We’re a family of five who have used Airbnb extensively in Australia and now the USA too. Our stay at Harlem Hearth was our best Airbnb experience to date.
Our hosts, Toby and Drew, went way beyond our expectations in terms of communications, kindness, guidance and thoughtful touches. Drew met us at check-in and made the arrival process a breeze.
The apartment itself is terrific. It’s a very spacious open-plan loft conversion that comfortably accommodated the five of us. Space is a rare luxury in NYC and we really appreciated it. There are no separate bedrooms but there is done separation of zones so that didn’t bother us. Apart from laundry facilities we really can’t think of anything that the apartment lacked. And there are laundrettes nearby if needed. The apartment is walking distance from Central Park and two nearby Subway stations (accessing different lines) enable you to easily get wherever you want to go.
The neighbourhood itself is vibrant. Harlem is going through a gentrification process but still feels very real and alive. It’s a very different experience from what you’ll find in lower Manhattan. There are lots of jazz venues and diverse food options. There’s good coffee at Lenox Coffee which is 1min walk from the apartment. We twice enjoyed great traditional-style pizzas at nearby Sotto Casa Pizza and for a modern take on Soul Food with live jazz and buzzing atmosphere we enjoyed Red Rooster. There are plenty of other dining options too.
Whole Foods and Pioneer supermarkets a short walk away and countless convenience stores. There’s a good wine merchant one behind the apartment and lots of clothing and other shopping on nearly 125th street.
All in all, our stay at Harlem Hearth was a fabulous experience. We highly recommend it and would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Huge thanks to Drew and Toby for your warmth and hospitality.