Short term apartments in NYC

by Eileen, Travel Planner

One of the worst feelings in the world is when you realize you’ve been duped.  It’s happened to all of us— something seems too good to be true and then you realize (too late) that it is.  It’s happened to me with concert tickets, “discount” coupons, and unfortunately with apartments.  The hardest one getting over was the apartment.  All my friend and I wanted was an apartment to call our own.  We searched the internet, we asked every friend we knew, and we even called a couple of brokers.  After finding “the one”, we arrived on move in day only to discover a very much present tenant still living in “our” apartment, who had no clue what we were talking about.  Our deposit and the perpetrator where gone, never to be seen again.  Luckily it worked out for us in the end; we found a legal apartment and lived happily there for a year or so.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the horror stories from friends and family— the apartment that was presented to them ended up being unsafe, filthy, or illegal.

Now I’m sure it doesn’t come as a shock to you that New York can get expensive.  It’s hard to find a hotel in Manhattan for under $200 throughout most of the year, and during the holidays prices can get exponentially higher.  We know what makes travelers tempted by the “too good to be true” offers— you’re on a budget and you want the most bang for your buck when it comes to your vacation.  Many people assume that renting an apartment for a few days or weeks is the most cost efficient option left; it is actually illegal.

It is illegal (against the law) to rent an apartment for less than 31 day in New York City.

That’s it.  No “ifs,” “ands” or “buts.” Don’t believe us? Here’s a link to the actual law: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/NYS_chapter_225.pdf

There are several reasons why this minimum is imposed; however it ends up coming down to safety.  The so called apartment units can lack fire alarms, sprinklers, and create fire hazards to residents in the neighborhood.  Most people discover that at the end of the road, when you come to New York and you make it into the apartment.  Unfortunately most people don’t make it that far, for them the road ends when they produce payment.

We had a case last year when someone had produced payment and thought she was all set to go, only to arrive to New York and find out that the apartment she was intending to stay in didn’t actually exist.  I’ve also heard a story about someone just sending off their credit card information only to never hear from the “owner” again.  The most terrifying story I heard was when a couple arrived in New York from abroad.  They were able to get into the apartment and decided to leave for the day, only to find themselves locked out of their apartment when they returned later that night.  Locked inside the apartment were all of their belongings and passports.

If you are interested in economical options for your visit, we suggest looking into hotel in Queens, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.  You would be surprised at how easy it is to get into Manhattan and how much more cost efficient hotels are outside of Manhattan.  We love hotels outside of Manhattan because you get to see real communities and neighborhoods.  New York City has one of, if not the most, comprehensive transit system in the world.  Our subways are in service 24/7 365 days out of the year.  We always recommend investing in a Metrocard since it is a pass that allows you access to New York City.  Getting around the city is as easy as swiping a Metrocard!

Don’t be fooled by anyone trying to rent you a short term apartment – remember that they are knowingly breaking the law by making this offer, and by providing them with your personal information or trusting them with your vacation, you are putting your money and trust in the hands of someone who is knowingly breaking the law.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! We’re here to protect your best interests and provide you with the most cost efficient ways to travel in NYC. For more information on budget trips to NYC, read our New York City on a Shoestring blog or e-mail info@newyorkguest.com!

Tips for Moving to New York City!

by Maeva, New York Guest Concierge & Travel Planner

# 1- Land the job first!

Earlier this year, I came to visit my high-school gal pal in NYC to celebrate our birthdays. In catching up on old times, she mentioned her new job as a concierge and how much she loved guiding people around the city and making suggestions for the best Dim Sum, or Rib Eye Steak. As I joked around with her about how we both naturally love to talk about food and our own experiences, she suggested that I should apply for the position and with my background, I’d be sure to get the gig. And I sure did!

