I would call this a good location. I don't know the building, but I would call the location good. It is certainly very safe.

I like it because you can walk from there to sights and eating spots in the East Village, Lower East Side, Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy, newly chic Bowery, and even West Village.

You've got the First AVenue bus, which has an express stop 2 blocks south. And both the F train and the IRT located within a 5 minute walk.

Having said that, I would not recommend the area that highly for an elderly relative who wanted to concentrate on the big name museums and traditional restaurants. But I don't think you are in that category!

If you decide to take it, we will inundate you with restaurants ideas!

I live near to there but would have to see the exact building. The best neighborhood in the city for value restaurants.

I live in the neighborhood and would also like to know the exact address. Some buildings in that area are better than others.

The area is trendy/funky - not traditional. Lots of restaurants and clubs - expect it to be busy/active/noisy in the evening. (That's the area - don;t know the specific building. There are some in the area that are not great.)

I would get the exact street address and use google earth to check out the building. Do you have a 24 hour landline in case there is a problem, Have you been given references?

It's directly next to this building http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hells_Angels_clubhouse_East_Village.jpg

The block and buildings look fine, bur I would guess it is a sure things that in one of these buildings any short-term rental would be an illegal sublet so many have mentioned. Your choice.

The other option is 3rd street and Avenue B http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3rd+street+%26+avenue+b,+new+york&hl=en&hnear=E+3rd+St+%26+Avenue+B,+New+York,+10009&gl=us&t=m&z=16

Once again the second location depends on the building.

And if it is next to the Hell's Angels "clubhouse" try not to knock over their bikes. That block is much quieter than when the Angels were in their hey day.

I was wondering about that, whether or not it was a good idea to have my child stay next door to the hell's angels club house. Both apartments in that building said there's no trouble, but I'm still leery.

This is where we ended up, 3rd and Ave B. It's not a lovely tree lined street as I had hoped for, but apparently a budget of $280 a night does not afford lovely leafyness. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42+Ave+B,+New+York&hl=en&ll=40.722915,-73.982274&spn=0.001151,0.002642&hnear=42+Avenue+B,+New+York,+10009&gl=us&t=h&z=19&layer=t

Is that the East Village Suites? My only concern here is that all the reviewers only have one review posted to their names on TA.

What happened to the one on First Avenue and 3rd Street?

No - heading into high season does not get lovely anything for a suite with such a low budget.

Even the hotels with the suites at the $350 per night are no lovely tree-lined streets. In fact, in NYC only residential side streets are lovely tree-lined - the avenues (main north/south street which have most hotels are much busier, lined with shops and restaurants.

I live on a lovely tree-lined street - but it is residential buildings only - with the exception of a small nursery school in a brownstone. I think you were looking for something that doesn't exist.

Have you committed to that place? If not, there seem to be a number well-reviewed rentals in Harlem brownstones that might be available. (As I mentioned on another thread, my friends' place is booked through the end of the year, but I did see others in that area...just a thought)



I also know a woman who runs a B&B on Horatio Street. (Well, she iso a very good friend of very good friends of mine and I've met her 5 or 6 times socially) The street would probably fulfill your wishes, as it is a very desirable tree-liined block in the West Village.

Beyond that, I can't tell you much, but she has owned this house for decades and has rented rooms for almost that long. The owner lives in the house and owns the building, and she has many repeat guests.


http://www.roomstolet.net/


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d122000-Reviews-Rooms_to_Let-New_York_City_New_York.html

Do let me know if you decide to contact her.

As locations go (for a tourist), it's not really good but it's also not really bad. It's relatively inconvenient to public transportation since the only train you can easily reach is the F, but there are loads of good restaurants and stores nearby, and it's a trendy (if still gritty and hectic) neighborhood).

The area can be fairly loud on weekend nights because it's close to a lot of bars and clubs and late-night hangouts. This is a neighborhood I'd have recommended to a young single person, not to a young family. But there should be a grocery store relatively close by (or you can go to the Essex Street Market). It's kind of a schlep, but there's an excellent Whole Foods on Houston Street a 15-minute walk away on Chrystie Street, and you're not too far from the Donut Plant (the original) if that matters to you.

Since you are staying here, definitely look into the Tenement Museum.

But your other location would have been much more convenient.

