starrs

Fodor's review - page 242 - (not a paid ad as previously alleged) -

http://books.google.com/books?id=jb2...page&q&f=false

Bowsprit

Yet again, you're not accessing reliable sources for information. Your argument is moot, starrs. (But I will say, starrs, that I do acknowledge your tendency to be bothered by facts and will recognize your need to defend your opinions as if they were facts.)

Conversely, for the responsible consumer, take the time to read the Dept. of Buildings violations pages. They're right there for all to see. This information is made public to Protect the public. This is important.

If one is considering staying in a non-traditional (by NYC standards) lodging, including B&Bs and apartments, the Dept of Buildings should be routinely accessed by those making (and recommending) lodging choices. Caveat emptor.

It is irresponsible to continue to promote illegal hotels.

starrs

Bowsprit, I understand that we will not find agreement on this.

On one side, we have Fodors guidebooks, bedandbreakfast.com, AAA, Frommers (as I mentioned earlier)- and hotels.com, orbitz etc as sf3707 added today. We have Gwendolyn, a Fodorite who lives nearby who has posted on this thread. We have the OP/eznmomma who just stayed there and reported back.

On the other side, we have Bowsprit.

We are all adults. We can all make our own decisions. In this case, I know which side is more convincing to me. Your feelings and thoughts on that don't matter to me.

Best wishes and happy travels.

Bowsprit

On the other side, we have Bowsprit.
_________________________________________________

Typically, you're missing the salient points once again. Try this instead:

On one side we have travel guidebooks and travel sites that don't vet their advertisers.

On the other side, we have the Department of Buildings of the City of New York that is totally transparent and has no hidden agenda but whose job it is to protect the consumer and uphold the laws of NYC. It is their job to make sure that hotels, B&Bs, Inns, and rental units are operating under full compliance with the laws of NYC.

These are not feelings and thoughts. This is a no-brainer, (perfect for you!). This is fact.

It doesn't matter how many anonymous people review the place. It is still operating illegally. It doesn't matter how many people say it's dirty/clean, run-down, has a sign out, none/some smoke alarms, not enough lights in the hallways, exits blocked/unblocked, windows that won't/will open, elevators that do/don't work. It only matters what the Department of Buildings has to say about a place. You can read all about it on the Dept. of Bldgs. website.

starrs: I've made it much easier for you to take adult action when faced with a dilemma concerning the legitimacy of a hotel or B&B in New York City. You don't have to rely on your ill-conceived opinions in this regard ever again.

You're welcome.

ekscrunchy

Curious as to how many violations would turn up on a search for a random apartment building...tried to search for my own (I know at least one neighbor who lives without a C of O) but found the building not listed!


What is the concern about renting a place on the DOB list? Just curious.

I know someone who will not eat in a restaurant without an A grade from the Dept of Health.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/rii/index.shtml

emd3

I used B&B cards bought at Costco to stay at a real B&B in Staten Island. It was a big old house that had rooms for guests, and she served breakfast like a real B&B. Was that an illegal place?

Bowsprit

eks: Your bldg. is not there because there haven't been violations filed. The assumption is they're not operating an illegal hotel nor have they failed to file the proper permits for any work that may have been done. It makes no sense to stay in a place that is being run illegally and does not pass muster for safety. Restaurants will ultimately be closed if they don't meet certain standards. Public safety is the concern for these agencies.

emd3: I have no idea about the status of that B&B. Did you check?