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Reviews of Collective Governors Island

3.5 out of 5
Collective Governors Island
Craig Road North, New York, NY

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a fabulous and relaxing time celebrating my birthday. We will definitely be returning. Hope to take advantage of more activities and would rent one with a bathroom. Really impressed.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mildred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Denise

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joo Kyung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

meghan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay at the Collective. Welcomed at the ferry and drove round to the retreat. We were checked in, driven to our tent, showed around & within 20 minutes, we were settled in. The tent was gorgeous & the place felt very safe. We didn’t eat dinner but the views were incredible. Air traffic was loud but it’s NYC, nothing unexpected. Breakfast food was delicious. Would definitely stay again & will recommend to friends.

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Besides the Staten Island Ferries and Party Boats at 2am The Retreat was beautiful and exciting
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

JAMES

Travelled with group
It was a very nice and unique stay. Sleeping tent and adjoining bathroom tent roomy with a good view. Did need to pass through a 2-3 step open space to get from sleeping area to our bathroom tent. Liked their soaps and creams. The staff was very nice and aimed to please but it took many asks for simple things to be addressed (missing lt bulb, clearing/replacing used coffee items etc). Breakfast at restaurant very good. Dinner, for most part, good though some seasonings iffy. Our waitress was very accommodating and appreciated.Good bar and drinks. Enjoyed hammocks and fire pits. Should note it’s not a quiet location- water and air traffic a constant and sounds (sirens) carry across the water. Embraced it all as part of being in NYC!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

maria, Long beach

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just what we expected
Just what we expected. Staff was nice & helpful. Hanging out in the middle of New York Harbor. Happy Hour was relaxed (1 free w your stay). Dinner was good (additional). Smores & Campfire were great (included). Beds were comfy. They had coffee available in our room to make which we did at 6am when we woke. Breakfast was fine and it starts at 8am (additional but came with a breakfast beverage - we had coffee). And they will hold your bags after checkout if you want to go explore Governor's Island - which we did. Overall a relaxing & enjoyable time. You will hear the ferry & helicopters from time to time but that's nothing compared to NYC constant noise.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Claire

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This truly was an experience. The staff were amazing, and whilst you are "clamping", everything was so comfortable and clean. Would defy go again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Sergii

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jolita, Wyandanch

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was the most unique camping experience I’ve ever had. The views were spectacular! The food was first class. Very pleased with the experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Janine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We had a great time!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reginald

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Paige on 16 July 2023
Glad you had a nice time, Reginald! Looking forward to hosting you again soon. :)

4/10 Poor

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
What did we like? The uniqueness. The eco friendly focus. the staff was friendly and polite. The views. What didn't we like? We were not checked in until and hour late. It was sweltering hot outside which did not help anything - not their fault. We weren't informed the staff provided golf cart transportation upon request. There were many closed eateries and museums because we were there on a weekday not a weekend - again not their fault. Google maps said the venues were open but they either closed early or were under construction/renovation. We were not informed temporary barricades are erected and fences lock after 5/6pm when the island closes to the public. The only way back into our host facility was by staff golf cart.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Paige Carter, General Manager on 11 Aug 2022
Hi, Barry - thanks for your kind words and very valid critiques! It does look like you were with us on a particularly hot day. If you have suggestions that could help us improve the island experience for future guests, I'd love to discuss! Could you reach out to me at paige@collectiveretreats.com? Thanks for staying with us. Hoping to host you when it's a bit cooler.

8/10 Good

CHRISTINE

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Collective is unique and comfortable. The yoga class was a bonus. Unfortunately, my dinner (tuna) was overcooked and expensive.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
Response from Christopher Malcaus, Assistant General Manager on 27 Aug 2021
Thank you for your feedback and reflection on your experience. We are delighted that you had a wonderful time, but regret that the dining portion did not meet your expectations. We will use this critical feedback to enhance our overall guest experiences. We sincerely hope that you revisit us for another glamping experience.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Be picked up at the ferry terminal and drop back off the next day was a great help. Having a tent cabin that was front row a few of the Statue of Liberty was spectacular
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Response from Collective Retreats team on 11 Aug 2021
Dear Guest, Thank you for your review. We are delighted to learn that you enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An Unparalleled Staycation Experience
This was a "hotel" stay like no other -- in a modern tiny house on an island in the middle of New York Harbor. We stayed on a stormy, chilly night at the end of the season, but it was still exceptional. (I mean, the bathtub had a view of the Statue of Liberty.) The staff was so attentive and their commitment to service really shined despite the weather. The cost lends itself to special occasions, but it really delivers a special experience.
A Statue of Liberty view from the room
New York Harbor views
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 24 Nov 2020
Dear Melissa, Thank you for your kind words. Indeed, we pride ourselves in providing an exceptional experience. It warms our hearts to know that it doesn't go unnoticed. We hope to see you again soon when the weather gets better.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Camping City Slicker Edition
My sister and I stayed in a Journey Tent, with two beds in October when we went two years ago immensly enjoyed ourselves. So with everything going on this year, all cancel plans I had cancelled, and not bwing able to move freely about the country as I'm used to with everything going on with Covid and New York actually finally being in a stable place with it, the idea popped into my head to revisit the retreat. It seemed like a safe alternative to a much needed change of scenery and probably the safest option to traveling, being that I live in New York and so many states were now suffering with Covid. It was cold and raining, but my spirits weren't dampened. They have made some improvements since I was there last, including social distanced fire pits (there are 3 now), and a glass enclosure for events and movies. The food was spectacular and this time I got a Summit Tent, which included a private bathroom, free s'mores kit and a phenomonal continental breakfast deliveried straight to my tent. The staff could not have possibly been nicer. They were all very attentive and pleasant to deal with. Prices vary and it can get expensive, but it was literally a breath of fresh air. Plus there's all of Governor's Island's history to explore before the island closes at dusk. If you're on the fence about, do it. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 5 Nov 2020
Dear Lisa, Thank you for giving us a shot, especially during these trying times. As you have mentioned, our team invests a lot of effort to ensure the safety and comfort of each guest. Hence, it is most rewarding when our guests recognize and acknowledge that. We are also ecstatic to learn that you have had a great despite the weather not being at it's best. We hope to see you again soon. Stay safe!

