Playland Motel New York City, New York City ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd ; Rockaway Beach, New York City, New York, United States of America, 11693

Playland Motel is uniquely situated just 0.1 miles from the Beach 90 Street / Rockaway Freeway. This hotel features playful decor that reflects the beach culture of the Rockaways. With its proximity to various local attractions and the beach, it is positioned as a distinctive lodging option. The motel stands out for its vibrant atmosphere, appealing to both leisure travelers and those seeking a refreshing retreat.

Location

Playland Motel is conveniently located about 12.5 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport. Its position allows quick access to public transport options, with nearby bus lines connecting to various parts of New York City. Local attractions such as Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary and Breakwater Surf Co. are accessible within a short distance, enhancing the experience for nature and beach enthusiasts. The Rockaways offer a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, appealing to those wanting to explore the area.

Rooms

The rooms at Playland Motel are designed with a quirky, retro aesthetic that invites relaxation and creativity. Each accommodation offers basic amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. Many rooms feature unique themes, providing an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. The motel's focus is on creating a fun experience, making it ideal for families and casual travelers.

Eat & Drink

Playland Motel does not have an on-site restaurant, but guests can easily explore local dining options nearby. Various eateries are within walking distance, offering a variety of cuisines, including seafood and American fare. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a bite at local cafes and food stands that reflect the area’s vibrant culinary scene. The proximity to dining establishments enhances the convenience of staying at the motel.

Leisure & Business

The property emphasizes leisure, with easy access to beaches and local parks for outdoor activities. Although there are no dedicated business facilities, the relaxed environment is well-suited for informal meetings or brainstorming sessions. Guests are encouraged to enjoy recreational activities such as surfing, walking along the beach, or visiting nearby wildlife sanctuaries. This focus on leisure makes it ideal for relaxation and inspiration.

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

New York City 13.4 mi

Airports

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) 11.6 mi

LaGuardia (LGA) 19.0 mi

Train

Howard Beach – JFK Airport 5.2 mi

Rockaway Boulevard 6.7 mi

Metro stations

Beach 90th Street700 ft

Beach 98th Street2700 ft

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Spotless Room!

“The room was impeccably clean and well-maintained, making for a refreshing stay.” view full review

Excellent Shower!

“The shower pressure was amazing, providing a luxurious bathing experience every day.” view full review

Relaxing Spa!

“The spa facilities were serene, and the treatments offered truly rejuvenated my spirit.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast!

“The breakfast spread was diverse and delicious, featuring fresh ingredients and tasty dishes.” view full review

General

Free Wi-Fi

Dining

Restaurant

Location

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd ; Rockaway Beach, New York City, New York, United States of America, 11693

Map view

97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd ; Rockaway Beach, New York City, New York, United States of America, 11693

City landmarks

Arverne

5200 ft

Beach

Rockaway Park

1.4 mi

Store

Breakwater Surf Co

4600 ft

Bayfield Ave

Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary

5000 ft

W 2nd Rd

Broad Channel American Park

4200 ft

Rockaway Peninsula

4500 ft

Channel Rd. &

Broad Channel Park

1.0 mi

Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Vstr. Cntr

1.4 mi

Parks

Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary

1.4 mi

6006 Beach Front Rd

Beach 59th St Playground

1.3 mi

200 B 116th St

Flight 587 Memorial Park

1.4 mi

116-10-116-98 Beach Channel Dr

Tribute Park

1.4 mi

Gallery

Rockaway Artists Alliance

1.4 mi

Beach

Rockaway Beach Boardwalk

1.4 mi

Store

Surf Shop Rockaway

1.4 mi

Shore Front Pkwy

Rockaway Beach

1.4 mi

Conch Pl. &

Rockaway Community Park

1.7 mi

Farm

Edgemere Farm

2.0 mi

Broad Channel

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

2.1 mi

Belle Harbor

2.0 mi

304 Cross Bay Blvd

Gateway NRA

2.0 mi

129-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd

Church of Saint Francis DeSales

2.0 mi

Neponsit

2.8 mi

701 Bay 32nd St

Bayswater Park

2.4 mi

Nearby

90-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd Between 90th and 91st streets

