Enjoy these fabulous Rooftops in Long Island City.

The Ravel Hotel - Long Island City

The trendy boutique hotel dining scene in NYC is super-competitive. Everyone wants your after-work happy hour and dining dollar. Not to mention the billions of dollars that are generated each year from tourists and business travelers.

But, as we all know from watching shows like Shark Tank, competition can be a very good thing as far as you, the consumer is concerned.

Competition raises the bar in terms of the perks and amenities that you can expect when you reserve a room at a boutique hotel or book a table at one of their bars, rooftop lounges or restaurants.

One boutique that not only stands out from the competition, but sets the standard for excellence is located, not in Chelsea,Soho or some other hip Manhattan neighborhood, but in Long Island City, Queens.

The beautiful Ravel Hotel is well worth checking out for your next brunch, dinner, staycation or simply when you want a taste of New York nightlife but don't want to have to venture all the way into the city.

Just a short Uber,Taxi or train ride away from anywhere in Astoria, The Ravel Hotel has made some awesome changes,recently. These new additions have been designed specifically for both guests and local residents who are looking for something fun and a little bit different to do.

Memorial Day weekend saw the opening of the Ravel's newest toy, the PROFUNDO DAY CLUB.

The PROFUNDO DAY CLUB is exactly what you have been wishing for if you're a Long Island City or Astoria resident who is trying to beat the heat .

No car to get you to the beach? Not in love with taking a long subway ride to Coney Island ? Well, that's not a problem,any longer thanks to the folks at the Ravel.

The Profundo Day Club is an aquatic sanctuary in the heart of Long Island City. Featuring a spacious swimming pool, the Profundo will cool you down in no time, no matter what the temps and humidity may be !

A full day pass is only $50 and it allows you access to the pool from noon until nine at night. The pass includes a complimentary towel,use of a day Club locker and a very special Profundo Pool Bag.

Not able to make it during the day? Then book the Sunset Session for a very different and sociable kind of "happy Hour" after-work experience.

A mere $25 entitles you to hang out at the pool from 5 until 9 PM. Plus you receive a free towel and pool bag. Once darkness falls, the party hearty factor is kicked into overdrive when local DJs start spinning their beats.

They've got some pretty stylish and comfortable day beds for you lounge around on, in between dips in the pool. And custom cocktails and premium poolside bar bites are available.

So, your evening is set. All you have to do is make a reservation, come on over, rock your finest beach attire and be sure to dress pool chic.

Location and Contact Info

8-08 Queens Plaza South
Long Island City NY 11101
(718) 689-6118
www.profundodayclub.com

The Ravel Garden Grill - Long Island City

An elevated beer garden experience, think of the Ravel Garden Grill as an after-work outdoor culinary playground.

Complete with a quaint cobblestone dining patio, a separate gazebo-like seating area and an actual bright green lawn, (where you can play a full complement of fun lawn games), the grill features a mouth-watering menu by chef Seth Levine.

One of the city's rising stars on the restaurant scene, Seth made quite an impression on Gordon Ramsay when he appeared on season five of Fox's hit reality show Hell's Kitchen.

Inspired by the legendary TV chef, Julia Child, whose shows he watched as a youngster, Chef Levine believes that" Cooking was something that I was born to do".

Over the years, at restaurants such as Georgica in the Hamptons, Seth Levine has been acclaimed for both his colorful, eye-popping plating and flavorful and unique ingredients and unorthodox flavor blends.

The Garden Grill's menu is divided up into such whimsically named sections as Chill Out, which features a spinach and strawberry salad and a jumbo shrimp cocktail and I Am Fried which highlights Panko-crusted chicken strips and sweet potato fries.

You can also Get Baked with chef's signature Baha fish tacos and BBQ Wings that come with BBQ sauce, blue cheese dip, watermelon and carrots and celery.

