New York one month rental
 

Although I've mentioned this on several threads, I thought I'd start a new one and get more specific. I'm looking to rent a furnished apartment for a month -- May 13 to June 13 in Manhattan. I had thought I prefer Midtown West as we've rented several times in the west 40s and west 50s near 9th and like that area a lot. None of the previous apartments we've rented are available.
I have been contacted about a second floor walk up duplex,however, on 73rd near Columbus. I think I like that area as well -- certainly a nice change from what we're used to, but I'm not familiar with particular streets. Any comments on 73rd? It seems most of those are quiet leafy sort of streets of mainly brownstones, or is this a block with more larger buildings? Nicely kept or more run down? I'm still wating for pictures, but I think this is a private brownstone and the owners rent out the full second floor. It seems to have nice amenities, is available for our dates and has a total price of just under $4000, which suits are budget.
Comments?

I'm wracking my brain to picture that certain block. I used to live on 82nd b/t Columbus and CPW, and I remember all the blocks between mine and 72nd were really pretty - with the exception of 72nd street itself. IMO, you really can't go wrong with that location. I used to work out at the NYSC on 74th, and I'm almost positive that 73rd is nice. All the blocks in that area are really pretty. And you'll be right by the express subways, which is a huge plus.

A friend lives near there on West End. Very nice.

A light bulb just lit up over my head. Yes, at 72nd one way is one subway and at 72nd the other is another subway. So we'd be just a block from either line. And I realized the cross-town (cross- park) bus is on 72nd, so this place is really convenient transport wise.

Well, I anxiously await pictures. The apartment has 13 foot ceilings and a "working fireplace" -- not that we'll need it in May or June -- sure would have been nice this last week, though! And they also provide high speed internet.

73rd isn't bad. 72nd is awful - two way street with buses and so mobbed with subway, bus and shopping people that you may as well be in the subway station itself.

Given the choice I prefer from 79th St north - as being much more quiet and residential - but still with a lot of restaurants and a reasonable number of shops.

Thanks. I live in a wonderful quiet residential place. I'm not going to New York for quiet and residential. So 73rd sounds more to my liking, to be honest.
As many of you know I love being in the middle of the "commotion", otherwise I wouldn't go to New York, I'd just stay home. Compared to my usual digs in the 40's and 50's between 8th and 9th, I suspect the "quiet" factor of 73rd will be quite enough of a change!

I used to live at 75th and Columbus...I think you'll be very happy at 73rd. The blocks are all brownstone...some better looking than others, of course...and as others have mentioned, the bus and subway lines are RIGHT there. Easy to jump into the Park there, too. I am jealous; have a blast!

Here's a website that shows you (mostly) what's on each block on the upper west side. Here's the link for 73 st b/w Columbus and Amsterdam
http://www.nysite.com/westside/blocks/73d.htm

What a great site, Mclaurie, I've never seen that before. I like that you can click any direction and find all the businesses in each block.

NeoPatrick, I'd go for it. That's a great area, which I know you'll love. And, that's a great time of the year for just strolling....and that's a great area for doing that!

Well, I'm pretty much decided -- pending some pictures. You wouldn't believe what I've seen after someone said they had a "beautifully furnished" apartment. There's a limit to what I can live with.
But yes, I'm really now very excited about the location -- a nice change -- like it was when we rented at 71st and 3rd one year.

The area is fabulous. My only advice is make sure you understand clearly how many flights up you are (and if it's a duplex apt., what's on which floor). Some of those older brownstones have steeeeep flights of stairs that can get pretty old after a few days. Think about whether you'll have to climb up and down to go to the bathroom at night ;)

Also ask about a/c. While mid May is usually not so warm, it can get stuffy (or noisy). I'd also want to know if there's a restaurant underneath or next to for smells etc.

Patrick,
My college friend lives on 72nd Street between Columbus and Central Park West. His apartment is about two buildings from the subway station on 72nd. It is a great neighborhood and he lives in a fabulous apartment building. Some have mentioned that 72nd is noisy but when I have been to visit him, I didn't notice the noise at all. Maybe because he lives closer to Central Park West than Columbus but in the evenings the street is very quiet. So 73rd would be even less congested although I know the noise doesn't bother you.

I have always stayed in the same Hell's Kitchen neighborhood as your other apartment and love that area, also. But everytime I visit my friend, his neighborhood is so nice that I am going to try that area next visit. He works on the Upper East side close to Bloomindale's and walks across Central Park to work almost year round. In May and June the park will be so beautiful. Hope the apartment works out for you. Let us know.

Thanks, Paula. I think the reference to 72nd Street is that it is a major street with access directly to and through the park, as well as having two way traffic. Yes, it would be a noisy street, but I fail to see how that really affects a street parallel to it a block away in either direction.

