae West and Nellie Bly, give each room character and a sense of place that is distinctly reminiscent of Roosevelt Island.

And, since this is a Graduate hotel after all, you’ll find hints of Cornell’s Big Red color scheme throughout the hotel, paying homage to the brand’s collegiate connection.

The best part? To come back to the island after a busy day and experience a rare silence that is almost impossible to find in New York – even for someone who has lived there for more than a decade. Perhaps this is the true value of Graduate New York.