 # 2- Find an Apartment!

Though I was able to stay with my aunt who lived in Yonkers (about an hour and a half away from the city) my first week on the job, I still had to find my own place. I looked everywhere, NYHabitat, StreetEasy, local Church websites, and even Craigslist! Most of the neighborhoods in Manhattan were totally out of my budget, and the majority of the apartments had broker fees that were outrageous! When it comes to looking for an apartment in NYC, it’s better to do it By Owner, which is what I did-thanks to Craigslist, I found a two bedroom basement apartment for $1350 in a neighborhood called Sunset Park in Brooklyn. It took me two weeks to find the place, and three of my friends from Florida live in my neighborhood.

 # 3- Don’t Neglect the Other Boroughs!

At first I was hesitant about living outside of Manhattan since my job was there. I was thinking about my commute and if it would take forever to get into Manhattan. However, all of my friends who work in Manhattan live in the outer boroughs. My gal pal from high school lives in Astoria, Queens, my manager and several of my co-workers live there as well. Brooklyn has become a special place for me because I get to see more trees and fewer buildings. Being an island girl, I need some nature in my life. I also feel like I’m escaping from the hustle and bustle and noise from the city. There are great neighborhoods in Brooklyn like Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Williamsburg. They are the up and coming trendy locations I enjoy going to. I love Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum-Free Concerts are amazing! I can’t say that much about Queens; though I have family that lives there, I prefer Brooklyn.

 # 4- Sell the car and get a Metrocard

Seriously, don’t move to New York with your car. You’ll end up paying more for parking and gas. A monthly Metrocard is all you need. And if you are worried about groceries, almost every store in the NYC delivers.

 # 5- Get a Roommate Questionnaire!

While you are thinking about getting your own place, you may consider roommates to be a little more economical. When thinking about roommates there is a lingo that you’ll need to learn. Example, 420 Friendly. Uhm, I suggest you google that. There is nothing more important that knowing and understanding the people or person you will be living with. My roommate is an angel sent from heaven just for me. She cooks, cleans, and loves to entertain. We were made for each other. We discussed expectations, habits, things that piss us off, and even décor ideas. It’s always good to be on the same page at the beginning!

Those are my tips for now as this new kid on the block continues on with her Empire State journey. There’s so much to capture here in New York City, so you’ll be hearing from me more often.

A bientot,

Maeva- Travel Planner, Concierge, Foodie Extraordinaire, and Flat shoes enthusiast!

What’s on your New York City Bucket List?

For everywhere we live and everywhere we visit, we all have our list of things we must do before we run out of time. Last week I asked the staff of New York Guest for some of the top items on their “Bucket lists” for our great city of New Yor. Check out their answers here and then let us know – what is YOUR New York City Bucket List?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Maria, Accountant

• Spend a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Walk down 5th Avenue from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Rockefeller Center
• See the Frick Collection
• Get a drink at Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle
• Explore the Meatpacking District: walk the Highline and Chelsea market, have drinks at STK or Gaansevoor, dinner at Buddakan or Spice Market

Kayaking on the Hudson

Lora, Group Travel Manager

• Go Kayaking on the Hudson River
• Visit Ellis Island
• Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum
• Spend the night at the Plaza Hotel
• See a movie at the Paris Theater

New Year's in Times Square

Richard, CEO

• Watch the Grand Central morning commute from the top of the steps
• Spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square
• Watch the sunrise from Battery Park
• Ride the Staten Island Ferry
• Have a Manhattan at the Oak Bar in the Plaza

A path in Central Park

Karissa, Reservations Manager

• Go to the top of the Empire State Building
• Visit the Statue of Liberty
• Take a walking tour of Central Park
• Go on the CitySights All Around Town tour
• See a Broadway show from house seats

Jeanette, Director of International Sales

Law & Order: SVU films in NYC

• Stay at the Presidential Suite in the Four Seasons
• Eat dinner at Rao’s
• Be on an episode of Law & Order
• Take a helicopter to the Hamptons
• Private shopping at Bloomingdale’s

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Megan, Concierge

• Have dinner at Per Se
• See an opera at the Met
• Spend the night at the Plaza
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park
• See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in person