Rockaways

700 ft

Beach

Rockaway Beach Club

1900 ft

202 Beach 91st St

Zingara Vintage & Handmade Treasures

800 ft

Hammels

1300 ft

88-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd

Ship To Shore Wine Shop

300 ft

Church

Saint Rose of Lima Church

1300 ft

Restaurants

Bungalow Bar

2000 ft

377 Beach 92nd St Rockaway Beach

Whit's End

2100 ft

9702 Rockaway Beach Blvd

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

58%

liked the hotel and would stay again

5.8/10

Guest rating

Rooms

6.1

Location

7.1

Service

5.0

Dining

6.3

John

United States of America, January 2025

6.4/10

I had a quirky experience at Playland Motel with its unique artist-themed rooms and close proximity to the beach. While the design is fun, the place is showing signs of wear and tear, and I struggled with cleanliness. Additionally, the self-service check-in felt a bit impersonal. It’s a decent option if you're looking for a budget stay, but don’t expect luxury or comfort.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms have a creative design but were not very clean, with dusty rugs and some wear and tear.

Service

6.0

The self-service check-in made it feel less personal than I would have liked.

Location

9.0

The location is excellent, just steps away from the beach and nearby restaurants. It's a vibrant area, especially on weekends.

Dining

Facilities

5.0

Shared bathrooms were clean enough, but the overall maintenance seemed lacking.

Oscar

United States of America, January 2025

5.4/10

My stay was quite the mix of experiences! The motel is charming and close to the beach, which is a big plus. However, the shared bathrooms could use more attention and the overall cleanliness wasn't great. I did love the unique room designs and the vibrant atmosphere, but the noise from the downstairs pub really affected my sleep, and the Wi-Fi situation was frustrating. If you're looking for something quirky and affordable, this could work for you, but don't expect a polished experience.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms had a unique design but weren't as clean as I'd hoped. A couple of lamps were missing bulbs and there were even roaches during my stay.

Service

5.0

The service was a bit hit or miss. While some staff were pleasant, others seemed disengaged, and getting prompt assistance was a challenge.

Location

7.0

The motel is located conveniently near the beach, and there are local bodegas close by. Overall, it has a gritty charm but might feel uneasy for some.

Dining

6.0

There was some great pizza available, which I really enjoyed. However, I'd recommend avoiding the nearby Chinese restaurant due to cleanliness concerns.

Facilities

5.0

Shared bathrooms were usable but not thoroughly clean. The design of the place was fun but basic amenities need improvements.

Eric

United States of America, November 2024

6.8/10

I found this motel to have a quirky charm and a unique character, despite its somewhat rundown appearance. The rooms were individually themed and quite clean, yet they lacked some basic amenities. It's a fun place for those looking for something different, but don't expect luxurious or fully managed service. The location is handy for getting to NYC, with food options nearby, though the neighborhood has a gritty edge that may not suit everyone.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were themed and surprisingly clean, but lacked essential amenities like proper lighting and maintenance.

Service

5.0

The service was inconsistent, with staff being helpful but overall management lacking.

Location

8.0

The location is very convenient for accessing NYC, just a short walk to the train station.

Dining

8.0

There are several dining options nearby, including a pizza place that was excellent.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities like shared bathrooms were functional but not thoroughly clean; could use better maintenance.

Melvin

United States of America, November 2024

5.0/10

The Playland Motel has a unique charm with its quirky decor, but it unfortunately doesn't live up to its potential due to cleanliness issues and maintenance problems. While it's an affordable option considering its proximity to the beach, the shared bathrooms leave much to be desired. Overall, it's a mixed experience, balancing a cute design and location against several shortcomings.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms have a cool design, but they're not very clean and lacked proper maintenance during my stay.

Service

5.0

Service is limited to a few hours and felt a bit unprofessional, especially when I needed assistance.

Location

7.0

The location is quite convenient, just a block away from the beach, but the neighborhood has a questionable vibe.

Dining

5.0

There aren't any notable dining options within the motel, and I wouldn't recommend the nearby Chinese restaurant.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities are basic and somewhat disappointing, especially the shared bathrooms which could use a serious deep clean.

Alfred

United States of America, September 2024

6.2/10

My stay was quite an unusual experience—definitely not what I expected from a typical hotel. While the rooms had a spacious and clean apartment feel, the check-in process was bizarre since there was no reception, just codes sent to enter the building. The value was decent for what you got, but the location felt a bit off since we visited in the winter and missed out on the beach vibe.

Rooms

8.0

The room was spacious, clean, and felt more like an apartment with a small kitchen area, which was nice.

Service

5.0

There was no physical person present to assist during check-in, which was a little strange for me.

