Roosevelt Island is a cool place to stay in its own right, it's a very different slice of NYC. If you go, don't just take he tram, also use the NYC Ferry to to to Queens and Manhattan, it's really pleasant.
Miriama's appt has great views. Although the photo you see was (I think) taken from a slightly different location on the island, her actual view is quite a bit wider than that photo, you can see a huge swatch of Manhattan and especally at night, it's gorgeous.
The room is simple but comfortable, very little noise. There's a little store/deli right next to the building. It's a BIG building but you do get a high-floor view. There's a free bus to take you around the island. There is no reason at all to bring a car, the island has a single road with a turn-around at each end. The walk from the tram, ferry terminal, and subway station - all in roughly the same area, is about 10 minutes to the apartment.