We are a couple with no kids and we'd never stay at that location. "Alphabet City" is th ebastion of young hip people but still not as friendly or safe as I want to have when on vacation.

I think the area is perfectly safe - but can be somewhat noisy at night - until clubs close at 2 am. And it's not a tiny tot vibe - although I'm sure there are some that live there.

Frankly, with a small child I would be looking at the upper west side - proximity to central park playgrounds and zoo etc. Plus a lot of family friendly restaurants.

There is almost something going on the neighborhood especially between Thursday night and Sunday about 4 AM. On Friday and Staurday nights it is hard to get cabs and parking spots at 2 AM.

Statisically the crime in the neighborhood is in the housing projects a few blocks away but even Avenue C has become a crowded bar and restuarant scene.

The neighborhood has changed dramatically. Tompkins Square Park was once a haven for drug dealers and squatters is now filled with families and kids playing.

The neighborhood is filled with kids who have just moved to the City. Around September the area is filled with daughters and their visiting mothers who have dilated pupils as their kids explain why they moved there. It still has a gritty look to it.

It is an eclectic area with a large Latino population, the remnants of an eastern European community, would be artists, writers, actors, and musicians, and working artists, writers, actors, and musicians. There is a large transient population of kids who live there as their first stop. One large group right now is young Japanese women who have come here to escape the patriarchal society.

Am I committed, yes and no. I took the advice of NYtraveler and booked something while I look. I had to put one nights deposit down, I can cancel up until Sept 27 with no penalty. I am still looking as I put out feelers to a bunch of other places, but so far nothing has fit the bill. Yes it's the East Village Suites, I didn't notice that on trip advisor, I'll have to check it out.

It's a fall back if nothing else works out.

One that I think I like quite a lot is on e 13th and 3rd ave. It's quite a good deal, just not sure about the neighborhood.

Would it help to be closer to union square as far as transportation goes?

There is a whole world of transportation at Union Square. There is more vehicular traffic at 13th and 3rd and there is an on-going strike at Con Edison headqaurters a few blocks away which can get noisy. It is less gritty looking.

Hey Giulia

Make up your mind, you are running out of neighborhood.

Ha! Make up my mind, story of my life!

Third Avenue and 13th Street is great for public transport.

Both of these locations..the EV one and the Third Avenue/13th one, are as safe as they come.
13th and 3rd is teeming with NYC students who live in the dorm near there. The only danger might come from being down the street from Momofuko Milk Bar. I could not understand why I had gained 4 pounds in a few weeks a few years ago, until I looked at the calorie count on the cookie that I was treating myself to each night after dinner.

re
One that I think I like quite a lot is on e 13th and 3rd ave. It's quite a good deal, just not sure about the neighborhood.

You'll stay on Av c but not 13th and 3rd...wow.....

13 th and 3rd avenue is a much better location. Incredibly convenient, surrounded by million dollar condo buildings and tons of restaurants and stores, including Five Napkin Burger and Trader Joes. You can hardly do better. Take that one by all means. It's not a quiet or picturesque neighborhood, but it's close to all transit, and also NYU.

Plus you will be near Union Square Greenmarket, which operates 4 days a week.

http://greenmarketstuff.blogspot.com/

The restuarant selection is better by First Ave but it is a better location for everything else.

Couple of nearby spots

Cones and sundaes-10th off third-storemade ice cream

East Village Cheese-third and 9th street-incredibly cheap cheese and great selection

Veselka-Eastern European restaurant-open 24 hours

Baohaus
look like a dump but had the most wonderful bao. Must have the Chairman Bao.

http://www.baohausnyc.com/
_____

Nai on First and 11th-seneational tapas

And be sure to go to Veniero's for Italian pastries.

Myztery, I love you.

1st Ave & 3rd was a 4th floor walkup, multiple suites (mixed reviews but mostly favorable), or 3rd floor walkup private apartment (wanted all the $ up front), didn't go with either of them for a variety of reasons but they're still available.
I went with East Village Suites based on the reviews, however, I didn't notice that all the reviewers had one review to their name, I have to look at that again, groan, I'd hate to think they're fabricated but it's possible.

The one on 13th is a private apartment also, a company that has several in the area, it's a very good price, almost too good, $250 a night. Been volleying emails with the property manager.