One of the most popular menu sections is In Your Grill. Savory options include a marinated vegetable skewer, a peanut-glazed chicken skewer and the Prime Burger, which is, hands-down one of the tastiest, most juicy hamburgers you will ever eat.

When the Summer comes a-calling one's mind usually turns to fresh seafood. That is a specialty of the house on all of chef Levine's menus.

Let's Roll has several items of interest such as a classic lobster roll, which is served on a toasted, buttered bun and The signature Garden Grill sushi roll which is comprised of Tuna, salmon, coconut, mango and tomatoes in a mango sauce. It is beyond refreshing.

The Grill's bar has a full line-up of craft beers on draft and by the can. Relax with a glass of Pinot Grigio, Malbec or Pinot Noir.

They also have a small but potent selection of cocktails that are sure to soothe your soul after a hard day's work. You'll love their Margarita, which is a heady blend of Blue Nectar Silver Tequila, Good Measure Organic mix and fresh lime juice.

The Summer Peach is made with Puris Vodka, Berentzens Peach and a splash of lemon juice.

Location and Contact Info

8-08 Queens Plaza South
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 289-6118
www.ravelgardengrill.com

Penthouse 808 - Long Island City

The crown jewel of the Ravel Hotel is, without any doubt, Penthouse 808. With over 9,500 square feet to dine, drink and party in, this rooftop indoor/outdoor lounge have everything you need to light up your night.

With spectacular views of Manhattan and the nearby Queensboro Bridge that will take your breath away, Penthouse 808 blends the cool vibe of a nightclub or lounge with an upscale restaurant experience.

The Ravel's resident culinary maestro Seth Levine has created a delicious and intriguing Pacific Rim menu that has put Penthouse 808 on the map as far as the city's foodies are concerned.

Pacific Rim fare draws its' influences from countries as far afield as Thailand, China, Korea and Japan as well as the USA's very own Hawaiian Islands.

Seth's signature dishes are a sight to behold. The astonishing plating is guaranteed to attract all the attention you want for your Instagram page.

We are talking culinary presentations like a whole grilled swordfish that is skewered onto a three-foot sword and a sushi platter that is served atop a wooden boat.

The diverse menu focuses on small plates together with a compact but tasty selection of entrees.

Whet your appetite with a fresh from the sea tuna poke that's served with puffed shrimp chips or salmon tartare tacos, dressed in ginger.

One of the most popular appetizers is the Penthouse Salad. This bountiful bowl of goodness consists of nearly every veggie and herb under the sun including Napa cabbage, baby lettuce, carrots, cucumbers edamame, Daikon, cilantro and mint with a seductive ginger-sesame dressing.

Large plates range from Thai-roasted salmon,miso-truffle roasted chicken and udon Noodle stir-fry to Ravel Ramen, which is comprised of pork belly, eggs, noodles, bean sprouts and mushrooms in a delightful pork broth.

The Teriyaki-glazed signature rib-eye is served on a table-top cast iron grill and is accompanied by seasonal veggies. If you're feeling famished, add a side of the Wasabi mashed potatoes and drip the steak juices on top. Now that is big-time flavor!

Seth Levine and his chef de Cuisine Washington Granizo have collaborated on an absolutely stunning dessert menu. Some might venture to say that, at nine dollars apiece, the desserts are a tad pricey. But, once you taste them, you'll agree that these sweet treats are worth every penny. You can't put a price om something that makes you feel this good!

Many of these delights have an Asian take on a familiar,well-loved classic. The Matcha Tiramisu consists of Matcha infused Mascarpone and layered sponge cake that is soaked in, not espresso, but Japanese sweet green tea.

No matter how many slices of New York cheesecake you've had through the years, you have never eaten anything quite like chef Seth's Yuzu cheesecake.

The whipped cheesecake mousse, seasonal berry coulis and shaved pistachio brittle are to die for. However, it's the perfectly tart and textured Yuzu meringue that puts this dessert over the top.