Location

6.0

The area felt somewhat odd, resembling a beach community but lacking the seasonal beach atmosphere since it was winter.

Dining

Facilities

6.0

The amenities were quite limited, but the space was cozy and adequate for my needs.

Bill

United States of America, September 2024

6.0/10

I needed a budget-friendly place to stay close to NYC, and while this motel has its quirks, it turned out to be a memorable experience. The rooms had a unique charm, and the area felt safe, but I was taken aback by some cleanliness issues and the lack of amenities. Overall, it’s an affordable choice, but be prepared for a very basic experience.

Rooms

6.0

The room had a cool, quirky design but was a bit dusty and had limited amenities. I rated it a 6 because it was okay, but cleanliness was a concern.

Service

5.0

The service felt very basic, with no maid service and only one working outlet. I’d give it a rating of 5 since it felt a bit neglected.

Location

8.0

It's just a short walk from the train station and within easy access to NYC, making it very convenient. I'd rate the location an 8.

Dining

Facilities

5.0

There are only basic facilities, and I found the lack of maintenance disappointing, like the weak Wi-Fi and non-functional features. I’d rate it a 4 since it's very minimal.

Jacob

United States of America, September 2024

5.6/10

My experience at the motel was a bit of a mixed bag. The location is very close to the beach, which is a definite plus, but the service and cleanliness left a lot to be desired. While I appreciated the unique decor and effort in the rooms, the management needs to step up their game significantly. If you're looking for a cheap stay, this might fit the bill, but don't expect a polished experience.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms have a quirky Ikea-inspired decor, but they often lacked basic upkeep like light bulbs and cleanliness.

Service

5.0

Service was quite erratic; some staff were friendly but others seemed to lack training and urgency.

Location

8.0

The motel's location is just a block away from the beach, making it convenient for beachgoers.

Dining

Facilities

5.0

The overall facilities were basic, and the shared bathrooms weren't as clean as I would have liked.

George

United States of America, August 2024

6.6/10

I had quite the mixed experience at this motel. The quirky design and cleanliness of the rooms were a pleasant surprise, but the shared bathrooms and overall management left much to be desired. Plus, the location—while near the beach—felt a bit dodgy, which might be off-putting for some. Overall, the price was very reasonable for what I got, but don't expect luxury.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were individually designed and surprisingly clean, which was delightful. However, I did notice some maintenance issues, like unplugged lamps. Still, they were definitely a unique experience.

Service

5.0

The service was hit or miss. The staff seemed overwhelmed and not very attentive, but they did make an effort to be nice.

Location

6.0

The location is near the beach, which is a plus, but the surrounding area felt a bit sketchy at times. It definitely had a unique New York vibe, but not everyone might appreciate it.

Dining

8.0

I really enjoyed the pizza, which was the highlight of my dining experience. The convenience store downstairs was also a nice touch for late-night snacks.

Facilities

5.0

The facilities were minimal. The shared bathrooms were adequate but not as clean as I hoped. The casual vibe of the 'beach' area was fun, but the overall management needed improvement.

United States of America, August 2024

5.0/10

The motel has a unique style and an interesting concept, but the experience was marred by cleanliness issues and a lack of proper amenities. While it's affordable and the neighborhood offers a beach vibe, the shared bathroom situation and strange check-in process were quite off-putting. Overall, it has potential but needs a lot of improvement to become a pleasant stay.

Rooms

5.0

The room was spacious but lacked cleanliness and basic amenities like a private bathroom.

Service

5.0

The check-in process was odd and confusing, with no staff present.

Location

6.0

The location is in a local beach community, which could be appealing in summer, but it felt deserted during winter.

Dining

Facilities

5.0

The facilities need better maintenance, especially the shared bathrooms and showers, which impacted the experience.

Clarence

United States of America, August 2024

5.8/10

My stay was quite unique, with a strange check-in process but a surprisingly spacious room. While the neighborhood felt odd during winter, the value was decent, and the cleanliness was better than expected. However, the lack of on-site staff created some inconvenience that detracted from the overall experience.

Rooms

8.0

The room was more like an apartment—spacious, clean, and included a small kitchen area, which was a nice touch.

Service

5.0

There was no physical staff presence for check-in, which felt odd and made it less personal.

Location

6.0

The neighborhood had a beach community vibe but felt a bit off-season and quiet during winter.

Dining

Facilities

5.0