This is the exact address of the 13th street location 243 E13 Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave, doesn't look too bad from the street view.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=243+13th+Street,+New+York,+NY&hl=en&ll=40.731584,-73.984745&spn=0.009138,0.021136&sll=40.591578,-73.956626&sspn=0.009157,0.021136&hnear=243+E+13th+St,+New+York,+10003&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=40.731912,-73.986074&panoid=c_Wyh8oVICUaNTxrU624RA&cbp=12,21.89,,0,0

You will find that East 13 St or any of the previously mentioned apartments have nothing in common with Arizona. Whatever you do, do not go to Little Poland, it is probably the most vile restaurant in the area.

For take-out for breakfast, there are two places with the idiotic name of Birdbath near you which have the charm of a gulag company store but are related to City Bakery. Everything is exceptional except some of the vegan choices.

http://www.thecitybakery.com/birdbath

Giulia: You will now think I am a total dummy, but I looked again at FlipKey and the 2-bedroom townhouse rental owned by my friends in Harlem seems not to be booked in October..(I thought the green on the FlipKey calendars meant "not available," when it means "available" Of course, I do not know if the calendar is updated..)

I think you are leery of Harlem and I will not try to convince you, but take a look--there are many good reviews and the price is under $200 a night. Maybe you can get some opinions about the area from others here; I would have no hesitation about the neighborhood myself. IF you are ok with the area, there are quite a few other rentals that also look good.

http://www.flipkey.com/new-york-city-condo-rentals/p333843/

I hesitate to say this, but I will. There are some on this forum who are so violently opposed to the illegal rental thing, that if you post the actual address of one, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised that someone here would alert the authorities about that specific rental and your rental period. Just a warning.

I'm not supporting illegal rentals, mind you, and would avoid them myself -- just saying this as a word to the wise.

It's a truly excellent location, one of the best in Manhattan for a tourist to be honest.

I realize this is clearly and obviously an illegal rental, but you have already made it clear that you understand the implications and are willing to take that chance, so I'd definitely book this one if you can.

Neopatrick, I agree and I imagined that was the case on this forum, that's why I didn't post the actual link, no reason to cause trouble for someone else. Since EKS already guessed it was east village suites at the other address I figured there was no harm in confirming it. Given the shear volume of NYC rentals out there (VRBO turned up several hundred for my specific dates alone) I can't imagine how they police this rental law. I'd be interested to hear more about how they crack down on these rentals just because now I'm very curious!

EKS, I wouldn't mind Harlem if we were there for more than 4 days, but I sincerely appreciate the recommendation and I've bookmarked it for future trips!I'm pressing to stay in the village more for my husband's sake. My daughter and I will be in for the night very early (by NYC standards) but he's going to go out and meet up with friends to listen to music in the village anyway, so it's nice that he can walk to these different venues. It's kind of more our taste as well, we may be in our 40's but we still appreciate a funky neighborhood scene

You're welcome, Giulia. The EV or Village will be more convenient than Harlem.

Point well taken, NeoP!

Now to cancel one reservation and accept another, such a process. Looking forward to the fun part, actually planning fun things to do! Excited to take my daughter to CMOM, if ours is great in AZ then NYC's must really be something else!

Giulia -

It is policed mostly based on complaints by legitimate local residents - who complain when they see random strangers wandering in and out of their buildings. When there are individual egregious complaints (there was a loud group partying in the small hours in an apartment in a co-op a friend of mine lived in and the police were called) or multiple complaints in the same building - then the authorities will investigate - and shut the facility down if necessary. (Or in the case of a co-op - lock out the offending tenant - until they agree to follow the rules of their lease.)

Interesting, I noticed a lot of apartment rentals said not to say you were "renting" that you were visiting a friend, I think New Yorkers are a little smarter than that.

It can take a year, with multiple visits to housing court and lots of legal fees, for a landlord to evict a lease-holding tenant who does not pay rent. I wonder how long it would taken to shut down an illegal rental operation? It's not like someone can place a call and have an inspector show up the next day! How many "inspectors" do you suppose the city has on the books?