Night at the Museum

Louise, Community Manager

• Have a meal at Blue Hill Stone Barns
• Stay at the Marriott Marquis on December 31st (you wouldn’t catch me standing outside!)
• Sleepover at the Natural History Museum
• Sail to Bear Mountain and spend the day hiking
• Go to the Vendy Awards on Governor’s Island

USQ Greenmarket

Michael, Director of Hotel Sales

• Have a leisurely lunch at Da Silvano’s
• Walk through Central Park in the autumn
• Sip a Bloody Mary at the Central Park Boat House
• Go shopping at the Saturday Union Square Greenmarket
• Spend a day exploring all the neighborhoods of Manhattan – North, South, East & West

What are your New York Dreams? With all of our local NYC resources, we can make any wish come true! Contact us at info@newyorkguest.com and let’s start planning.

William: City Sights, City Lights!

Hello Readers! My name is William and I am one of New York Guest’s newest concierges. I recently got the chance to experience a double-decker bus here in the BIg Apple and boy did I have a great time. Read on for all of my inSIGHTS!

Think you know everything about New York City?  Think again.  Double-Deck Bus Tours are great for first time visitors to The Big Apple as well as seasoned vets!  This tour is full of many different tour guides, fully loaded with knowledge about the city; each one comes with their own style and flavor, and all of them are friendly and completely approachable.  Hopping on and off is convenient and highly encouraged, as it is one of the best ways to take in the local culture, which changes from neighborhood to neighborhood.  Their thoughtfully designed routes ensure that you will not miss any of the breathe-taking attractions New York City has to offer its guests and its natives. 

Our day started with a laid back ride on the subway into the centrally located Times Square area where we wanted to pick up the uptown loop tour.  We found several City Sights helpers at the bus stop and they showed us exactly where the bus would be pulling up.  A whole 2 minutes later, the bus came.  After a zealous welcome from the tour guide, the exchange of passengers getting off and new ones getting on was so fast my girlfriend and I found ourselves in two plush seats before we were able to finish checking out all the fashionable clothes worn by the locals passing by.  There were plenty more to gawk at as we got underway.

Cruising along up 8^th Avenue to Columbus, our guide was ablaze with energy as he told us about the neighborhood we were driving through, the history behind the statue of Columbus in the circle, Central Park, and the infamous Time Warner Building which boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world.  Unlike other tours where the guide talks at you, this guide was very interactive, asking questions about some of the passengers and testing their knowledge of the city before unleashing his own fount of information.  As we passed by Lincoln Center, the Dakota, and Strawberry Fields, my girlfriend remembered Zabar’s was in the area, on the corner of 80^th Street and Broadway.  Zabar’s is a favorite market and grocery of locals from all over the city and the outer boroughs.  Our mouths began to water as we thought of their abundant variety of cheeses, meats, fresh fish and shellfish, prepared foods, and the thing that put them on the map – rye bread so fresh it’s hot when the baker hands it to you.  At that moment, we knew where our first stop was.

Hoping off the bus across from the Natural History Museum, it was a short walk to the famous grocer’s market.  The decision was tough, but we settled on some pork sticky buns and a buckwheat and vegetable salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette.  Delicious! Of course, we had to get four loaves of the famous rye; one for dad, one for grandma, and one for each of us.

                Getting back on the bus at the Natural History Museum was a cinch.  It pulled up to the curb just as we got there, and looking down the street a bit, I saw another one coming on.  Again, we were welcomed on with open arms, and found seats right up front.  As we took off, our guide once again began a flow of information.  Occasionally, an inquisitive passenger sitting behind us asked a question, and the guide was able to go into great detail in her answer.  Another passenger was asking where they should get off to go a certain spot she wanted to see.  Realizing English was her second language, the guide began talking to her in Spanish, then she was right back up sharing her love and knowledge of the city with us. 