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in the tent with the separate private bath tent. The view was spectacular, the tent area is rustic as I expected. The tents are clean with the very basic "normal hotel" amenities inside, the callout is there is no where to put away clothes in the tent. The bed was comfortable and there was a AC/heater that helped circulate a slight damp smell. The bathrooms are clean and well kept, just to note that if it's a cold morning - the water doesn't get super hot so plan to be quick! The staff were awesome, special shoutout to Jay who made our stay even better with his level of service. We loved dinner and cocktails, but most especially the s'mores kits with chocolate filled marshmallows and the Ghirardelli salted caramel chocolate squares.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 5 Nov 2020
Dear Jennifer, Thank you so much for your detailed feedback. We have addressed your callouts with our General Manager, and we shall make some improvements before re-opening next year. We are glad that despite these inconveniences your stay was still very pleasant. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 5 Nov 2020
Dear guest, Thank you for your perfect rating. We are glad to learn that you have enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

KAICHI

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 2 Sept 2020
Dear Kaichi, Thank you for your positive review. We are glad to learn that you have enjoyed your stay. We hope to see you again soon.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service
Collective Governors Island canceled my booking just a few days before my trip. They went on to spam my email with other promotional offers for weeks.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 31 Aug 2020
Dear valued guest, Although we monitor weather condition on a continuous basis, sometimes storms come unexpectedly and/or at a greater power than anticipated. Unfortunately, the storm prior to your arrival was one of them and thus more than half of our inventory was damaged. We apologize for the inconvenience it might have caused you. It is our hope that you give us another chance in the future.

8/10 Good

Jacqueline

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team on 17 Sept 2020
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you for your review. We are glad to learn that you have enjoyed your stay and we are looking forward to seeing you again soon.

8/10 Good

Denise, New York

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked the courteous manner of the staff from check in to check out... I believe a vacation or getaway is what you make it... and we had a great experience. I’m not fond of bugs, but hey it’s Glamping and you make the best out of the situation. I’ll go back in cooler weather next time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Response from Collective Retreats team. on 6 Aug 2020
Dear Denise, Thank you for your feedback. We are glad to learn that you have enjoyed your stay with us and intend to return. Please do not hesitate to contact our team in advance and share your thoughts on what can make your stay more pleasurable. We are looking forward to seeing you again.

6/10 Okay

Linda

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a relaxing and new experience. Everything was clean and in order
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from Collective Governors Island Team on 25 Oct 2019
Thank you for your rating in Expedia. We were happy to have you visit and look forward to seeing you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from The Collective Governors Island Team on 25 Oct 2019
Thank you for review on Expedia. We were excited to have you join us and hope you return in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The restaurant was not very good. The bar was fine.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Response from The CGI team on 25 Oct 2019
Hello. Thank you for sharing your input and we are sorry the restaurant did not meet your expectations. We welcome your feedback to allow us to continue to improve and hope you will visit again next season.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We did not enjoy walking with all the different size stones on the walkways. We also would have liked more than one entrance to the sight which would saved much walking distance to the farther tents.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from The CGI team on 25 Oct 2019
Hi. Thank you for your feedback. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and will evaluate alternatives for next season for the items you have raised. We hope to see you next year again.

6/10 Okay

LA, Brooklyn, NY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pictures, obviously, make the grounds look more lush than they are. The grounds are rather rustic; however, the Journey tents were clean, but as they have slanted sides, a tall person may feel them in the way. The bathrooms were very nice, big, and clean. However, there could be more attention to stocking liquid soap or toilet paper. The big complaint is the noise at night-not from the guests, but all the boats still out on the water. When around midnight, one thought it would be quiet, a party boat goes by, with the music blasting that you would have thought it was right outside as opposed to across the bay. Did not make for a restful night. If one was told ahead of time, would have taken advantage of the ear plugs that were around in the welcome tent.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from The CGI team on 25 Oct 2019
Thank for your feedback. I have passed along both your comment on the bathroom amenities and ear plugs to our team members. We continually communicate with our "neighbors" in the harbor about the noise but unfortunately New York does not have limits so its hard to regulate. We do hope you will return next season.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Glory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great experience but it was a little pricey for what it was. Still though - glad we did it once.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Collective Retreats on 15 Aug 2019
Thanks for your review! We’d love to welcome you back for another stay!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful tent with stunning views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Response from Collective Governors Island on 29 July 2019
Thanks so much for your feedback. We take a lot of pride at Collective Retreats in ensuring your experience and service are as amazing as the view! Come back soon.

10/10 Excellent

jin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
quiet calm place
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Daniel

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Really bad experience while in tent. A staff member from the hotel brought new customers to our tent while we were sleeping and opened the tent while I was shouting there are people inside. He just said sorry and left, without any other apologies. We were barely awake and what if we were not dressed?
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from Paige on 16 July 2023
Hi, Daniel - can't wait to host you again. I'm sorry for your experience the first time around. Let us know when is best for you to return.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019