NYT: Have you ever actually heard of an owner being physically locked out of their own coop? i can only imagine the legal fees on that one! Wouldn't it be more likely that the coop board would take legal action to force a sale?

nytraveler, I'm glad I don't live in your building. I have many guests in my home (while I'm there). I'd hate to think that all my neighbors would be calling the authorities because they see random strangers entering the building every time I have a dinner party. I understand a big group making a lot of noise, but that happens as much with residents in most buildings as with renters (who actually may be even more careful for fear of being kicked out). But it's quite another matter when the whole building of "busybodies" starts reporting guests whom they don't know entering the building. It must be really horrible living in your building if you want to invite friends over frequently.

To make my above response clearer, I cite this quote from you on another thread:
"It's a very difficult situation for Stuyvesant Town or peter Cooper - since there are so many apartments there. In smaller co-ops and condos it;s much easier - since you do recognize your neighbors and can immediately challenge anyone you don;t know trying to enter the building."

So clear. Anyone visiting me in my apartment is going to be "immediately challenge(d)". No thanks, I don't want to put my friends and guests through that kind of atmosphere. I guess it's OK for those who live there and have no friends however.

I live in Syuvesant Town and not everyone is an aggressive guard dog. The management company started to rent to NYU students a few years ago and now there is more a transient feel, rather than a home for families which it had been for the first 50 years.

There are over 100 apartments in each building, so it impossible to know everyone. There are two elements which the article does not address. First, there is an entrance door for which you need a key card and people are fairly dilligent about not allowing those who do not recognize to follow them into the building. This has been part of the culture for the longest time. Second, a generational war has erupted between the NYU students and the long time residents. Many older residents do not like frat party atmosphere and the yearly or semester turnover. Thus young people dragging luggage are suspect, though I have not seen any overt hostility in our bruilding.

I remain a renter because of a morbid dread of coop boards and sort of people who want to serve on them.

Adu, I didn't realize how close you live to Motorino!!

Yep, three blocks away. We love where we live. We use NY and NY uses us.

Sorry, but I really do resent someone getting an illegal rental. The landlord is making a bucket of $$ off of you and other transients, and depriving people who actually live in NYC of a place to live. I find it unconscionable.

What I find unconscionable is a 2 star hotel charging $300+ a night for a room. Hrrrrmph!

Giulia - "What I find unconscionable is a 2 star hotel charging $300+ a night for a room. Hrrrrmph!"

So you will do something illegal so as not to pay the price of a hotel? You are willing to take part in a scheme to take away possible apartments from people who actually need to have a roof over their heads?

Tell me. Where do you live? Can I come there and start robbing banks? (I find the very low interest rates on my saving account unconscionable - so I'm gonna take the money I want.) Please advise me of the best neighborhood to do this in and the most vulnerable banks. Also if you know of anyone who keeps a wad of money in their house, please give me their address. Or post it on Craig's List.

BTW - What else will you be doing illegally when you get to New York? Please let us know so that we can stay away from you.

"What I find unconscionable is a 2 star hotel charging $300+ a night for a room. Hrrrrmph!"

Travel is a privilege, not a right. I don't get all that bent out of shape about your desire to use an illegal avenue, but a lot of it is driven by unrealistic expectations and unreasonable demands. You don't have to visit NY, you don't have to have a separate sleeping are for your infant. So the fact you can't afford to travel in a legal manner isn't really being ameliorated by the fact you aren't willing to pay the going rate at a hotel.

If you can go to $350 this small hotel on the border of the West Village and Chelsea has a one bedroom suite available 10/11 - 14. http://www.chelseapinesinn.com/

MaitaiTom gave it a good review in his trip report. Good location.

We live in a free market economy. Hotels need to charge what they do to cover the costs of - real estate taxes in NYC, salaries in NYC, services they have to buy in NYC. EVerything is more expensive here - ti's just a fact of life. You can;t expect prices that you would find in a notel motel at the side of the interstate mikes from anything people want to see or do. Food will cost more here - and a 20% tip is expected - even though 15% may be enough in other places.

Your opions are:

Increase you budget to fit the local conditions
Pick a time of year with lower rates
Don't insist on a suite- take a regular room

It's like you're saying - a want a new Mercedes but all I'll pay is $15000 since I once saw my neighbor sell used one for that - but I prefer new and that's what I want to spend and it should be candy apple red even thought that's not one of the regular colors.

