Laurie was just brilliant. It felt like staying with an old friend. Laurie is so very helpful and caring about what she does. Her hospitality started way before my friend and I arrived with her friendly emails, giving us advice about how best to travel to her home from the airport, and about money off vouchers for bike rental in Central Park. We arrived at her home really late, and Laurie and her brother Colin were there to welcome us with a glass of wine, and Colin even took our huge cases up the stairs. Laurie lent my friend a coat whilst we were staying- as it was colder than we had expected. I visited New York partly as a tourist, but also to visit my daughter who is studying over there. Laurie was so kind in allowing my daughter to stay over one night. We slept in Peters room, which was great. That meant so much to me as it meant my daughter and I could be together late at night. Staying in Peter's room also meant that it was ok for Robin and Batman- Laurie's lovely cats- to snuggle up with me, just like my cat at home does. However, it was also no problem to keep the cats out of our room if we wanted to.
My friend and I shared the room on the top floor which was a lovely light room at the front of the house and shared the bathroom with Colin- which was never a problem. The bed was comfy, and Laurie provided towels, boxes of tissues- and there was even a hairdryer. The shower was just great.
One morning Laurie cooked us breakfast- and again it was just like being a friend sitting up at the breakfast bar watching her cook bacon and French toast. Other mornings we chose to wander up the road, as we found a little local cafe that we enjoyed going to. The area was perfect after hectic days out walking in the city- we often came back quite late, and it always seemed safe, quiet and calm.
I would have no hesitation in recommending a stay with Laurie. Much more friendly than staying in an impersonal hotel room. I hope that I will return, and also hope that I keep in contact with Laurie. Both Laurie and Colin have a great sense of humour.
Two regrets- that we didnt go to the bar on Sunday night to listen to music- we were too tired.- And that I didnt take any photos of Laurie, Colin and her cats.-Oh!! and a third regret!! We didnt really get to know Laurie's son Peter- he wasnt around much.