"Why book?
For an affordable, fun stay in New York’s lively Little Dominican Republic neighborhood within upper Manhattan's Washington Heights.Set the scene
Spot the Radio Hotel from afar and you’ll see a splashes of color; a lego-like structure jutting out in different directions. Inside, the color palette is richer—hallways are moody blue, with dim lights that create a vibey atmosphere. The space is brimming with nods to both the Dominican Republic and music—carnival headpieces and chandeliers made out of curlers hang in the lobby, made by artists from the Dominican Republic; a radio will likely be playing when you enter your room, emitting Spanish tunes or the news of the day. This NYC hotel is made for a good time, and doesn’t take itself too seriously; just look to the hot-pink, fluffy throws over the lobby’s brown leather office chairs where you might find a solo traveler taking a work call or reading a book, or the superhero murals in the elevators. In Jalao, the on-site restaurant, families gather for birthday parties, couples enjoy date nights, and everyone leaves full. On the massive outdoor patio (depending on the day and season), you might find Zumba classes taking place, tables set up for dominoes, or folks from the community setting up shop—earlier this year, the hotel celebrated Latin American Heritage Month by hosting local businesses, from a Dominican tattoo artist to a hairdresser who specializes in curly hair to a candle popup.
The backstory
Once the site of a gas station, Radio Hotel and Tower now features a 221-room boutique hotel, a Santo Domingo–inspired restaurant, a rooftop event space, and office and retail space. Developers at Youngwoo & Associates—whose other distinctive projects include the sleek glass Chelsea Arts Tower—first broke ground on the project in 2018, opening the hotel in summer 2022. The property sits 300 feet above sea level, and extends another 300 feet into the sky, lending it its name—it stands out like a radio beacon, with a color-blocked exterior that can be seen from LaGuardia airport, driving down the Henry Hudson Parkway, and beyond. Its location offers a fun new option for visitors heading to Washington Heights on interested in exploring more of uptown Manhattan, as well as those traveling to conferences at the nearby Yeshiva University or New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The rooms
Of the property’s 221 rooms, the majority are compact but well-laid-out studios (think a Murphy desk and smart storage options), or standard rooms with two queen beds. There are six suites, as well as king-size and bunk rooms; each floor has at least one set of connecting rooms, catering to groups or families. Rooms have either a golden-yellow, red, or deep-ocean-blue color scheme, with subway-tiled walls in the bathrooms. They’re uncluttered and don’t feel tight, thanks to ample mirrors and windows; sweeping views of the city are especially impressive. On a clear day, you can see all the way down to the Freedom Tower. Located at nearly the top of Manhattan, it’s a beautiful vantage point. The suites have a king-size bed and pull-out sofa bed, bar-height desk, and an open shelving system serving as a closet, with a dedicated space to tuck your suitcase under the bed. Sheer blinds for privacy and black-out blinds for sleeping were much appreciated.
Food and drink
Jalao’s original location is in Santo Domingo; the NYC iteration brings the same elements of the DR’s Taíno, African, and Spanish influences together in a lively, laidback setting. The cocktail menu features Dominican spirits, and dinner options include chicharrón, Dominican johnnycakes, mofongo, oxtail, and braised goat. During my visit, I saw a few solo diners, pairs of 20-somethings out for dinner, a big birthday celebration, and families enjoying dinner. There’s both a regular and a reverse happy hour (10:00 p.m. to midnight); I highly recommend the hibiscus passionfruit house margarita. In the morning, head to the breakfast buffet for coffee, juice, and typical Dominican breakfast including mangú (mashed plantains), fried cheese, salami, and eggs.
The neighborhood/area
Located all the way uptown, this hotel is about a half hour subway ride north of Times Square and the midtown hotels that tourists often frequent. It sits not far from the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey, and the Alexander Hamilton bridge to the Bronx, in Washington Heights (made famous in the last few decades by one Lin-Manuel Miranda). Since this is Little Dominican Republic, there is plenty of great Caribbean food to be had in the neighborhood, as well as bodegas, coffee shops, stores, and salons nearby. Fort Tyron Park, home to The Cloisters (The Met’s northern offshoot), is easily accessible, as is the quaint Little Red Lighthouse.The service
Staff are warm and welcoming, and can help with local recommendations or directions. Most are of Dominican descent, and speak both Spanish and English.For families
Connecting rooms are available, with bunk rooms (two stacked twins) adjoining to studios. The hotel’s price point makes it a great option for families traveling on a budget.Accessibility
The hotel offers ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in rain showers with a bench, and handrails.Anything left to mention?
You’re near the Alexander Hamilton bridge, so honking is to be expected, but wasn't jarring—I only noticed it when I had my windows open. Also, bathroom amenities are somewhat sparse; beyond the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower, there was lotion and tissues on the counter, as well as a hair dryer. Check-out is at noon, giving you a little extra time on that last morning. And for those planning an event, know that there is 13,000 square feet of event space on the hotel’s roof, including an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the city; it’s been used for weddings, cocktail receptions, and fundraisers so far, and has a retractable roof to mitigate any less-than-ideal weather conditions." - Madison Flager
