What can I say? Some experiences change you for the better. I was just another weary traveler looking for a place to rest my head—instead I come away somehow better, happier, with a renewed joie de vivre. I discovered a cultural oasis, a glimpse of a better way of living, in tune with nature, and I came out richer and wiser for it.
Full disclosure: I am conflicted about even writing this review as I want to stay here again and would be greatly disappointed if I couldn’t do to it being booked, but I feel that not writing an honest review would be a disservice to Ruver and Manuel, who are so deserving of any praise I would bestow them.
Upon arriving at the residence of the fiery, militant, hilarious, worldly, and sagacious Ruver, I found a place where the door is always open and culture drips from every corner and every stick of this fine home. Ruver, who graduated from the prestigious Sorbonne is scholarly and a pleasure to converse with. She has unapologetically French views about the world and is charming, witty, and kind.
It is replete with plants and it is akin to Strand books store—seemingly many miles of books strewn everywhere on tables and shelves. Most of them in French.
The room I stayed in was clean and comfortable, and the bed was the happy median between firm and pliable. The neighborhood, which is a variable outside of the capable hands of Ruver, is a mixed bag of working class home owners(Ruver’s house is in a tree-lined street with mostly houses on the block) and some ne’er-do-wells, but once happily ensconced in Ruver and Manuel’s happy home, you will find a loving and relaxing environment.
When you wake up, invariably Ruver will ask you if you want to eat petite dejeuner, and you will enjoy a wonderful light breakfast to start your day right for some sight seeing. The coffee or tea is a wonderful concoction crafted by Ruver. Her homemade confitures and fruits gives you an appreciation for natures bounties. **Note: Ruver has a encyclopedic knowledge of the city and can give you many ideas about where to visit this great city.
If you return early enough you will enjoy an excellent dinner by Ruver’s husband, Manuel. And if you’re lucky you will have some wine and conversation with both, and learn about their experiences and dreams. You might watch some French cinema as well.
Overall, my stay at Chez Ruver’s was a wonderful respite from life’s vicissitudes. It is an experience I will never forget.
If you are staying in NYC, and want an original and spiritually rewarding cultural experience, you will stay at Chez Ruver.