We will be in NYC during the Christmas holidays and looking to rent an apt. in Manhattan for a week or so. Any leads on who I could contact to do that. We are ex' New yorkers and would prefer an apt. to a hotel.

What is your budget? Many executive rentals are a minimum of a month. We rented a wonderful place for a month, but they also do weekly. It's the Allen House on 71st and 3rd Avenue -- a great neighborhood, with large prewar apartments absolutely beautifully furnished and fully decorated. But expect to pay about $275 or so per night for a one bedroom apt.

Across from Julliard on the West Side is a wonderful place that also rents by the week -- called The Phillips Club. Expect to pay considerably more than at the Allen House, and although the places are really beautiful, they are considerably smaller. Plus because it is essentially a hotel you will also pay the high tax, which does not apply to the Allen House.

In the Theatre District there is Radio City Apartments. My impression is that these are sparse sort of "college dorm" like places, but the prices are to match. In the same area is the very expensive FlatHotel, which is really much more a hotel than an apartment building with four or five star hotel prices to match.

There is another place on East 50th (I think) called San Remo? Large older apartments for rent by the week or maybe even less.

Try the Bridge Suite apartments on East 60th Street -- definitely no frills, maybe too basic for you but worth a look.

You might try www.hospitalityco.com.

bar153,
There are several B&B short term rental co. you can try: Manhattan Home Stay, manhattangetaways.com, athomeny.com, city lights B and B, Abode, hospitality.com, and new york habitat. Hope this helps. I prefer renting apt . to hotel also.