4/5 BR Rental Apartment in New York City?
Sep 21st, 2009, 08:05 PM
#41
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Staten Island and Brooklyn are part of New York City. Staten Island is all residential and mostly homes with a few apartment buildings and condos. Newark, would take you more time and ALOT more money to get in and out of Manhattan. Jersey City, is closer to transportation to and from Manhattan, but again, you will spend alot of time getting to the Path Train and into the city.
Trust us, most of the New York experts on this site, LIVE IN the city.
I am north of Harlem in Hamilton Heights, one of the fastest genrifying areas of the city, which is why I recommended the Harlem Landmark Guest House. There is a website for information and rates, and would work in your budget. Basically you could rent the whole house within your budget. I toured the Inn not long ago and thought it was nicely done, lovely rooms, most with private bathrooms. bathrooms. There's also a living room and dining room.
Trust us, most of the New York experts on this site, LIVE IN the city.
I am north of Harlem in Hamilton Heights, one of the fastest genrifying areas of the city, which is why I recommended the Harlem Landmark Guest House. There is a website for information and rates, and would work in your budget. Basically you could rent the whole house within your budget. I toured the Inn not long ago and thought it was nicely done, lovely rooms, most with private bathrooms. bathrooms. There's also a living room and dining room.
Sep 21st, 2009, 08:50 PM
#42
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"I noticed places in Jersey City, Newark, Brooklyn, and Staten Island It is illegal to rent in those places like it is in Manhattan?"
It is probably illegal to rent the same type of spaces that it is illegal to rent in Manhattan. The majority of apartments in Manhattan are in multiple-family buildings that fall into four categories:
1-rental apartments where residents leases from a landlord
2-cooperative apartments where residents owns "shares" in the building corporation
3-condominium apartments where resident/owner owns apartment
4-apartment occupied by the owner of the building (the least common situation)
In the case of 1, 2, and 3, the residents have signed an agreement/lease/proprietary lease that heavily restricts the subleasing of their apartment, making it impossible to sublet for a few days at a time. They can't sublease at all without getting the approval of the landlord or coop or condo board.
In the case of 4, if it's a very small building, the owner of the building can rent their space however they'd like.
I would expect the same restrictions to be placed on situations 1, 2, and 3 in the suburbs.
As others have said, many of the apartments on VRBO may be genuine offers by someone who is not attempting a scam, but technically they may not be legal rentals. Everything might go well--but If something goes wrong, you will have 3 generations, 8 adults, standing on a NYC street wondering what to do. I wouldn't take that chance with my grandma.
It is probably illegal to rent the same type of spaces that it is illegal to rent in Manhattan. The majority of apartments in Manhattan are in multiple-family buildings that fall into four categories:
1-rental apartments where residents leases from a landlord
2-cooperative apartments where residents owns "shares" in the building corporation
3-condominium apartments where resident/owner owns apartment
4-apartment occupied by the owner of the building (the least common situation)
In the case of 1, 2, and 3, the residents have signed an agreement/lease/proprietary lease that heavily restricts the subleasing of their apartment, making it impossible to sublet for a few days at a time. They can't sublease at all without getting the approval of the landlord or coop or condo board.
In the case of 4, if it's a very small building, the owner of the building can rent their space however they'd like.
I would expect the same restrictions to be placed on situations 1, 2, and 3 in the suburbs.
As others have said, many of the apartments on VRBO may be genuine offers by someone who is not attempting a scam, but technically they may not be legal rentals. Everything might go well--but If something goes wrong, you will have 3 generations, 8 adults, standing on a NYC street wondering what to do. I wouldn't take that chance with my grandma.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:18 AM
#43
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Have y ou ever heard the expression "If it sounds too good to be true..."
I offer advice many times on Boston to unsuspecting travelers who cringe at the high cost of genuine decent accomodations in convenient areas of Boston - it is a similar situation for NY. Please listen to the above NY locals who know what they are talking about. You, as a visitor, are not going to find some true "deal" that no one else has ever thought of or located - no matter how much research you do. Millions of people visit NYC every year - and the reason hotels charge so much is that they can - if there were low cost solutions that actually worked, people would use them and hotels would have to charge less.
