Summer is a few days away and even though it’s unequivocally the worst season, I must find a way to enjoy myself… IN A POOL.
The 53-room Rockaway Hotel opened last year and I finally made my way over this past week and I have to tell you… it has the best new pool in all of NYC. There are *$40 public day passes (available for purchase Mondays-Thursdays, with first come first served lounge chairs) if you’re not a guest of the hotel. And it’s right next to Rockaway beach, should you find yourself greedy and in need of some sand between your toes as well.
*UPDATE: As of July 2021, the hotel no longer offers the $40 day pass. I’ve reached out to them and was informed that since it is now “peak season” they are no longer offering day passes or lounger rentals to ensure that their hotel guests have the opportunity to enjoy the pool. Ugh, nothing good ever lasts forever.
The 84,000 square foot hotel space was designed by Morris Adjmi of the Wythe Hotel and occupies an entire block on Beach 108th Street and it is gorgeous. There’s pool side food & drink service and the staff is beyond lovely (Shanique was especially gracious and beyond welcoming). Eating a double cheeseburger poolside is a dream that I didn’t know that I had, quite frankly. I swam laps for about an hour and a half while the ocean breeze whistled around me and I kept saying to myself “Okay, only five more minutes” because I knew that I was baking to a crisp in the sun. And it was all worth it. We all need days like this, especially given the past year. Not only is this a great idea for a mid-week day trip (it does take awhile to get out to Rockaway), but it’s reasonably priced and beautiful. I came away from my day thinking, “I think I just need to own a pool” and then later realized yeah, no that’s not it. I just need to be in a pool constantly. So this is where you can find me this summer. I can’t wait to return to eat at Margie’s.
On your way home, don’t forget to stop by Connolly’s to get their frozen pina colada since your day has already been so indulgent. Cannot WAIT to return.