Looking for a deal is fine. Saying prices are unfair isn't - they are fair for the conditions. If you want a lower price there are ways you can do it. You prefer to do an illegal apartment. That's your decision and the likelihood of your being caught is small - but it still is illegal. If you don;t mind living your life that way - that's your decision.

Oh dear I think you are taking me too seriously, perhaps it's due to poor choice of words, when I said the price was "unconscionable", I meant that it's outrageous to me personally based on my travel experiences, not that it's wrong. I fully understand and appreciate the market and how expensive everything is out there as both our families are from NY. So, perhaps that was the wrong word, I will rephrase it, I find it outrageous that a low quality hotel room would cost that much.

Didn't mean to offend!

Yes, I do like a deal, I've spent many nights researching to find the right place. When I said our budget was $250 for a suite, that is what I'd "like" to pay. Save money on trip expenses and live to travel another day. I'm very happy we found accommodations with someone we know and trust for less than our target budget.

Just to clarify, because I feel like I may be inspiring further ire with my previous post...You can feel that something is "outrageous" without believing that it's wrong. Organic meat is outrageously priced. We all grumble and groan and say it's outrageous WHILE we're being rung up at the register. So I'm not meaning that the prices are wrong or shouldn't be that way, I'm just declaring that it's outrageous to me.

I should have kept my mouth shut given the gravity of the topic, I was actually just trying to insert humor into a somewhat tense conversation. live and learn.

Continue to flame me if you must, but I'm not trying to argue.

Ekscrunchy, I just looked at the Momofuku milk bar website and I'm very afraid....very afraid.

I went to Switzerland recently. It is very expensive. However, I decided not to break their laws and pay what they ask. If I couldn't do it, I wouldn't go.

Saying some price you will have to pay in NY is "understood" but you still won't spend that amount and will do something illegal anyway, well, what can I say?

Good ethics less on for your child, though!

It is hard for me to understand why someone would deliberately break a law. Just because you can get away with it, doesn't make it right. Just because you don't agree with the law, doesn't make it right. What other laws do you plan on breaking when you are here?

I don't like this NYC law, but I don't break it.

I'm not sure, but is it actually "illegal" for a person to rent one of those apartments that is listed? I realize it is illegal for the owners to rent them out, but is the person renting from them actually the law breaker here?

And before you respond that "joining them in the illegal activity is still breaking the law", then I might mention that the OP is likely to eat in NYC restaurants. There are almost NONE of those who don't hire illegals to work in their kitchens -- or hide taxable income -- or pay chefs under the table. All of those are illegal activities, so I would suggest that the OP NOT eat at restaurants. In fact it might even be hard to find a hotel in NYC that doesn't also engage in some illegal activity, particularly regarding the hiring of illegals in their menial jobs.

Arguably, by renting an apartment you know is illegal, you are involved in a criminal conspiracy with the landlord. You don't know, for sure, whether there are undocumented workers in the kitchen. But if you knew full well, for instance, that you are buying clothes from a shop that only uses undocumented workers then you are, in fact, part of the criminal conspiracy.

Boy, Patrick, You're really stretching it this morning! You know that there is a huge difference.....

Go have another cup of coffee and watch the thunderstorms roll in....LOL!

Really? Please explain why supporting a restaurant that does illegal activity (on the federal level, no less) is insignificant, but supporting a building owner that does illegal activity (on a local level) is breaking a law. I'd really like to understand the difference.

And please don't tell me what I "know", that is SO patronizing.

By the way -- sure I'm somewhat playing devil's advocate here, but it is partly in defense of an innocent poster who asked a sensitive question and is being treated here as a hardened criminal who should be locked up! I get a little tired of the attitude, "I'd never break a law, why are you doing so?"

And MikeT, I guess what you're saying is that it's simply easier to pretend you don't know that a restaurant isn't hiring illegal aliens or paying chefs under the table (you'd be very hard pressed to find one that doesn't). So what you don't KNOW won't hurt you -- or just close your eyes to the obvious then it's OK.

Giulia: I'm with you. Manhattan hotel prices are outrageous, though significantly more so around the holidays. Having said that, I can also say that we don't have many real two-star hotels in NYC, but the prices charged are ridiculous, and the truth is that the vast majority of European tourists, who make up the lion's share of the guests at some of these hotels, just don't pay those. They buy packages through foreign travel agents and pay more like $100 per night, which is more like it.

