We are thinking of staying on that block in NYC next April or May. I would appreciate any advice about the area (subway/bus access; restaurants; general steeet scene; etc.)

14th St is a main crosstown street with a lot of traffic at all hours including a bus line. There are a lot of stores at street level and offices above. Very busy and not especially pleasant but a good location for subways - including a 14th St crosstown. Union Square is a couple of blocks east.

If you go to google maps you can see the actual street and building.

That block is pretty non-descript. There are subways on the corner on 6 and 7 Avenues, the L that will take you across 14th Street and at Union Square which is a two long blocks is Union Square with 4,56, L, Q, N, R.

There are also buses on every avenue.

You are near the meastpacking district, West Village and East Village all with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

That's pretty much it--great subway connections nearby and, if you like to walk, within easy walking distance of the Village, SoHo, Chelsea, etc.

HTTY

If you do decide to stay there, you aren't far from the Chelsea Market and the High Line Walk. We ate at Buddakan restaurant which is right beside the Chelsea Market and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned yet that vacation rentals for less than 30 days are mostly illegal now in NYC. I don't know of any hotels or b & b's on that block. The closest legal place I know of is Chelsea Pines. http://www.chelseapinesinn.com/ You absolutely don't want to take the chance of renting something illegally and committing money this far in advance. If you want the space of an apt. and/or a kitchen, there are plenty of suite hotels or b & b's that offer the equivalent.

mclaurie--Thank you. I just learned about the short-term rental ban yesterday. Do you know what happens if the owner and I arrange for a shorter rental? Is this "discovered" by officials in some way? Have there been "evictions"? prosecutions? or what? I understand the law is relatively new (May 1 I think) so the enforcement situation may not yet be clear, but I would appreciate anything you or others can provide.

The problem is not "enforcement" by the authorities.

The risks are: It's a co-op or condo and one of the legitimate residents complains - and you can be removed as a trespasser (no legal right to be there)

It's a rental building and the landlord finds out - ditto

A much bigger risk is that it's a scam - see post above where the OP lost $500.

And if are planning on renting a car, that block and the one west are notorious for parking tickets.

Why would you expect anyone on the forum to help you break the law? A shorter rental doesn't help at all. What's wrong with booking a hotel or b & b? If you want to stay in Chelsea, www.chelsealodgesuites.com and http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html
In the village, west-eleventh.com and gvhabitue.com