A huge favorite of Penthouse 808 regulars are the crispy Thai apple dumplings. Sauteed apples are folded in dumpling wrappers and then drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce.

If you're not feeling something sweet, fear not. Refresh your palate with the exotic fruit and berry salad that's topped with a scoop of coconut sorbet.

Location and Hours

8-08 Queens Plaza South
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 289-6118
www.ravelhotel.com

Hours

Dinner
Monday Closed
Tuesday through Sunday 5 PM to 11 PM

Brunch
Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM

The Ravel Hotel stands out as a beacon of style in a formerly industrial neighborhood that is being re-developed at a rapid pace.

With new luxury condos and rentals going up and new cafes, bars and restaurants opening their doors with the passing of every month, Queens Plaza is poised to be the city's next hot neighborhood.

In so many ways, though, the Ravel Hotel spearheaded this feel-good story, attracting tourists and business travelers to this formerly underserved area of Long Island City.

Offering spacious and sophisticated comfort, the Ravel has a plethora of amenities, including bright, airy rooms, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs,mini-fridges and rainfall showers.

The staff is friendly and accommodating. They are dedicated to making your stay at the hotel, the best that it can possibly be. The Ravel team is all about smiles and efficiency.

When you come right down to it, every room is a great place to rest up and rejuvenate from your flight and daily activities.

However, you can upgrade to larger quarters that offer a variety of rooms.

By the way, the nearby Silvercup Studios frequently uses the Ravel's lobby, restaurants and guest rooms as a backdrop in many of the movies and television series that shoot there. Who knows; you might just be staying in a room that was featured in one of your favorite TV shows!

Business travelers love the stylish yet affordable Queen Deluxe room. At 250 square feet, there's more than enough room to move around in.

After going around town, from meeting to meeting with clients, there's nothing like the feeling of coming "home" to the Ravel, turning on the TV, fixing a drink at the well-stocked mini-bar and then flopping down on the Queen sized bed to relax before heading out to dinner.

If you're a family doing the vacation thing, then your best option is the King Suite.

An open concept room, the King Suite comes equipped with a pullout couch in the living room space as well as a huge King-sized bed.

But, wait, it gets better ! There are two flat-screen TVs, two closets and a vanity area. The bathroom has, believe it or not, double-sinks. A family of four could stay here very comfortably.

You won't feel as though you're in a hotel room, either. Staying in the King Suite is akin to spending some time at a friend's luxe loft in Chelsea.

The decor elements have pizzazz and character. Make sure to send those room selfies to the folks back home.

Setting a new standard in romantic elegance, The Ravel Hotel is the perfect backdrop for your wedding.

Their caring wedding professionals will work with you every step of the way to orchestrate an unforgettable day, that reflects your style and vision.

Take the party indoors or outdoors. On-site event spaces include the rooftop lounge and terrace and their newly minted Grand Estate ballroom. Your guest's jaws will drop as their eyes light up when they walk into this magnificent ballroom.

With Seth Levine's team seeing to your every culinary need, you know that the food and drink, served at your wedding, will be on point.

Choose from several options ranging from a formal, seated dinner or a grand buffet to a cocktail-style service.

The Ravel's wedding package includes a complimentary tasting for the bride and groom. You will be able to sit down with the catering manager and plan your menu, dish by delicious dish.

Planning a wedding at the Ravel is a totally stress-free experience. The hotel will provide you with an on-staff wedding planner, (free of charge), who will be your point person for the event.

A day of coordinator will keep things running smoothly so that the happy couple can enjoy their reception. You won't have to do a thing except celebrate your nuptials!

No matter how exhausted you are from dancing, greeting guests and feeling emotionally drained, you won't have to worry about where you'll spend the night. Every couple receives a complimentary suite on their wedding night. It's all part of this once in a lifetime package.

Location and Contact Info

8-08 Queens Plaza South
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 289-6101
www.ravelhotel.com