In 2008, the elegant boutique hotel Ravel Hotel opened its doors in Long Island City. While the location may require a 10-minute walk through warehouses to the nearest subway stations, the hotel offers a range of amenities that make the journey worthwhile. Visitors are particularly drawn to the rooftop terrace and the Penthouse808 restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the East River and Roosevelt Island. Read more on queens1.one.
“Urban Resort”
Between 2005 and 2008, a five-story building with 63 rooms, a penthouse, a lounge terrace, a rooftop restaurant, and expanded parking facilities was constructed. Ravel Hotel was one of the first “new” boutique hotels in the area. Boutique hotels differ from typical hotels in their smaller size, luxury, high-level service, and unique offerings. Usually, they are located in restored historic mansions or buildings with distinctive designs.
Ravel Hotel was designed as an “urban resort,” offering spaces for leisure and relaxation. The goal was to create an atmosphere that was luxurious yet comfortable. Ravel Hotel invites guests to roam freely and enjoy the welcoming service, as well as take advantage of the central dining facility, which is equipped to host two or more large events simultaneously.
In 2017, the hotel expanded with a 10-story tower featuring a rooftop beer garden, almost doubling the number of rooms. This tower, located next to the main hotel building on Queens Plaza South, includes The Estate Garden, a beer garden and restaurant with views of the Queensboro Bridge. The third-floor venue serves grilled meats, seafood, sushi, crudo, and oysters, accompanied by 15 types of draft beer, cocktails, and wine.
Guests also have access to Bali-style pools atop the tower, which are available with a day pass. The tower includes a ballroom that can host up to 400 people and has its own kosher kitchen. A private courtyard is available for events, and the ballroom can be combined with additional spaces in the tower to accommodate gatherings of any size.
Amenities
Ravel Hotel’s rooms combine wood furniture with accents of orange and dark brown leather, while the Superior and Double Queen rooms and the penthouse feature private balconies. All rooms come with a minibar, safe, and MP3 radio dock. Some rooms also include a television and refrigerator. Both standard rooms and suites boast high ceilings and modern finishes. During their stay, guests can work out in the hotel’s fitness center, and free Wi-Fi is available to keep them connected. Convenient parking is available right by the hotel.
Additional guest services include concierge assistance, express check-in and check-out, luggage storage, and safes. Tickets to top city attractions can be purchased directly at the hotel, which also has a tour desk. For guests’ comfort, smoking is prohibited throughout the hotel, with designated areas provided for smokers.
The tower is connected to the main hotel building by a bridge, a functional long-term solution for uniting the spaces. Guests can freely move between areas, enjoying the variety of entertainment options, dining, and views available. As the hotel focuses on hosting celebratory events, guests can easily access their rooms at any time without passing through the lobby or corridors. Rooms are interconnected by doors and balconies, allowing friends and family to interact easily.
Snacks are available throughout the day and evening from hotel vending machines. After lunch, visitors can explore the nearby 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located 4.5 miles from Ravel Hotel, or take in local culture through architectural sites like the Top of the Rock observation deck, just 1.6 miles from the hotel.
Meeting Spaces
One of the hotel’s main features is a bridge that connects the upper levels of the new tower to the main building, along with rooftop pools, a restaurant, and a terrace. There are also numerous outdoor lounging areas that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re planning a business trip, special event, or simply a getaway, Ravel Hotel has something to offer.
The hotel contains six event halls that can accommodate up to 900 guests for a conference or 400 for a banquet. A professional catering team creates customized menus tailored to the specific event, while audio-visual technology enhances the experience. For newlyweds, Ravel Hotel’s team organizes unique weddings that reflect each couple’s style and vision. While many aspects of wedding planning can seem overwhelming, the hotel’s staff—with over 20 years of experience in event planning and hospitality—ensures a flawless celebration.
A large ballroom with covered and open terraces is available for grand events, and the penthouse provides an elite, sophisticated urban atmosphere with world-class cuisine. A nightclub and complimentary shuttle to the local subway station are also available for guests.
Penthouse808 Restaurant
A special highlight of Ravel Hotel is the Penthouse808 restaurant. This upscale venue with glass railings offers Asian fusion dishes, combining elements from various culinary traditions. Guests often come to enjoy maki rolls, crispy duck, watermelon salad, Hawaiian steak, glazed pork ribs, and tiki cocktails (tropical rum-based drinks).
For those seeking cocktails, the signature drinks are worth trying. Popular options include the Far Eastside with gin, cucumber, lime, and black pepper, or the Rising Tide with rum, spices, caramelized pineapple-raspberry syrup, and tiki syrup. Large groups favor the rum punch with coconut milk and banana-blackberry syrup or the fruit vodka blend.
Guests enjoy this location for romantic dates, birthday celebrations, private parties, weddings, and corporate events. The restaurant provides stunning views of Manhattan, making it an ideal spot for wedding ceremonies.
The terrace remains open even in colder months, allowing guests to enjoy brunches and dinners in any weather. Penthouse808 has Long Island City’s only retractable glass roof, enabling year-round events. Whether stopping by for a weekend brunch, after-work cocktails, or sampling the chef’s delicious dishes, the restaurant staff ensures guests’ comfort. Heaters warm the expansive space, providing a cozy atmosphere in winter just as much as in summer.