Graduate by Hilton New York

Graduate by Hilton New York Overview

You know what struck me first about the Graduate by Hilton? It’s actually tucked away on North Loop Road on Roosevelt Island – and I mean that in the best possible way. Most people don’t even realize there’s a proper hotel on the island, but honestly, that’s part of what makes this place special. You’re technically in New York City but it feels like you’re staying in this quiet pocket that tourists haven’t completely overrun yet.

The location is sort of brilliant when you think about it. Yeah, you’re not stumbling out your front door onto Fifth Avenue, but the Roosevelt Island Tram is right there (and it’s included in your MetroCard, by the way). That tram ride into Manhattan is actually pretty spectacular – especially at sunset when the city lights start coming on. I’ve stayed in plenty of Midtown hotels where the street noise kept me up half the night, but here? You’ll sleep like a baby. The island has this almost residential feel once evening hits, which is honestly refreshing after a day of dealing with Manhattan crowds.

The hotel itself has that polished Hilton quality you’d expect from a 4-star property, but it doesn’t feel stuffy or corporate. The staff actually seems to know what they’re doing – check-in was smooth, and they had solid recommendations for dinner spots both on the island and back in the city. The rooms are well-designed with those floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the river views. I mean, you’re paying New York prices so you want to feel like you’re getting something special, and waking up to views of the East River and Manhattan skyline definitely delivers on that front. The beds are comfortable (proper blackout curtains too, which matters more than you’d think), and the bathrooms are modern without being unnecessarily fancy.

What I really appreciated was how quiet everything was – the hallways, the elevators, even the lobby doesn’t echo like some hotels do. You can actually have a conversation without raising your voice. And here’s something practical: parking exists and it’s not completely outrageous by NYC standards, though I’d still recommend the subway if you’re planning to spend most of your time in Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island subway stop connects you to the F line, so you can get to most places without too much hassle.

The island itself has grown on me over the years – there’s a decent coffee shop, a small grocery store, and some walking paths along the water that are perfect for morning runs or evening strolls. It’s not buzzing with nightlife, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. You get all the benefits of being in New York without feeling like you’re in the middle of a constant parade. The Graduate manages to feel both connected to the city and removed from its chaos, which honestly hits that sweet spot for travelers who want to experience New York without being overwhelmed by it.

Graduate by Hilton New York Accommodations

Reviews of Graduate by Hilton New York

• Tom from Luxembourg (9/10)

  Amenities : nice to have such a quality rooftop and free coffee in the morning.
  Location : very convenient to get around with the subway.
  Cleanliness : extremely well kept.

• Beverley from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location, quiet area but quick transfer into central Manhattan. 2 minutes walk to tram, 5 minutes walk to subway then 3 stops to Rockefeller centre. Room had amazing views of Manhattan skyline

• Lousa from United Arab Emirates (9/10)

  My stay was super … i will definitely come back
  The staff
  The room
  Very accessible to tram and other public transportation
  Which made my stay enjoyy

• Sharon from United States (9/10)

• Pamela from United States (8/10)

• Christine from United States (8/10)

  Loved that it was out of the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan.

• Claire from Belgium (9/10)

  The location, the view on the highline, the proximity to the train, the tram and the ferry.
  The rooftop and the hotel restaurant are great and very convenient.
  The staff is very nice.

• Christopher from United States (8/10)

  The colored light. The Hebru Brantley art. The bottle of wine to help us celebrate my birthday.

• Laura from United Kingdom (8/10)

  It was a comfortable room and location was good.

• Noa from Israel (9/10)

  Location is PERFECT!
  Close to Cornell Tech, but also perfectly located in Roosevelt island – easy access to Manhattan and a beautiful place by itself.
  The view from the window was magnificent, the room was super clean, staff kind and helpful. Everything I need from a business trip, which (due to the location) could be combined with some sightseeing and fun in Manhattan.

Surroundings

Facilities