We continued on past St. John the Divine Cathedral, the tomb of former American President Ulysses S. Grant, and Columbia University before deciding to satisfy my girlfriend’s penchant for African art and fabrics by hopping off the bus in Harlem, right in front of the Apollo Theater.   Right away we found a street vendor selling scented oils, and quickly purchased a vile of the rose oil – Mmm.. Decadent.  Meandering around this famous part of New York, we casually browsed other vendor stands, and stopped to chat with Ben, a local who lived a few blocks away.  We asked him what some of his favorite  were, and he gave us a quick breakdown of the area.  Soon enough, we found ourselves in the Harlem Market.  We strolled through countless booths selling all sorts of African goods; jewelry, fabric, hand carved walking sticks, tribal statues, handbags, hats – the list goes on.  I was amazed at the craftsmanship! The prices were low and there was room for haggling.  After we were done shopping, we hung out for a half hour or so chatting with some of the merchants.

After a quick glance at our City Sights map, we saw there was another stop for the bus right in front of the market!  Awesome, no backtracking!  Within 5 minutes a bus was pulling up to the curb.  Larry welcomed us on board and we had plenty of seats to choose from.  

 Tired from all the shopping we decided to ride the bus the rest of the way around the loop.  We made our way out of Harlem and onto 5^th Avenue, which we followed along the east side of Central Park.  We passed many of the sites we had visited often, but thanks to Larry we learned things we had never known.  I know the Metropolitan is huge, but I did not know it was the largest art gallery in the world! (Really thought the Louvre had it beat)  After learning the history of how the Frick Collection came to be, I was reminded that I had planned to go see it, but forgotten about it.  The tour guide once again ignited my desire to check it out.  He also gave a great history lesson on Grand Army Plaza which is found at the southeastern corner of Central Park.  Here there was almost too much to see, but our guide pointed everything out to us; The Plaza Hotel, F.A.O. Schwartz, The Ivy Bridge in Central Park, as well as the numerous statues of South American liberators alone Central Park South. 

Turning down 7^th Ave, we enjoyed a pleasant drive at cruising speed as we passed Carnegie Hall and headed into the heart of New York City, Times Square.  This is where we started off, so we decided to depart, and leave our tour guide, Larry, a handsome tip for all his wonderful information.

Riding the Subway home, my girlfriend and I reminisced about our day.  The zany tour guide who first picked us up, and bid us, “Good eats!” as we headed to Zabar’s; the beautiful architectural work encompassing Central Park; the rich ethnicity and open-hearts of the locals in the Harlem marketplace; and the new things we learned about the things we knew everything about.  City Sights is a must for first timers, and even more so for those who know so much about the city, they need to be surprised.  We saw so much of our city that day, and were able to casually peruse it the way we wanted to, finding and exploring our own path to inspiration. 

If it’s your first time or fifth time in New York City and you want to really see New York, give us a call.

Make sure to mention this blog post and you will recieve 10% off of City Sights vouchers now through August 31st!

We look forward to hearing from you! (212) 302-4019 or info@newyorkguest.com

Come Sail Away!

There is nothing better then a warm sunny mid afternoon on the Hudson River in New York City!

I had a great opportunity to join one of our close hotel partnerships on a cruise down the Hudson River, past the Statue of Liberty and back up to midtown. If you have never done this it’s a must do on your bucket list!

Living in New York City, sometimes we take the fun, touristy type stuff for granted. I am so glad  that I got to experience this! The boat started off at 41st Street and12th Avenue and cruised south. Along the route you see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, many pier’s with beautiful yachts docked, the popular outdoor bar & grill “The Frying Pan”, The Standard Hotel, the promenade all along the southern part of Manhattan that goes all the way down to Battery Park and last but not least – the Statue of Liberty!

There are so many boating options in New York City. New York Guest offers them all!

Contact us if you are looking for:

Dinner Cruise around Manhattan

Private Yacht/Sailboat Charters for all occassions

Public Sightseeing Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Boats over to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Attached Boat trips with Bus trips

Call us at (212) 302-4019 or email us at info@newyorkguest.com for more information. Come sail away! - Karissa

Do you want to know a secret? Did you know New York City has FREE kayaking along the Hudson River? Check it out!

