What can I say about Harlem that people haven't said before- come and explore the city, and you'll fall in love over and over again. I frequently visit NYC for vacation & this was my second time staying in Harlem. This neighborhood is beautiful. Strivers Row is filled with brownstones, beautiful sidewalks, trees, and an air so crisp that we truly knew fall was in the here. Not to mention there is a cool Chess & Backgammon shop on the way to the subway so each morning and every night we saw locals playing which was neat.

From the start, Joy was responsive and inquired about our flight so that she could prepare the place. There was a binder containing info about the history of Strivers Row, the WIFI access network and PW, and a list of convenience stores and restaurant around the area. I didn't look at it much, because we already had ideas of where to navigate during our week long stay. TIP- the selection of Grub Hub is not too great in this area, and whatever you do DO NOT order from Coccola Pizza. Terrible soggy pizza with the worst delivery time!

The apartment was clean, and Joy left towels for us to use as well. Anything we needed to use it was practically there- fridge, hand soap, cups, blankets, etc. "Mi casa es su casa."

For those worrying about getting a peaceful night sleep, have no fear. The bedroom is fairly quiet, with the exception that because the building has old wood floors we hear the tenants from above loudly walking each morning around 8am. My advice is to take zzquil. A friend slept in the living room near the windows toward the street, and like all NY standards there will be random instances of music bumping, arguments, alarms, and sirens.

The bed was great for those that prefer a firmer mattress. My GF and I woke up feeling refreshed every morning to do 12 hour days of non stop eating and walking. We found ourselves hanging out down the street for Monday Night Football at Harlem Tavern- make sure you check this place out for any sporting event and grab a beer. For West Coasters, Roscoe's is trash. Make sure you visit Amy Ruth's on 116th as well as Sylvia's on 125th which was only a hop & skip away from the place.

Joy, thank you for the hospitality!