We were a group of four friends - three of whom were celebrating big birthdays - and arriving in NYC at different times for our special holiday. Our host was on the ball! I had emailed to ask for advice on transfers from Newark and JFK and Julia responded straight away and included details of how to check-in to the apartment. The apartment was just like it said in the listing. Beautifully decorated, light and spacious with all mod cons. There were four of us women sharing which meant a bit of pressure on the bathroom at times. However the shower was great and there was no shortage of hot water. The only thing one of our party missed was a full-length mirror but with friends like us we gave her our honest opinion on every outfit!

Our host was very considerate and when one of our party took sick she let us stay on past check-out to avoid an uncomfortably long wait at the airport - thank you Julia :)

The area was lovely and we took our hosts advice a visited some of the recommended coffee shops and restaurants in and around Lenox Ave/ Malcolm X Blvd and we were not disappointed. There is a great deli nearby with lots of tempting treats as well as a supermarket, wine shop and pharmacy. Everything you need really. East Harlem is steeped in history and the local people were friendly and courteous. You have to try out Sylvia's for brunch on a Sunday but I would advise booking beforehand. Famous for a lot of things the food was superb and I came away with a bottle of their famous hot sauce as a memento of our visit.

Getting about is really easy (once you have worked out the grid system of NYC). Our host had kindly provided a NYC Subway map and other useful tourist information. The nearest Subway to head Downtown is at East 125th Street just a short walk from the apartment. Buy a Metro card at the station and just top it up as you need it. It is a great way to get about.

It was Memorial Day weekend and Fleet Week when we were there so the city was full of sailors. We were able to recreate our 'Sex in the City' moment when a group of young uniformed officers came walking towards us on Times Square. It may have been lost on them but certainly not on us! The highlights of our trip include visiting the USS Barry, The Dead Rabbit (Water Street), the 9/11 Memorial, Stand Up NY, Central Park and watching Les Miserables at the Imperial Theatre. Of course all this was made possible by curling up on the settee in the lounge with a cup of tea in our pyjamas planning the next day. Great memories made and we hope to return again someday :)