One reason we love the Hell's Kitchen area is that we do theatre every night we're there -- and twice on Wed., Sat., and Sun usually. With a month in NYC, there's NO WAY we can afford to do that much theatre, so the closeness to the theatres really isn't that important. And while I have a lot of favorite restaurants along 9th in the 40's and 50's, it's time to break out for some new finds.

Patrick, Yes I like the Hell's Kitchen area for the same reason as you. Of course, I am usually only there for a week and try to get in as many shows as possible. I also like the restaurants on 9th but have decided to start spending time in other neighborhoods on my upcoming visits.

I understood the reference for 72nd Street but was just pointing out that at least in the evenings it's a quiet street. Last time I visited my friend was after dinner. I took the subway from the Meatpacking District. The station at 72nd was totally empty at 8:30pm. I visited with my friend for a couple of hours and then went out to get a taxi back to my hotel. It was probably around 11pm. There wasn't one person on the street except for the doorman standing outside the building across the street. No vehicles either although I had no problem getting a taxi once I went to Central Park West. I was just surprised how quiet it was (after all this is New York!!). Anyway, I know you will love the neighborhood. Keep us updated on the apartment.

I live on two blocks away from your lcoation. (I'm usually on the european boards, dreaming of my next escape from the city..). The block you mentioned is a beautiful residential block. The UWS isn't reknowned for it's great restaurants, but there are quite a few good mainstays in the area and a few great ones. You are very close to the 1/9/2/3 subway stop at 72nd street, which is perfect for getting to the theater district (my husband works in theater (and I used to), and refuses to leave this neighborhood). In nice weather, you can even walk to the theaters...albiet it will take 20 min to a half hour.

In terms of shopping for food, for the nights you don't want to eat out- you are right near Fariway. Hands down the best market in NYC. It can be very crowded and busy at certain times, but definitely a NYC experience. Best cheese selection and prices around. My mother asks to visit Fairway whenever she is in the city...pricier option next door is Citarella.

Weighing for the UWS vs. Hell's Kitchen. Yes, Hell's Kitchen is great for access to the theaters and for all the restaurants on 9th ave, but the UWS has more space, more breathing room. I lived in Hell's Kitchen for years and when I moved up here, at first I missed the camaraderie of my fellow struggling and about to breakthrough performers, but I much prefer the UWS now. And you are sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park. Your location gives you easy access to 3 subway lines (the B and C are accessible at 72nd and Central Park West). If you want to go the east side for museums, use either the 79th st crosstown bus or the 86th street crosstown. Both are much faster and more pleasent than the 72nd crosstown.

BTW- the 2/3 subway line is the best. i can get to Wall Street quicker than I can get across town. The platform will be very crowded between 9am and 10am (rush hour) and busy again at rush hour in the evening. But you don't have to go to work, so it shouldn't be an issue!

There are two restaurants on 73d, Arte Cafe and Alice's Tea Cup (both towards Columbus on the south side of the street) and one bar on the corner of Bway (but it's a neighborhood bar. Always seem quite to me). I don't think cooking smells should be an issue, as this is a very desirable neighborhood to live in

NeoPatrick....can you update us on this apartment rental? Did the photos continue your interest in renting it? I'm looking for a rental for October and this sounded interesting.

You couldn't have picked a more beautiful area, and why not go for a chance of scene? Our church is up there, and we love just strolling around. You'll be quite close to Zabar's, so be sure to plan at least one day for a picnic lunch in the Park!

Well, the update is that there is no update. I've emailed a couple times but the owner had problems with the pictures (lost the disc?) and so I still haven't seen anything. It makes me wonder how serious they are about renting it. I had the impression this is a new thing for them -- renting it out, so I'm just unsure if this is going to happen at all.

Patrick....sorry that you had trouble with this apartment opportunity. I thought I had found the perfect New York vacation rental on VRBO,near 80th Street and Park Avenue, but they never replied to my two e-mail inquiries. I guess the search goes on.

Patrick,
So sorry your plans aren't moving toward fruition. How frustrating.
I have a friend who lives in Manhattan who mentioned an apartment to us - until she realized we were only staying a week. I'll email her and find out more about it, and where it's located. She lives in the vicinity of the Lincoln Center.
Carol

What a drag. #-O

Well, I got another email from the owner of the place at 73rd and Columbus. He apologized as he's been away for the past week.

Meanwhile he has lost the disc and there are NO pictures.
I'm a little confused by the term "duplex". He mentioned originally that the apartment is on the second floor, and there is actually a second bedroom (the main bedroom has a queen bed). In this email he mentions "The apt is a duplex, high ceilings (with 13 ft), working fire place. You will have the whole apt for yourself. On the second floor, there is a bed and a desk, you can use it as a guest room or an office."

Would you take this to mean that the main part of the apartment is on the second floor but above that is this additional room? I'm used to the term duplex meaning "two side by side apartments in one building", but here does it mean that the actual apartment has two levels?