Since you are the organizer of this, imagine arriving at a place with your 3 generations and finding the place non-existent, illegal, dangerous, sketchy, or otherwise unacceptable.
I offer advice many times on Boston to unsuspecting travelers who cringe at the high cost of genuine decent accomodations in convenient areas of Boston - it is a similar situation for NY. Please listen to the above NY locals who know what they are talking about. You, as a visitor, are not going to find some true "deal" that no one else has ever thought of or located - no matter how much research you do. Millions of people visit NYC every year - and the reason hotels charge so much is that they can - if there were low cost solutions that actually worked, people would use them and hotels would have to charge less.
Since you are the organizer of this, imagine arriving at a place with your 3 generations and finding the place non-existent, illegal, dangerous, sketchy, or otherwise unacceptable.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:45 AM
#44
You can get 4 rooms at a moderate hotel and still be in your budget (for example, the LaQuinta in Manhattan). That would give you 4 bathrooms, a much better location, free breakfast for everyone, near a subway station and just a much better NYC experience for your large group - IMO anyway.
I'd choose 4 rooms at a regular hotel or one of the suite hotel options listed above rather the vrbo.com options for NYC.
I'd choose 4 rooms at a regular hotel or one of the suite hotel options listed above rather the vrbo.com options for NYC.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:53 AM
#46
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I just want to point out to the OP that it is very unlikely that you could get a Priceline room or a deal for next APRIL, which is the high season for travel to NYC. I suspect (assuming the economy improves) that prices in NYC will be higher by then.
If you can get the B&B that travelbuff recommends, that would be a really good deal and not a horrible commute.
Having said that I'm not in complete agreement with everyone here. If you can find a hotel on a subway line in either Brooklyn or Queens, it could be much cheaper than a similar place in Manhattan. And if you can get a hotel near a PATH station in Jersey City, Pavonia/Newport, or Journal Square in NJ, that would not be a horrible commute either. The Hyatt in Jersey City looks very nice, and it's near a (fairly expensive) ferry service that brings you directly across the river into Manhattan.
What I would avoid are rooms in the Secaucus/Meadowlands area of NJ. If you have to take buses, then the cost for 8 people is going to be fairly high every time you come into Manhattan (probably more like $8 to $10 round-trip per person).
But I hope you've backed off completely on the idea of an apartment rental. They just aren't a good idea in NYC, especially with that many people. It would be virtually impossible to find a well-priced hotel alternative in case something went wrong.
If you can get the B&B that travelbuff recommends, that would be a really good deal and not a horrible commute.
Having said that I'm not in complete agreement with everyone here. If you can find a hotel on a subway line in either Brooklyn or Queens, it could be much cheaper than a similar place in Manhattan. And if you can get a hotel near a PATH station in Jersey City, Pavonia/Newport, or Journal Square in NJ, that would not be a horrible commute either. The Hyatt in Jersey City looks very nice, and it's near a (fairly expensive) ferry service that brings you directly across the river into Manhattan.
What I would avoid are rooms in the Secaucus/Meadowlands area of NJ. If you have to take buses, then the cost for 8 people is going to be fairly high every time you come into Manhattan (probably more like $8 to $10 round-trip per person).
But I hope you've backed off completely on the idea of an apartment rental. They just aren't a good idea in NYC, especially with that many people. It would be virtually impossible to find a well-priced hotel alternative in case something went wrong.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 04:55 AM
#47
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Did you check Radio City Apartments? Good location in Midtown, reasonable rates, real apartments. You could reserve several apartments there or in one of the Affinia suite properties and always change later if you find something better or cheaper.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 09:00 AM
#51
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You also might look into the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor (Weehawken, NJ). It is right across the Hudson River from midtown, and a ferry (NY Waterway, Lincoln Harbor Port Ferry) right outside the door of the hotel(literally) goes to W. 39th st. Midtown every 15 min. on weekdays and takes 8 minutes to cross the river. Courtesy buses are available on the NYC side of that ferry to various popular NYC locations.
In the late night hours and on weekends when that ferry doesn't run late at night, the hotel has a free shuttle to and from another ferry a few min. away (NY Waterway Port Imperial Port Ferry, .5 miles from the hotel). Ditto the free buses on the NYC side of the ferry.
