TWTraveler

We have 9 women all turning 50, and we've decided on the BIG Apple. Our travel dates are: June 3 - 8, 2015. Airfare is paid, but now we need accommodations, activities, restaurants, etc. I found a chic Brownstone in Harlem that would accommodate all of us, but I'm getting different opinions on if Harlem is safe or not. We are not opposed to staying in Jersey City, or Brooklyn but are they logistically sound? I know we want be inside most of the day or night but accommodations must be afford ably chic. We would like to keep the group together so a brownstone, loft, home would be needed. I love Manhattan but it is too costly; unless someone knows anything different.

Let me here from my Fodor Family.

starrs

"Let me here from my Fodor Family."
Interesting.

Harlem can be safe, depending on the area.
The "chic Brownstone" is an illegal rental.

"I love Manhattan but it is too costly; unless someone knows anything different. "
What is your budget?

Consider this:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ml#UR246729198

Rhea58

Long Island City might be a better option w/a short subway
ride into Manhattan.

J62

Their budget is affordably chic

nytraveler

I would stay in Manhattan if at all possible - but can;t tell without knowing a specific budget.

Can't tell how comfortable you would be staying in Harlem without knowing specifically where this brownstone is - and yes, unlike most private rentals in NYC - renting a whole house is often legal. Also how comfortable you would be in a neighborhood that is still gentrifying. And are you sure you would have the entire brownstone to yourselves (some have many bedrooms but not public areas.

Long Island City is only 10 to 15 minutes to Manhattan - but may of the hotels are in mixed use areas (some wearhouses, auto body shop as well as budget hotels).

Hyatt Regency in Jersey City can be convenient via PATH - but is a standard business hotel - not a brownstone - and prices are often not much less than Manhattan.

Agree if you give us your budget people may be able to make recos.

Inakauaidavidababy

What is interesting?

SusieQQ

In another thread TWTraveler said that their is 1800.00 max. That info might help nytraveler give some options.

starrs

"In another thread TWTraveler said that their is 1800.00 max. That info might help nytraveler give some options"

So...1800 max for 4 nights = $450 per night with room for 9 women.

$450/night = $150/ night x 3 rooms = enough room for 9 ladies.

The LaQuinta Manhattan has two bedded rooms for $230 for those dates. It's a good affordable hotel option, if not "chic".

clarkgriswold

No Brownstone shared by 9 cackling hens is chic.

vjpblovesitaly

"What is interesting?"

Calling people she's known for a month family? Or maybe the misuse of "here"

sf7307

I'm not sure that brownstone is an illegal rental - if it's an entire private home. My son and his friends stayed in one and loved it (they didn't have a clue it might be illegal - this was a couple of years ago).

nytraveler

Well I would suggest looking at all of the discount sites. I have checked some budget hotels that I know are reliable and they do not have triple rooms for $150 per night - very low for Manhattan.

Where is the brownstone in Harlem and how close to the subway?

I would check hotel prices in LIC - but only ones very close to the subway - and you may well find something in your price range. Country Inn and Suites in LIC have triple rooms (queen and sofa bed) for $170 per night plus tax - but if you search you may find lower rates. Ot check out other hotels in the same area but do be careful of location.

suze

I'm guessing she felt free to use Fodor's family because she got a lot of great information on her question on the Caribbean forum, before they decided on NYC instead.

tenthumbs

Have you tried vrbo.com? There are lots of listings, but you'd have to narrow down what you want.

nytraveler

Yes, but many of them are illegal in NYC - and places for 9 people are not common - making it esp difficult.

nytraveler

Sorry - did a quick check on VRBO and it looks like all listings - even if legal (doubtful) are either way above budget or have only 1 or 1.5 baths - not going to work for NINE women.

tenthumbs

I've read here that Airb&b is illegal in NY, but I wasn't aware VRBO was.

stoweflake

Couple of things. If you do stay in Harlem, be sure to take one of the Harlem walking tours. It's is very interesting and eat at the Red Rooster. The owner has a book I just read called Yes, chef.
about his journey as an adoptee from Nigeria to Sweden to a famous chef in NYC!

Also, that side of Central Park, starting at I think 103 street is beautiful. It looks like upstate New York in addition, there are gardens that side of Central Park that are just amazing. Also, the Museum of the City of New York has some interesting movies/displays.
Good Luck. Sounds like fun

DebitNM

Most short term [less than 30 days] rentals of apartments [condos, co-ops ] are illegal in Manhattan. It has nothing to do with where they are listed - vrbo, craigslist, airbnb etc. A privately-owned, single family home most likely CAN be legally rented, but of course, must meet NYC guidelines.

logandog

Nine times fifty is four hundred fifty.
You should stay home and celebrate with your families, or take them with you.