Radio Hotel

MVRDV's Radio Hotel stands out as the Dutch firm's first completed project in the United States. The 23-story tower uses eight different colors of glazed brick arranged in stacked blocks that reference the scale of surrounding Washington Heights buildings, creating what MVRDV calls a "vertical village." The building was nominated for the 2024 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize and the 2024 Brick Award.

Radio Hotel was designed by MVRDV, the Rotterdam-based firm known for bold, colorful architecture worldwide. Stonehill Taylor served as architect of record. The project represents MVRDV's debut on the New York skyline, bringing their signature stacked-block aesthetic to Washington Heights.

Radio Hotel's eight-color glazed brick facade makes it one of Manhattan's most visually distinctive hotels. The color palette was chosen to reflect the vibrant, diverse character of Washington Heights and to break down the building's mass into segments that relate to the neighborhood's varied building sizes.

Radio Hotel sits in Washington Heights, one of Manhattan's most culturally rich and diverse neighborhoods. The area offers Dominican restaurants, historic architecture, proximity to The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park, and a distinctly local Manhattan experience far from midtown tourist crowds. The hotel itself leans into this positioning with "fiercely local vibes" as a core brand concept.

Washington Heights offers an authentic Upper Manhattan experience with Dominican bakeries, Latin clubs, tree-lined streets, and stunning Hudson River views. Radio Hotel serves as a design-forward base for travelers who want to explore beyond Manhattan's conventional tourist corridors while staying in a property that celebrates the neighborhood's character.

Radio Hotel is among the closest boutique hotels to The Cloisters (the Met's medieval art museum) and Fort Tryon Park. The property offers a compelling alternative to generic chain hotels when visiting this northwestern corner of Manhattan, combining architectural interest with practical access to these cultural destinations.

Radio Hotel houses two distinct dining venues. Radio Restaurant serves New American cuisine with Latin influences — breakfast and dinner daily — while Jalao offers Dominican cuisine and has earned recognition. The property's $24.99 daily amenity fee includes two complimentary cocktails per reservation, making the bar a natural gathering point.

Jalao, located at Radio Hotel, brings Dominican cuisine to Washington Heights with a restaurant concept that celebrates the neighborhood's cultural heritage. The restaurant is listed on OpenTable and represents a significant dining option in this predominantly Dominican neighborhood, offering cuisine that reflects the community's roots.

Radio Hotel positions itself as a design-forward boutique option in Upper Manhattan with room types including Bunks (ideal for groups or solo travelers), Standard, Double, King, and Suite categories. The property's distinctive architecture and amenities at a price point below typical designer Manhattan hotels appeal to travelers who want visual interest without premium midtown pricing.

Time Out New York named Radio Hotel one of the best budget boutique hotels in the city, citing its bold design and accessible pricing in a neighborhood where comparable architectural quality rarely comes at this price level. The $24.99 daily amenity fee bundles WiFi, fitness center access, and two cocktails, improving overall value perception.

Radio Hotel offers approximately 9,000+ square feet of event space across the property. El Patio provides an expansive outdoor area (seasonal) suitable for private events, and the hotel's ground-floor spaces accommodate both hotel guests and outside events. The property was developed with 8,500 square feet of retail space and event venues to serve the local community.

Radio Hotel's Groups program cater to team trips, extended stays, and multi-room bookings. The Bunks room category — featuring bunk beds — is specifically designed for group travelers, and the property's overall layout with multiple room types accommodates different group configurations.

Radio Hotel is located at 2420 Amsterdam Ave, Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City, NY 10033. The property sits near the intersection of Amsterdam Avenue and 181st Street, with views toward the East River. The nearest subway stations are 181st Street (A train) and 168th Street (A/C train), providing direct access to midtown Manhattan.

Radio Hotel opened in 2022, marking the completion of the Radio 181 mixed-use development project that broke ground as a Qualified Opportunity Zone investment. The project was developed by Youngwoo & Associates and designed by MVRDV with Stonehill Taylor as architect of record.

Radio Hotel is owned by Youngwoo & Associates (the developer) and managed by PM Hotel Group. The property represents a 285,000 square foot mixed-use development that includes 167,000 square feet of Class A office/medical/school space, 9,000+ square feet of event space, and 8,500 square feet of retail space alongside the 221-key hotel.

Radio Hotel features six distinct room categories: Suite (king bed with pull-out sofa), King, Double (two queen beds), Standard, Bunks (bunk beds designed for group travelers), and ADA accessible rooms. All rooms include walk-in rain showers, high-speed WiFi, streaming app access, in-room safe, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, and clothing steamer.

Radio Hotel charges a daily amenity fee of $24.99 plus tax. This fee includes high-speed WiFi access, 24/7 fitness center access, and two complimentary pre-selected cocktails or mocktails per reservation at Radio Hotel's bar or restaurant.

Radio Hotel operates a 24-hour fitness center accessible to all guests included with the daily amenity fee. The gym provides cardio and strength training equipment for guests who want to maintain their workout routine during their stay.

Radio Hotel houses two dining venues. Radio Restaurant serves New American cuisine with Latin influences, open for breakfast and dinner daily with a happy hour program. Jalao is a Dominican cuisine restaurant located within the property, offering traditional dishes that reflect Washington Heights' cultural heritage. El Patio is an outdoor space (seasonal) adjacent to the restaurant.

Radio Hotel offers a 24/7 grab-and-go service at the front desk, providing coffee, pastries, and light snacks for guests who need a quick bite before heading out to explore the city. This supplements the full restaurant service at Radio Restaurant.

Radio Hotel's booking terms are available through its reservation system at theradiohotel.book.pegsbe.com. Specific cancellation windows and deposit requirements vary by room type and rate plan selected. Guests should review the policies at the time of booking or contact the hotel directly at (929) 688-4880 for clarification.

Radio Hotel offers on-site parking, with the property developed to include an indoor parking garage with approximately 170 spaces. Guests should contact the hotel in advance to reserve parking, as availability may be limited during peak periods.

Radio Hotel maintains ADA-compliant accessible rooms and features wheelchair-accessible entrances. The property includes accessible routes to all public areas and guest rooms designed for guests with mobility impairments. Accessible features are noted in the room type listings on the hotel website.

Radio Hotel holds a 3.8 rating on Google based on 1,183 reviews as of April 2026. Guest feedback commonly mentions pleasant staff, spacious rooms, clean accommodations, and the distinctive design. Some concerns have been raised about bathroom privacy in certain room configurations and hallway noise. The location near a loud intersection is noted as a characteristic of the area.

Radio Hotel has received coverage from Time Out New York (named one of the best budget boutique hotels), Condé Nast Traveler (featured property in NYC hotel listings), The Points Guy (hotel review), and Forbes (feature on Washington Heights and Dominican culture). The property's architecture has been documented by ArchDaily and design-focused publications.

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