Ralph's penthouse apartment in SoHo is hands-down amazing. If you have the opportunity to stay here, do not—I repeat, do not—pass it up.
After our hosts in Brooklyn canceled on us last-minute (literally hours before our plane was set to leave), I requested Ralph's place, and he responded within minutes, allowing me to book his place and alleviating the stress of arriving to New York not knowing where my family and I were staying. There were four of us traveling together ranging in age from 18 to 70, and this massive penthouse was perfect for a multi-generational family (and we obviously could have easily slept another couple people at that). Thanks to elevator access, the unit is accessible to those with mobility problems as there is one bedroom suite on one floor and two bedroom suites on the other (both floors have elevator access).
We were playing tourist, so we did not cook in the apartment, but the kitchen was large and very well-equipped for preparing meals. Everything throughout the apartment was brand new and luxe—including the bathrooms, showers and fixtures—giving the feeling you were staying in a Thompson Hotel or Four Seasons and not an apartment. It was also extremely quiet and peaceful, surprising given that we were staying in the heart of Manhattan. The apartment was just a few blocks' walk from many of the major subway lines, so we were able to get around Manhattan island and Brooklyn with ease and not rely on taxis and ride-shares.
But the best part of the whole stay was the views. The apartment looks out onto downtown, and you have a clear view of the WTC and Lower Manhattan skyline from two of the bedrooms, as well as the private rooftop deck, which was the perfect spot to wind down with a glass of wine after a long New York day.
Ralph and his son made checking in and learning the ropes very easy as they texted us videos on how to get in, take the elevator and get into the unit. They were accessible by text throughout our stay had we needed anything, and I appreciated the A++ New York hospitality. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime apartment rentals that makes you truly feel like a New Yorker and allows you to stay right in the middle of all the action in SoHo, so again, if it's within your means, you absolutely will not be disappointed!