“My parents and my grandparents used to tell us as kids what Rockaway was like in its heyday,” said Terence Tubridy, a managing partner at The Rockaway Hotel.

For Terence Tubridy — whose family has lived on the Rockaway peninsula for four generations — opening the Rockaway Hotel will provide a window into this community's past as ‘The Queens Riviera', a seaside resort that offered a refreshing escape from the hustle and heat of the city.

“When we had the opportunity and obviously the capability to do something like that here we jumped at the chance,” said Tubridy.

Next weekend’s grand opening has been years in the making. When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, construction halted and the planned Memorial Day weekend opening was delayed until to mid-September. But Tubridy, who has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years is optimistic about the future.

What You Need To Know

  • The Rockaway Hotel has been five years in the making

  • The pandemic halted construction. The hotel was supposed to open for Memorial Day Weekend but its grand opening was pushed back to mid-September

  • The hotel boasts more than 84,000 square feet of space — including an outdoor pool and rooftop decks. There are more than 50 rooms and all have either views of the ocean or Jamaica Bay

“We’ve been through 9/11. We’ve been through the recession of 2008. Hurricane Sandy destroyed one of our businesses. Covid is just another challenge that we have to overcome,” said Tubridy.

Tubridy's partners say beyond creating jobs in the community, they’re creating an anchor for the Rockaway Beach community, and a destination for New Yorkers longing for a staycation.

“We look at this as a story of triumph from that and really a place to help build New York back up,” said Michi Jigarjian, a partner and owner of the Rockaway Hotel.

The hotel boasts more than 84,000 square feet of space, including an outdoor pool and rooftop decks. It has 53 guest rooms and eight extended-stay suites — offering views of the ocean or Jamaica Bay.

There is a restaurant on the ground floor and plans calls for a spa in the future. Once Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, 25,000 square feet of event space will allow for large gatherings. The works of many local artists are on display, showcasing the Rockaway art scene.

“The art became the connective tissue to the community,” said Jigarjian.

While the hotel’s prices raised some eyebrows, rates currently start at around $300 a night, staff say the opening weekend is already almost completely booked.