For those thinking of staying in an apartment or B&B in NYC please read the above. There ARE semes legitimate B&B - but make sure any you stay in are legal. In the last year the city has issued more than 1900 violation notices (many for incorrect certificates of occupany and not complying with fire safety regulations). They have also closed a number of illegal hostels and residential buildings used as hotels.

Visitors should not be fooled by the fact that many of these places are openly advertisied - that does not guarantee - or even imply - legality. If you are considering this be sure you get proof of legality of the property (ask to see C of Os for use as a B&B - or proof that an apartment is in fact in a town house owned by a single family (not a multi-residential building, which would be illegal).

I know more people seem to be using looking at this type of property versus a real hotel - but be very careful you are not either scammed - or caught up in a building being closed by the city. (There have been more than one incident of a building summarily closed and the "guests" and their luggage removed on the spot and left to look for anohter place to stay.)