I also had a phone message from someone I had contacted about a one bedroom in the modern high rise (and on a very high floor) in the building on the SE corner of 50th and 8th. This is right in "my" familiar neighborhood. It's the building with Thalia in it and also a Food Emporium that's in the "basement". I'm waiting to be reminded of the price and details, but I had been waiting to hear if they would accomodate me for our one month stay on our dates. Apparently they will.

I'm just more excited now about the place on 73rd. But I'm a little turned off by not a single picture. I've again requested some, but not sure I'll get them.

I think you're meant to be confused. ;) A duplex generally means 2 "proper" floors in NYC speak. This sounds like a sleeping loft situation meaning they've taken the 13 ft. high ceiling and built a platform above and what he's calling the second floor is really like a sleeping loft/den. I'd ask the question can a 6 ft. adult stand up on the "second" floor. Why not find out if he'd allow a friend to view it for you? I can go in the next week or so.

Wow, what a great offer. Thanks. I'll check.

Mclaurie - that's a really nice thing to offer to do, I hope they will allow it. Patrick, I think the 73rd st one sounds very intersting, and a great chance to check out a new neighborhood - if the apt is all it claims. Good luck & keep us posted!

While I love the idea of the place, I'm not sure why I have a negative feeling about it. Perhaps it's the email telling me there are no pictures because he lost the disc and asking me if I want to book it. I've emailed asking about mclaurie seeing it for me, and I'm sure it partly depends on whether or not it is rented presently. At least I'd like to get an actual address to check it out. How I wish NYC had a site like Paris's pages jeune that lets you see the actual address and the neighborhood.

I too have a bad feeling about this. Even if they've lost "the disc" there should be photos on their computer OR they should be willing to take more. How do they expect to rent to anyone else w/o photos?

Exactly. I'll give it a few days and see if I get a further reply.

And if it's "not convenient" for Mclaurie to see it, I would certainly say "no deal"

Well, that was quick. I got an email saying he didn't blame me for not wanting to rent it blindly, and assured me it is "nice apartment". He has given me his number which he said to send to my "friend" and he'd be glad to show it. I have emailed it to mclaurie.

Oh, and he also said the pictures are a problem because he doesn't "do" that. What he did have were sent to him via Blackberry on T-Mobile -- and he has lost them (not on a disc). He sounds almost as adept at these things as I am. LOL

Stay tuned for further details.

Patrick-Any update on the apartment?

mclaurie had an appointment to see the 73rd one on Wednesday, but the woman showing it couldn't make it. They've rescheduled for Monday. Meanwhile, I've been offered a nice one bedroom on a very high floor with spectacular views at the corner of 8th and 50th for $5000 complete for the 31 nights. This sounds like a lot, but a full apartment for $161 a night is like a hotel for $140 a night before taxes. Tell me where you can get that.

I've looked at hundreds of listings, made a lot of calls, and followed some leads, but have not had much success. Places that rent by the month don't want to commit to a one month rental unless you're moving in tommorrow because it means they can't rent it between now and your arrival. Places that rent by the day or week, don't like to discount much for the month so they get very pricey. And I've found some that would work, except they are already taken for part of our time. Still others have some major drawback -- like being four or five story walk-ups, horrible furnishings, the bed being a double against a wall, no airconditioning, or something else.

So if mclaurie likes the one at 73rd I'll go with that. Otherwise I'll take the high rise, which is very much like the Worldwide Plaza we're used to.

Oh and by the way, the "he" I spoke about who owns the 73rd one is actually a "she", and sounds like she is French, according to mclaurie who has spoken with her on the phone, hence some of the confusion with descriptions, etc.

Thanks for the update. Wow, what a lot of research you have been doing! Let us know about the 73rd apartment after McLaurie sess it. It's good you have an alternative and I know you like the neighborhood of 8th and 50th. Either way sounds like you are set for your visit-finally!!

Wow - for $5K a month, you can rent my apartment!

lizzie, if it's a great location, nicely furnished, and air conditioned, I'd probably be happy to do that. You say "wow" but apparently you haven't looked at what short term rentals go for in New York.

Unfortunately I don't have plans to vacate my apartment anytime soon, but it's nice to know there's a market!

lizzie, a great number of Craigslist listings are obviously apartments owned or fully rented by individuals as their residence. Some advertise them as available by the night on weekends only -- for something like a couple hundred dollars a night. Clearly these people have somewhere they can go for the weekend if they get a renter and they make a little extra money. Others pop up all the time as just being available for a specific week, or 10 day period -- probably the resident is going on a vacation or business trip. Many times these apartments and their closets are pretty cluttered with the resident's personal belongings. So yes. There is a market for this.

Great!

Yikes NeoPatrick. So sorry to hear you've been having so much trouble. Here's hoping something pans out for you soon!