Spend Your Next Daycation at This Stylish Rockaway Beach Retreat

Do you hear that? Summer is calling. Now is the perfect time to grab the season’s essentials (sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, etc.) and hit the nearest getaway for an amazing daycation. If you’re looking for a fresh take on visiting The Rockaways, we have just the plug you need for an elevated escape from the city.

The Rockaway Hotel + Spa is a chic near-the-beach retreat. The hotel boasts a stunning pool, pool house, and an amazing rooftop restaurant. We walked into the main hotel entrance and fell in love with the effortless lobby, made our way past the concierge, and through The Pool House to find our comfy cabana in the sun. You can enjoy the pool with a day pass or reserve a cabana, but be sure to book them in advance! If you decide to make this visit into a staycation, you can also enjoy the outdoor pool as access is included with your room. 

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The poolside aesthetic radiated all the right vibes as DJ Marvin Myers was spinning everything from pop and hip hop to salsa and house music. You can also catch live acoustic acts every Friday at 4pm, and a live DJ on the weekend, 1pm on Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays. The service itself was on point; the waitstaff made sure our drinks were flowing and that we had everything we needed. After grabbing our drinks, we took a refreshing dip in the water to relax and cool off. If you are looking for a vibrant day under the sun with good vibes, good people, and amazing cocktails, this is the spot for you.

After a boozy poolside session, we were hungry for a few bites. The Rockaway Hotel boasts three options for eats: The Pool House, a poolside concession-style experience, featuring a Chef’s Signature all-day menu and raw bar options,  The Rooftop, a 6,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor space that boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, and The Atlantic Ocean, or Margie’s on the ground level, serving up simple American classics and twists on seaside favorites.

We decided to head upstairs to The Rooftop to take in the ocean views and laid-back vibe. As we walked off the elevator to the roof, the hostess took us to our table, where we settled in and got comfortable after a fun day in the sun. We sipped a few on our cocktails, which were crafted to perfection while taking in amazing views of the horizon. We opted for the ‘EZ-Pass’ made with grey goose vodka, lavender, lemon, and club soda, and the ‘Shark Bite’ which included a blend of ghost pepper tequila, cucumber, watermelon, lime, and tajin. 

To help soak up the boozy beverages, we ordered the Tuna Poke with avocado and crispy shallots, pulled pork tacos, and the prosciutto & fig flatbread. Each dish had its own unique flavor but the pulled pork tacos and prosciutto & fig flatbread are a MUST! *Chefs Kiss* To complete the experience on The Rooftop, you can also take in the live sounds of a DJ Fridays & Saturdays,  7pm-close, and Live Reggae on Sundays, 5pm.

A daycation is an exciting way to discover the many amazing destinations New York City has to offer, and our time at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa did not disappoint. The hotel’s elevated and unique interior was complemented by attentive service and high-quality amenities that lived up to our standards. We are ready for another visit to experience more, including their spa services, meet you there?!