Just returned from 6 nites in NYC. Brought DD to college at FIT, stayed in an apartment and a studio - same owner, same building - in Chelsea, found on vrbo.com (There were 5 of us, total)

Apartment was a one bedroom with bath, kitchen, living area, about 700 sf. A steal at $240 a night. Clean, modern, VERY comfy bed, great location on a tree lined street. Also rented the studio for $180 per night. LARGE bedroom, tons of storage, full bath, small refrig, stove, microwave. Only negatives were the lack of an elevator - apartment on 3rd, studio on 2nd. Really, no big deal except twice - when moving 8 suitcases up and then down (Daugter and best friend college stuff...) and it took awhile for the window AC units to get working.

Theatre: Wicked - wonderful.

Food: Roberto Passon - after reading reviews here and menupages. Honestly, it was good. Not great. Service excellent.

Fredericks in Chelsea - liked everything about it - food, wine, service, atmosphere. We weren't rushed. Great experience.

Billy Bakery: (9th 22nd) Can't beat the vanilla cupcakes.

Moonstruck Diner (9th &23) - basic diner breakfast. Reasonable rates. Coffee - eh.

Vice Versa: (51st) Great meal, service, atmosphere. Pistachio encrusted Halibut...YUM.

Good drinks - wine and martinis - Porters (8th Ave btwn 23/22)

Wow! That's a great deal. I'm going to check into vrbo next time.

Wasn't Wicked fabulous! It's still my fav.

Glad you had a good experience with vrbo. Others should tread cautiously though and remember most apt. rentals from individuals are illegal (ie building doesn't allow short term rentals). There are also lots of scams.

Yes Starrs, "Wicked was...well..Wicked!" My favorite line is still "There's a goat on the lam!" The woman who played Elphaba was amazing.

mclaurie - there are 6 apartments in the building and the woman owns 4 of them. She lives in one of them. I don't know if that makes a difference. I did have to pay a deposit up front (used my credit card) and gave $100 cash deposit upon my arrival. (I got it back at check out). I had to pay with a cashier's check, which was made out to a company rather than an individual. I plan to make the studio my home base whenever I can.

Hi Austin!

Thanks for the report. It sounded like a fun and busy time. I know it was not easy to leave your baby in the big city but she has such an exciting life ahead of her.

What a fun trip. And now you have an excuse to visit more often. What adventures you both will have.