The latest getaway destination for smog-frazzled New Yorkers? No, it's not the Hamptons—think a little closer to public transportation. There's a new floating hotel, make that a Boatel, in Far Rockaway—the brainchild of Flux Factory artist and boat-builder Constance Hockaday.
Hockaday has constructed "Bogg's Boatel," a tourist complex for the more adventurous traveler, refurbishing a handful of abandoned boats at Marina 59 and constructing a theater for nightly entertainment. Tickets for a night in one of the boats—like The Americano ("A Guido vessel...the windows are tinted and the inside is very Slick Rick") or the Crumb ("A quaint and comfortable boat [that] was probably previously owned by an elderly couple") range from $50-100, with nightly entertainment like water-themed vintage porn and documentaries on houseboat communities included. A "local tourism director" will organize daytime outings to nearby Fort Tilden, Bottle Beach and other nearby attractions (which also include JFK Airport).
The Times has a firsthand account of a night at the Boatel complex, described as "kind of a post-apocalyptic adventure" complete with late-night revelry and an artsy clientele (note: all guests must sign a waiver!). If that sounds like your kind of scene, reserve your boat right this way.
