The hype
Travelers loved the unique island vibe and insane views, but were shocked by the sudden closure.
Graduate Roosevelt Island
$160-260 (Historical)/ night
Book this if DO NOT BOOK — This hotel permanently closed in November 2025.
Why People Love It
- It *was* the only hotel on Roosevelt Island
- Stunning 360-degree skyline views from the Panorama Room
- Quiet, academic retreat on the Cornell Tech campus
Quick Take: A former hidden gem that abruptly ceased operations in late 2025 — do not attempt to book.
Reviewed by @CilvonMergl-Grote7094364: I stayed at the Graduate on Roosevelt Island and honestly, the vibes are unmatched. Waking up to that bridge view was surreal, and the bathroom art is just so cool and unique. It feels like a hidden gem away from the chaos.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Guests with future reservations were cancelled with little notice; the property is currently inaccessible.
- You have a time machine to visit before Nov 2025
- You enjoy reading historical hotel profiles
- You are visiting the Cornell Tech campus (but you can't stay here)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
1
- Housekeeping: N/A - Service suspended.
- Bathroom hygiene: N/A - Building closed.
- Maintenance: N/A - Building closed.
- Linens & towels: N/A - Building closed.
- Odors & scents: N/A - Building closed.
Sleepability™
1LOUD
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- None (Building is empty)
- Ghosts of cancelled reservations
Before you book
Good to know
- The Roosevelt Island Tram is still running and worth a ride ($2.90)
- The building is located on the Cornell Tech campus
- Nearest open hotels are in Long Island City or Midtown East
What to pack
- A backup hotel reservation
- Walking shoes for the island promenade
Room Genie
Best picks
- Historical: Skyline View King (high floors) for the best Manhattan vistas
- Historical: Corner Suites for the Queensboro Bridge view
Rooms to avoid
- All of them — the hotel is locked.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“N/A — Do not send requests.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is Graduate Roosevelt Island open?
No. It permanently closed on November 25, 2025.
Can I still visit the Panorama Room rooftop bar?
No. The bar and restaurant (Anything At All) closed along with the hotel.
Why did it close?
Hilton acquired the Graduate brand, but this specific property's affiliation was severed.
Will it reopen?
Cornell Tech hopes to preserve the building, but no new operator has been announced as of early 2026.
Where should I stay instead?
Look for hotels in Long Island City (Queens) or the Upper East Side (Manhattan).
Is the Roosevelt Island Tram still running?
Yes, the Tram continues to operate as normal public transit.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Sportspark' pool next door is a public facility you can still use if visiting the island.
- ✨
The F train subway station is deep underground — allow 5 mins to get to the platform.
- ✨
The island has a free 'Red Bus' shuttle that loops the main road.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel closed with almost zero notice to staff and guests.
💡It was the *only* hotel on the entire island.
💡The 'Flyboy' statue in the lobby was a local icon, now inaccessible.
💡Third-party booking sites often fail to update closure status for months.
💡The building was designed by Snøhetta and is architecturally significant, even if empty.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Graduate Roosevelt Island is located and what's nearby.