I wish I would have read the reviews before staying here!! This was my first experience using Air B and B so honestly I had zero expectations. I did read Roosevelt's description of his home and about New York City, and there were a couple things that weren't quite truthful.
The biggest issue we had was commute and cost into Manhattan. Yes, there is a bus stop right outside his three plex, but I can promise you, it is NOT a 20 minute commute to Times Square. You can not just get on the bus and get right there. There are transfers and fees associated with this. We google mapped the best routes as well as had our daughter use her app for NY transit. From the ABB you'll need to get to via walk, bus, taxi, Uber to Journal Square transit which will take you as far as WTC then you exit and walk or get on another Subway. Depending on time of day it's anywhere from 45 to an hours time. We ended up spending close to $500 more (some by choice, most) on transportation getting to and from stations around the city just because it was a long commute by train or bus.
The neighborhood is not the best in Jersey City. We were warned by two different drivers to be aware of the location. One went so far as to say there is a line between the good and the bad and the ABB location was in the bad area.. We never felt unsafe as we were never outside at night unless we were exiting a vehicle to enter the unit.
The neighbors upstairs were HORRIBLY NOISY!!! We assumed the upstairs two units were rentals, but in a text to the host he referred to the second floor as ABB'ers too. The first night we tolerated the noise well into the wee hours of the morn only because it was a Saturday night. However it happened again the following evening. Stomping, screaming, chairs and furniture being drug across the floor again into the morning hours. When I contacted Roosevelt he simply sent a screen shot that he had asked them to refrain from being noisy, that he had gotten no response, and that I should call the police.
Our first impression was it was very dirty outside on the property. I was surprised that he hired someone, charges a cleaning fee, however, they don't pick up outside. We arrived about 2pm and were able to store our stuff in the garage, which in no way could fit 5 cars. Maybe three as it's long and narrow. The one side was filled with furniture, garbage cans, junk.....we came back at 4:03 pm and the place was still being cleaned. The cleaning lady entered the premises after 4 two separate occasions while we were trying to get settled. Later that evening I saw there was a message that the Host was going to "stop by" to check on things. I saw it later into the evening and there would have been no way we could have been back in time. As this is a completely private unit, I still have my concerns as to why he was able to enter while we were staying there. We found the inside was minimally outfitted with the absolute basic necessities, while I can easily adapt, I was surprised to see for the price, the towels in the bathroom were shop rags with zero absorbency. The beds were horribly uncomfortable.
I would NOT stay here agin.
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