And if you are a frequent visitor to Manhattan, you'll find a score of modest 2-star and better hotels that will make a deal with you if they aren't fully booked. I have a friend who is working here on an ongoing basis but doesn't want to put down permanent roots, so he basically lives in a string of several hotels (all managed by pragmatic Indians), and he rarely pays more than $100 a night, even during the Christmas holidays.

True, he sometimes has to stay in the Ramada on Crescent Street in Long Island City, but that hotel also often charges less than $100 per night. More often he stays in a string of hotels in the west 30s or east 20s, including the Ramada on Lexington Avenue around 29th Street.

If you search, you can actually find a lot of modest hotel rooms for a much lower price through most of the year, but generally prices in Manhattan are way too high.

Now please a favor: Let's leave the discussion of illegal this and that to a different thread. Discuss it in the Lounge, not here unless you are giving a well-placed warning to a tourist who may be scammed. We don't need an endless discussion of the morality of renting an apartment short-term in Manhattan. And I'm getting tired of it ... enough that I may ask the moderators to shut down this and other threads if certain posters don't stop harping.

<<<We don't need an endless discussion of the morality of renting an apartment short-term in Manhattan. And I'm getting tired of it ...>>>

Me, too, although it's a fun read. I'd venture to guess that 90%+ of my friends who are regular world travelers have no idea that short-term rentals in New York (and Paris, and San Francisco) are illegal.

world travelers have no idea that short-term rentals in New York (and Paris, and San Francisco) are illegal.
------------------------------------------------------------

But once they Know, you'd hope they'd not break the law, wouldn't you?

It's Ridiculous to help someone who doesn't give a rat's a$$ about the laws of your own city but many here don't live, or haven't ever lived in NYC and really don't care about the locals nor local laws. To state something is obviously illegally (as Doug did above) but then recommend that option, is galling.

I don't care about the morality of the practice of renting illegal apartments. The inconvenience brought upon those living in a building where illegal rentals are taking place also doesn't directly affect me but is a concern because I have respect for the people of NYC.

However, the aspect of renting an apartment that hasn't been properly inspected for safety concerns me a Great deal. And it should concern those here recommending random apartments.

I don't support tax evasion either, a federal offense.

It's irresponsible to recommend renting an apartment that is illegal. It is illegal to rent short term apartments for under 30 days in NYC no matter how tired anyone here is of hearing about this. How much money do travel websites garner from the advertising of illegal rentals? Is that what's driving the direction of this discussion?

sf: Ignorance is not part of the poster's mind set. She knows.

I don't think the poster is some hardened criminal, but for people to help in, and advise about, the search for an illegal apt is eye opening.

You want to travel, OK. Travel, and suck up what you have to pay for it. Or don't travel to this particular place in the world. You are taking away legitimate apartments from those who need to live in NYC. It's not just a law for law's sake.

My friend, who is poor, lives in an SRO (single room occupancy). The bathroom, shared, is down the hall. He legitimately lives here. However, his old landlord used to rent out the single rooms to Japanese tourists who paid one hell of a lot more than my friend did. There were transients coming and going all the time. He felt like he didn't have a real home with real neighbors. And, they weren't being used for actual residents of NYC, for whom they legally were zoned for. Finally, the landlord got caught. Needless to say, it's no longer happening there.

As I said before, we recently went to Switzerland - you want to talk about expensive? Yet, somehow, we didn't even think of breaking the law. Call me naive.

Yet, somehow, we didn't even think of breaking the law. Call me naive.
-------------------------------------------------
No, I'd call you decent. Good for you.

gee, I thought Doug Stallings' post was pretty clear. I guess not!

I thought the law was pretty clear. I guess not!

gee.

Is this Junior High? It suddenly seems familiar.

neo:You're doing a fine job as hall monitor. keep it up.

One of my comments was removed. Hey, I can take a hint and Fodor's can piss off.

Wow, this thread was busy while I was away~ The apartment in the east Village is very nice, we got everything we needed and all under budget, $220 a night. It's a 1st floor walk up, very large, spacious, comfy and clean. They bought us a brand new pack n play, nice bonus, my daughter is very comfortable which is great. I'm guessing this apartment is 800+ square feet, really a surprise since that's pretty huge by most NYC standards for a one bedroom. 5 floor to ceiling windows, lots of natural light, it's just lovely. Didn't think it could be done but it was a great find. Location is fantastic, very close to Union Square, Trader Joe's, tons of music venues and lots of fun restaurants and best of all Momofuku Milk Bar! Thanks for everyone's help, I appreciate all the comments and advice.

