New Yorkers are a different breed. When I spend time in the city (I am not a New Yorker and I won’t claim to be one, regardless of how much I wish I were), I am always struck by how many of the city’s occupants refuse to leave “The City.” For all of you uninitiated, “The City” refers to the island of Manhattan. The other boroughs are where the other people live and work and eat and drink, not Manhattanites, not the “real New Yorkers.” Now that that is out of the way, I have an idea for those who need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving the city. Tucked up in the northern part of the island, in Washington Heights, is a unique little hotel that gives you what you need to feel like you’re in New York without actually putting up with a lot of the New York things (traffic, tourists, etc). The Radio Hotel is the New York City escape that New Yorkers need. And the one tourists should be checking out.
Radio Hotel is unique in that we’re thoughtfully reflecting the surrounding community within the property – Milton Concepcion, GM of the Radio Hotel
Injecting the neighborhood into the hotel
I am a style and travel writer at heart. That means I test a lot of great clothing. And, more relevantly, more hotels and resorts than I can count. I have two things I always begin with when I evaluate a hotel. Is this just the place you stay, or is it the place you STAY? The former is just the place you lay your head while you’re exploring a neighborhood or going on excursions. The latter is the place you don’t have to leave at all, no matter where it is. Think a Best Western in the Rockies vs an all-inclusive resort on an island. The second thing I look at is whether this is a hotel that injects itself into the neighborhood, or is this a hotel that injects the neighborhood into itself. You can think about a luxury resort with all the newest amenities in a minimalist neighborhood near the ocean on an island for the former, and you can think about the Radio Hotel as the latter. Concepcion explains:
“We’ve incorporated design elements that celebrate the neighborhood’s rich Dominican heritage, including hair-roller chandeliers, carnival masks in the lobby, and murals that pay homage to local culture.”
Leading with personality
The first thing that struck me when I entered the Radio Hotel was the colors. Blue, green, orange, red, all thrown together in a rainbow of hues throughout the lobby. Then the murals on the wall. When I first entered, I was thrown, almost feeling like it was intentional graffiti inside. When I was speaking with the staff, they were all excited about the artwork. A local artist known throughout the community lent his talents to making the hotel feel even more like a part of the surrounding people.
“Inside the hotel, the design continues to tell a story. Murals, bold colors, and graphic elements throughout the property celebrate the cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood, including its strong Dominican heritage and artistic community. Many of the visual elements were created in collaboration with artists and designers who understand the spirit of uptown Manhattan, helping the hotel feel more like a cultural extension of the neighborhood rather than a traditional hotel environment.”
Trade in the city for the community
At the end of the day, if you are visiting New York City, you may want to stay in Times Square. Depending on how much time you spend in the city, you may be looking to get out of the chaos and find a great view, a great restaurant, a great bar, and a great vibe. All while seeing the city from the roof and being seven minutes from Yankee Stadium.
“Washington Heights is one of the most culturally rich and energetic neighborhoods in New York. Guests often enjoy exploring nearby parks and waterfront spaces like Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters, both of which offer incredible views and a peaceful escape from the city. Visitors also love walking along Broadway and the surrounding streets to discover Dominican bakeries, cafés, and small local shops. Since the hotel opened, we’ve seen continued interest in the neighborhood from both visitors and locals who appreciate its culture, food scene, and community spirit.”
When you are ready for a break from New York City, check out the Radio Hotel.
