Are you looking for a hotel in New York City that has amazing views? Something a short subway or ferry ride away from Wall Street or the Upper East Side?
In all the years we lived full time in New York City, we never went to Roosevelt Island. It was a little bit out of the way, and we didn’t feel any reason to visit. Later, I wanted to check it out once I realized that this island was owned by my relatives long ago.
My 10th great grandmother, Bridgett Manningham was a widow when she married her second husband, Captain John Manning. This was when the island was called “Manning’s Island.” Bridgett died at sea when she and John were on their way to see the King of England.
Bridgett’s daughter, Mary Manningham (1644-1760) was my 9th great grandmother who married my 9th great grandfather, Robert Blackwell (1643-1717). Then the island became Blackwell’s Island. Today, it is called Roosevelt Island.
For more information, see my Genealogy page in the journal section.
You can access the island by a tram from the Upper East Side (I have a thing with heights so no thanks) or by subway or ferry. You can also drive there which we did, although it takes quite awhile with traffic.
When we checked into the lobby of The Graduate Hotel, there was a 13 foot statue by artist Hebru Brantley overlooking the check in area and a gigantic wall of bookshelves filled with books behind it. The decor was quirky and on the playful side.
The island was named after Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1873. Pictures of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and others lined the hallway. People were seated at long tables working on computers. Everyone was friendly who checked us in.
We opened the door to our junior suite on the 15th floor, and I couldn’t believe how quiet and large it was compared to many New York City hotel rooms. The view was amazing! We had a king sized bed, a small sofa, a desk, tv and a closet with a mini refrigerator. The bathroom, (shower only), was spacious. Best of all, light was pouring in over the water and the Queensboro Bridge through two different windows. It felt like an oasis, tucked out of the way and yet within easy reach of Manhattan. I was starting to get the feeling this might be one of New York’s best kept secrets.
Before Tommy took the subway to our office in Chelsea which sits on land once owned by my Moore ancestors, we walked to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. Beautiful!
Then we walked past the creepy remnants of what had once been a smallpox hospital which opened in 1856. It reminded me that pandemics are nothing new when you open the pages of history. The architect for the building in its day was James Renwick, Jr., the same man who designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
We had dinner at the restaurant which was OK. The best part was the view from the hotel. Late that night, I watched the lights in the city across the river. I loved it so much, we booked an extra night.