The Highline’s Newest Highlight

Recently one of my great friends from college got home from a trip of a lifetime to the Western Hemisphere. Being a travel lover, I just had to hear all about her trip through Bali, Australia, Japan, and India. A few of my other friends felt the same way so we decided to meet at the newest beer garden to pop up in New York City, the Lot on Tap.

My Friends and I enjoying the High Line

 The Lot on Tap recently opened with the addition to the second section of the High Line.

The High Line was built in the 1930’s as an elevated freight line to avoid train traffic and accidents on the west side of New York City. This service stopped running in 1980 and when the city wanted to tear it down, a non-profit group called “The Friends of the High Line” took action to make sure this historical structure was preserved. In 2002, the group was granted permission and worked for the next seven years to create a beautifully landscape public park.

The High Line public park runs between 10^th and 11^th Avenues from Gansevoort Street to 30^th street. The first section of the High Line (from Gansevoort Street to West 20^th Street) opened in June 2009 and the second section (West 20^th Street to 30^th Street) just opened on June 8^th of this year.

 The Lot on Tap is operated by Collicchio and Sons (yes, Top Chef fans, this is one of  Tom’s creations!) and is open from 12pm to 11pm daily. The Lot on Tap offers seasonal wines, locally brewed beers (I highly recommend Captain Lawrence’s Liquid Gold), soda, and water. There are even food trucks stationed on the lot, like the infamous Red Hook Lobster Truck.  I don’t think you can beat an ice cold drink and a lobster roll on a hot summer day. 

The Lot of Tap is a great place to relax at the end of the day. Aside from the Lot on Tap, the High Line Park offers stunning views of the west side and amazing landscapes by some of the best designers. There are often pop-up shops and arts and craft fairs along this path during the summer. I also highly recommend you check out Chelsea Market for unique shops, farm-to-table restaurants and gourmet stands. 

If you’re looking to take a stroll on a nice summer day, the High Line is the place to go!

 Looking to enjoy the sun and some fun in New York City? Contact me at blenowicz@newyorkguest.com and I would love to share the great activities NYC has to offer! -Beth

Looking for unique event space for a corporate event or wedding? The High Line is a great venue that is unlike any other. Give my colleague Lora a call at (212) 302-4019 or email her at lgreen@newyorkguest.com  for more information.

Cirque du Soleil Presents: Zarkana!

The newest Cirque du Soleil show to hit New York City is Zarkana and it is wowing audiences at our beloved Radio City Music Hall. Zarkana is a visual masterpiece; a feast for the eyes and for the senses. 

I was taken on a journey through various dimensions, each different and unique in it’s own way. Flower women, space frogs, a snake woman growing from the earth, hanging trapeze clowns descending onto the stage from strings! The creativity mastered in this show is infinite; I cannot fathom how the minds behind this show came up with these ideas and concepts.  Words do this work of art no justice. You must go see it!

There is simply nothing on earth like this show. If you’re in New York, or anywhere near the Eastern hemisphere, you owe it to yourself to catch Zarkana before it moves to another city! It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

If you are looking for tickets to Zarkana please feel free to contact me at sfleitman@newyoerkguest.com or call us at (212) 302-4019. I look forward to speaking with you! -Shawn

Shawn’s Broadway Review: Catch Me If You Can!

When I see a Broadway show I want to be dazzled, shocked, moved and star struck! I love the feeling I get when I want to picture myself being the main actor; up on stage singing and dancing and making the crowd go wild. I need a Broadway show to deliver and Catch Me If You Can most certainly did. The musical is based off of the 2002 hit movie staring Leonardo Dicaprio. Based on a true story, the show conveys a 19 year old con artist on the run while having lots of fun!

The lead role is played by the amazing and ever so talented, Aaron Tveit. You might remember him from Next to Normal and Gossip Girl.