Rates are very reasonable at that hotel and it is nice, the rooms have small kitchens and living areas aside from the sleeping area. I stayed there this summer (2 dble beds and a sleep sofa for $99). I checked your dates 4/1 thru 4/11 and there are rms w/2 double beds and a dble sleep sofa or King and dble sleep sofa for $200.10 INCLUSIVE OF TAXES. Good deal.
You get a break on the ferry cost if you buy a pass for 10 rides. It is about $6 a ride from those terminals to midtown 39th st. with the price break for the 10 ride deal. You can also get to downtown NYC from the Port Imperial ferry.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...ropertyID=1177
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...ult.aspx?ID=99
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...2/Default.aspx
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...2/Default.aspx
In the late night hours and on weekends when that ferry doesn't run late at night, the hotel has a free shuttle to and from another ferry a few min. away (NY Waterway Port Imperial Port Ferry, .5 miles from the hotel). Ditto the free buses on the NYC side of the ferry.
Rates are very reasonable at that hotel and it is nice, the rooms have small kitchens and living areas aside from the sleeping area. I stayed there this summer (2 dble beds and a sleep sofa for $99). I checked your dates 4/1 thru 4/11 and there are rms w/2 double beds and a dble sleep sofa or King and dble sleep sofa for $200.10 INCLUSIVE OF TAXES. Good deal.
You get a break on the ferry cost if you buy a pass for 10 rides. It is about $6 a ride from those terminals to midtown 39th st. with the price break for the 10 ride deal. You can also get to downtown NYC from the Port Imperial ferry.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...ropertyID=1177
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...ult.aspx?ID=99
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...2/Default.aspx
http://www.nywaterway.com/Home/Ridet...2/Default.aspx
Sep 22nd, 2009, 10:35 AM
#52
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Getting back to your Affinia possibilty, If you book a 2 bedroom and a 1 bedroom that would probably be enough to sleep 8 and would be closer to your budget. I've seen 1 bedrooms at the Shelburne (an Affinia hotel) and some of the 1 bedrooms have 2 queen beds in the bedroom plus a sofa bed in the living room, so it could easily sleep 4 or 5 if people are willing to share a bed. They also have kitchens and dining areas.
You may want to call Affinia directly, and tell them your circumstance. They may be able to put together a comfortable combination of suites.
You may want to call Affinia directly, and tell them your circumstance. They may be able to put together a comfortable combination of suites.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 10:38 AM
#53
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I just want to add, I don't recommend staying anywhere north of the 90s. It may not be a comfortable neighborhood for an out-of-towner. There are some decent area there, but it could be hit and miss, and if you aren't used to NYC in general, it may not ne comfortable in any case.
If you stay outside of Manhattan you also have to be careful with neighborhoods and you need to cnsider the cost, convenience and time involved with commuting back and forth.
If you stay outside of Manhattan you also have to be careful with neighborhoods and you need to cnsider the cost, convenience and time involved with commuting back and forth.
Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:26 PM
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The suggestion of a place in Brooklyn/Queens is interesting, except reading "3 generations" I am wondering about the stamina of the oldest generation. It is a long subway ride, and can be an involved one with lots of walking and steps. Just one more thing to think about.
I still say Starrs 4 rooms--and the accompanying baths--in Manhattan is the answer.
I still say Starrs 4 rooms--and the accompanying baths--in Manhattan is the answer.
Sep 23rd, 2009, 05:27 AM
#57
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Of course I am back - such a wealth of information in incredible!
With a tear in my eye, I am going to give up the idea to rent an apartment - something which has worked out so beautifully in other cities.
It will be the first - and maybe the last - trip to America for my parents and we will show them NYC (of course), but also Washington D.C. and something of the countryside, maybe the Amish region and/or something along the Hudson river (I have already read the threads here in this forum).
Our original idea was to stay for the whole period of 11 days in an apartment and do day trips by train from there.
But after learning that you can rent apartments everywhere via VRBO but not in NYC, we will probably stay for four or five nights in a New York hotel and then rent a car and drive through the countryside.
The Priceline tip is invaluable. There have been wins of the Roosevelt Hotel at 110$ per night for a double room. That makes 440$ for eight people per night - hard to beat. I will also check the Sheraton. And I also check the recommended suite hotels.
