This was such an incredible stay that I had to truncate my review a few times.
I have vehement disdain for NYC real estate and gentrification, so I work hard to seek out ethical spaces run by families and folks who want to make the world better one thoughtful experience at a time.
As a 4th gen NYer on Airbnb for almost a decade, I’m deeply familiar with hosts and hospitality and appreciate when they embody NYC in true community fashion.
If I’m taking someone around the city for the first time, it needs to be perfect. I won’t have my city shown any other way.
I looked at every available listing in the city across hotels, Vrbo, and air bnb. Not exaggerating — my wish lists are ridiculous and this is an act of service to me. The moment I saw this listing, I knew this was the one.
This entire interaction and experience from start to finish was ethical, consensual, and joyous. Ben is a compassionate and knowledgeable sweetheart of a human who is on a quest to ensure guests have beautiful and joyous experiences in the city he calls home. He’s an ideal host.
Yes, the private outdoor space is divine (especially the hammock at 11pm when the skies are clear.) The bed is even more comfy than advertised (good pillows too!) and TV in bed was decadent.
Air conditioning a-plenty! This penthouse is sparkly clean and filled with lovely touches.
I passionately cooked a nine layer lasagna in that glorious kitchen and gamed with my partner on that massive and pristine TV in the living room with the glee of a thousand dorks. Yes it’s a smart TV, and yes the internet is great (even for wireless work and Zoom calls.)
The dining room table and chairs were comfy enough for several 8 hour work days and spacious enough to dine when the day was done.
We adored the quiet and comfy living room with its floor to ceiling windows and twinkly night views. It’s actually quiet here at night in one of the most bustling and safe neighborhoods in all of Manhattan. During the day, you could people watch from high above where it was also — quiet.
It’s a perfect location for ordering in, dining out, walking around, accessing the train, and curling up after long and winding adventure days.
Comfy and sleek bathroom!!! The floors felt good on your feet, the shower was perfectly temperature-controlled and pressured, the tub was deep enough for soaks (I’m 5’8,) and the amenities throughout were so helpful that anything you forgot in a flurry was likely on hand.
The building is high end but not in a snobby way. The residents and doorpeople are friendly, the elevators are efficient and fast, the gym is massive, and the laundry room is large enough to do laundry on your own terms — a gem in NYC. There’s pay parking if you must drive, but there’s no need if the subway is accessible for you.
The rental was perfect from start to finish and I wholeheartedly believe that even despite the apartment being even better than listed and perfect in every way, that it’s Ben’s considerate attention to detail and love of hosting that really brings this place together in community and comfort.
I highly recommend this comfy, considerate, and communal space that’s safe, fairly priced, and welcoming to folks in true NYC fashion.
10/10!!! I will return.