Giulia: I am so glad that it worked out for you, after all the chatter! Please let us know if we can assist in any way and, in the meantime, I wish you a terrific visit!

Thanks Ekscrunchy, my biggest problem is that my pants will not likely fit by the time we go home, we discovered Pommes Frittes today, the Poutine was delsih! I have to say as far as the location goes, I agree that the area surrounding St. Marks square is a little rough for families, however, this street is quiet, cleaner and nicer than even 2 streets over. It's a perfectly nice locale for us!

i prefer Upper West Side,
whether renting an apartment via craigslist or a hotel.
It is so much relaxing on the upper west side.
least congestions, least noisy, easy to get a cab, lots of activities, feels great.
I love the Upper West side, from W63rd Streets to 92nd Streets.

I found a lot of great apartments on the upper west side, you really seem to get a lot more for your money in that area. Even though our trip was 11 days we are only in the city for 4 nights, if our trip was longer I would have definitely stayed in that area. We are actually doing a walking tour of central park tomorrow, a stop at the library and then ending up at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. We were going to stop at Eataly until two locals told us it's overrated and over priced and overly pretentious, does anyone else agree or should we go anyway?? The city playgrounds are worthy of a thread of their own, we encountered quite a few aggressive little kids AND nannies, verrrrrrry interesting!!

I think one drawback I can think of now that we've been here a few days is that when you are in a hotel you usually have temperature control and in an apartment the heat is often regulated by the building. So it's been warm and there's no heat. Not a problem during the day but the bedroom is pretty darn cold at night for a baby sleeping so near the ground. It would be nice to run some low heat but it's not available. In the grande scheme of things not a big deal at all, but something to remember when traveling in those "in between" seasons of hot or cold.

Can anyone recommend a great restaurant in the area near central park?

"We've already fully and thoroughly explored the subject of illegal rentals in NYC on a previous thread....that being said..." You'll still go with the illegal.

Where do you live?

Giulia: If you have time, I would go to Eataly, just to take in the spectacle. While many of the items are overpriced, there are some that are not.


If you want to buy any kind of Italian foods, either to eat while you are here or to take home, I would head to DiPalo on Grand Street corner of Mott Street. That store is a real treasure, with some of the best prices in Manhattan for high-quality Italian products. DiPalo has a small array of house-made items that you can heat up at home. For example, their eggplant parmesan is excellent, and their baked pasta dishes are also very good. They also sell sandwiches that are just wonderful. Nicer folks you will not find, and they are very generous with tastes and will give you a real tutorial on their meats, cheeses, oils, vinegars, etc. You are within a walk of about 25 minutes or less from your apt, although with the baby, the bus might be a better option.

Where near Central Park? What kind of food?

Thanks for the tip, maybe we will check out Eataly on the way back from the park. DiPalo sounds great, I will go there for sure, I'd love to take home some heat and eat food since I'm staying in at night! The buses have been very handy with the baby, they let us on with the stroller no problem and it's quick to zip around that way. Sure beats going up and down the stairs to the subway with 50 pounds of baby and stroller.

We really like any kind of ethnic food, probably the lower half of the park, I'm sure that's not the correct NY neighborhood terminology

Also today the view from the roof deck of the New Museum was stunning!

Eataly is a huge tourist trap. The advice you've gotten here is 'interesting'.

Eataly does attract lots of tourists, but I cook in my home most nights of the week (mostly Italian or Italian inspired dishes) and at times when I cannot travel further to source ingredients, or off season when the nearby Greenmarket is barren, it is convenient to find them in one place.

I remember being a tourist myself years ago at the Eataly in Torino..boy, did I lug home lots of stuff from that store! Unfortunately we do not have the variety at the NYC branch, but it is still a wonderland of Italian products, even if they favor products from the north and they add a hefty markup. I've never eaten at any of their restaurants, however.

Giulia: I have to get back to you on that one..there is more of a concentration of ethnic places on the far west side, in the 40s and 50s. Let me think on it for a while, or maybe someone else can recommend.