Give me two or three days time, and I will return and tell you what we will have done.
In the meantime, any other tip is greatly appreciated. You are so helpful, Fodorites, as always. Thank you.
With a tear in my eye, I am going to give up the idea to rent an apartment - something which has worked out so beautifully in other cities.
It will be the first - and maybe the last - trip to America for my parents and we will show them NYC (of course), but also Washington D.C. and something of the countryside, maybe the Amish region and/or something along the Hudson river (I have already read the threads here in this forum).
Our original idea was to stay for the whole period of 11 days in an apartment and do day trips by train from there.
But after learning that you can rent apartments everywhere via VRBO but not in NYC, we will probably stay for four or five nights in a New York hotel and then rent a car and drive through the countryside.
The Priceline tip is invaluable. There have been wins of the Roosevelt Hotel at 110$ per night for a double room. That makes 440$ for eight people per night - hard to beat. I will also check the Sheraton. And I also check the recommended suite hotels.
Give me two or three days time, and I will return and tell you what we will have done.
In the meantime, any other tip is greatly appreciated. You are so helpful, Fodorites, as always. Thank you.
Sep 23rd, 2009, 05:55 AM
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traveller1959,
Thanks for the update.
"Daytrips" from New York City to Washington DC and the Amish region would be too far to do well in a day. Parts of the Hudson River Valley are possible from New York City, but with 8 people a mini-van would be better to really see the area.
Breaking your trip as you now propose in a better idea. Your family will get the vibe of the city for a good number of days, and then experience some countryside and other sights.
Thanks for the update.
"Daytrips" from New York City to Washington DC and the Amish region would be too far to do well in a day. Parts of the Hudson River Valley are possible from New York City, but with 8 people a mini-van would be better to really see the area.
Breaking your trip as you now propose in a better idea. Your family will get the vibe of the city for a good number of days, and then experience some countryside and other sights.
Sep 23rd, 2009, 08:32 AM
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I don't mean to make you crazy, but winning a Priceline bid for 4 rooms in the same hotel at Easter time for more than a night or two at a time is really unlikely and unrealistic. Even when people are just looking for 1 room we advise booking a backup reservation that can be canceled should bidding not work.
While it's true that renting an apartment large enough for 8 of you in Manhattan is usually not possible and often not legal, all the places I've mentioned:
In Manhattan
http://www.vrbo.com/115235
In Maplewood
http://www.vrbo.com/183905
and in Queens
Collectionofresidences.com
are perfectly legitimate and to my knowledge legal. They're all private homes, not apartments. In the case of the one in Manhattan, the owners live in the building.
I also agree that most of the places you listed as side trips are not easily done in a day. By staying in other places you can reduce cost since nowhere is as pricey as Manhattan. Both the place in Manhattan and the house in Maplewood, NJ only rent for a minimum of a week. But you could rent the townhouse in Woodside Queens for say 5 days to explore NYC and then rent a van and do some touring around for the rest of the time. Washington definitely requires more than a daytrip. Here's a link from Tripadvisor that started a year ago in which the Collection of Residences were discussed, scouted and some folks posted who'd stayed there.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ere-New_York_C
While it's true that renting an apartment large enough for 8 of you in Manhattan is usually not possible and often not legal, all the places I've mentioned:
In Manhattan
http://www.vrbo.com/115235
In Maplewood
http://www.vrbo.com/183905
and in Queens
Collectionofresidences.com
are perfectly legitimate and to my knowledge legal. They're all private homes, not apartments. In the case of the one in Manhattan, the owners live in the building.
I also agree that most of the places you listed as side trips are not easily done in a day. By staying in other places you can reduce cost since nowhere is as pricey as Manhattan. Both the place in Manhattan and the house in Maplewood, NJ only rent for a minimum of a week. But you could rent the townhouse in Woodside Queens for say 5 days to explore NYC and then rent a van and do some touring around for the rest of the time. Washington definitely requires more than a daytrip. Here's a link from Tripadvisor that started a year ago in which the Collection of Residences were discussed, scouted and some folks posted who'd stayed there.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ere-New_York_C
