We had no real issues that warranted a conversation with the host so I’m sure they’re nice people as the reviews stated. What I did enjoy was the culture walking to and from this location. The people here are very different from what I’m use to but no one bothered my partner and I. It was a very nice experience. Is it the safest area - absolutely not. But if you have a little guts you’ll be fine. We chose Harlem specifically. I should also add that there are a total of 3 doors and 3 keys to enter the place. A little bit annoying but the safety it provides makes it justified. There are stairs leading to the first door from the side walk and a set of steep wooden narrow stairs that lead to the door of the studio apartment, your luggage is going to give you the business. Lol. The brownstone is close to great little deli’s and grocery stores with beautiful produce. What I did appreciate was that there are reusable bags available - we found them after we bought some and there are umbrellas provided which was great because it rained 6 / 7 days there. There were ice trays to make ice and a few dishes to make a meal but none to store cooked food. There was salt and pepper provided but that needs to be replaced. There was also oil provided. The place has a washer and dryer.
Notes and Dislikes: If you’re not from up North or have never been to New York you need to know that things here are extremely compact. The place is quite small so be prepared for that. Being prepared for the city noise is what tons of reviews said on several places so that I looked forward to and welcomed as I wanted a true New York experience. What I was not prepared for was the thin walls inside of the brownstone. We could hear others phones vibrating. We could hear their full conversations and televisions. The neighbor upstairs seems to have walked 2 miles Monday morning alone above us. You also have a very thin door to enter the apartment which as a female made me feel less safe due to the things you see right outside the main entry but remember those other 2 doors to gain entry. You will not sleep well due to these things in my opinion. If you are traveling as a couple, your comfort level to be intimate while on vacation is voided here unless you’re into having an audience. We stayed a night in the city just to feel “alone” and to get a good nights rest. We also didn’t sleep well because the mattress needs to be replaced. The springs jabbed us, the sheets were fine but the other added linen was of a hard towel consistency which we couldn’t use. We did find two fleece blankets that we used as it was cold during our visit. The bed is up against a window with a deep window sill therefore your pillows are not stabilized against anything so you’re chasing them throughout the night. The other sitting choices are a low futon or desk chairs. So taller people need to know this as well (your knees will thank me later).
I have to mention the statues in the garden area right outside the window over the bed. They are advertised as art and they are really nightmare inducers. They are just plain scary looking and the shade/blind stayed closed the entire trip because I couldn’t stand to see them. If one had moved a centimeter I would have had to leave. Ijs. Art is in the eye of the beholder here.
Am I bashing the place? Not at all. I just wish these details were included in at least one of the reviews I read so a better, more informed choice could have been made. I leave reviews often and love being open and most importantly honest. I would never purposely leave a false or bad review for anyone or anything. I hope this helps.