I hate to sound cliché, but this musical really has something for everyone. The show brings action, romance, humor and many triumphs.

What first struck me about this was the story line was how the lead character Frank faked being a Pan Am Pilot. I love airlines and everything that has to do with travel, so this was right up my alley. This musical was nostalgic of the old fashion “Jet Set” and an antiquated criminal justice system.

Did I mention that it’s hilarious, heartbreaking and exciting!? I cried, I laughed, I anticipated, I wanted more! I went to see the show with a few my colleagues-it was an amazing night out on the town.

Where will we catch you on your next jet set?

Write to me at SFleitman@newyorkguest.com for more information regarding Broadway shows, New York City or anything you may need for your next jet set!

Rockin’ Family Weekend!

Hello again. Beth here with another Broadway Review! With my brother and sister both living outside of New York these days, long holiday weekends are always a great way for my family to see each other. My Mom’s birthday was last week so my family decided to get tickets for all of us to Rock of Ages. What an amazing idea that was!

 This show now definitely ranks in my Top 5 (if not 3!). The mood of the theatre is that of a rock concert. There are posters everywhere and people walking up and down the aisle selling drinks (every now and then you hear a token “BEER HERE!” while waiting for the show to start). At the beginning of the show, the four man band comes onto the stage to pump the audience up.

 After that starts the real fun! As an avid music fan and a child of the 80’s, this show had every hit you can imagine. The songs all blend into the perfect storyline of Drew and Sherrie (cue the “Oh Sherrie” romantic ballad moment) as they struggle to be a singer and an actress inLos Angeles. With hits from 1980’s rock staples like Foreigner, White Snake, and Journey this show has you singing along in your seats. The best part of this show was the comedy! I didn’t expect the show to be as funny as it was, but there were parts that had us laughing so hard, there were tears in our eyes.

 This show appeals to a wide range of people. Anyone over the age of 16 and a fan of music or the 80’s would love this show. My family ranges from 22 to 62 and we all enjoyed it just as much as the next person.

My Family and I Outside the Theater

Want to visit New York Cityand rock out on Broadway? Contact me at blenowicz@newyorkguest.com or (212) 302-4019.

You Are What You Eataly

Greetings again!  Alicia here, one of New York Guest’s expert concierges!  Since it’s my duty to be familiar with the most popular city destinations, (especially ones that involve food!!), this past Sunday, I set out to visit the acclaimed Batali/Bastianich collaboration – Eataly!  I thought that it was time I experienced the Italian specialty mother-ship myself, considering the growing popularity as a lunch destination for so many our guests! 

Carbs Anyone?

Upon entering Eataly, I was instantly amazed at the size of the multi-level space.  In August of 2010 this Food Network trio took over the entire first floor of an office building creating an Italian food extravaganza!  Eataly includes a variety of full service restaurants, an Italian marketplace, a wine and cheese bar (live music on Sunday afternoon) a butcher, a world class bakery, a rooftop beer garden and even an Italian brewery.  It’s a place where New Yorker’s and its guests can sample and shop (with a glass of wine in one hand) the highest quality of Italian products while others relax and dine on Italian dishes – classic and reinvented!

The marketplace is clearly designed to inspire cooking and does not disappoint!  Every Italian grocery product you could imagine was there . . . fresh pasta,  gourmet meat, beautiful vegetables, cheeses, sauces, and even cookbooks, while the restaurants served up specialty dishes which included seafood, pizza, fresh pasta, meat and even Vegetarian Italian!  If planning a visit, it’s important to note that only one of the restaurants will accept dinner reservations.   So be prepared to wait for a table – it may be a while!  On the up side, while waiting, you can stroll the isles of the market or enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate at the wine bar while you wait.  It is most definitely worth the wait!

Veggie Heaven!

I opted to skip dinner and go straight for dessert (brilliant call on my part)! The espresso and gelato station was amazing!  After sampling every flavor of gelato and irritating all the people behind me in line, I decided on the classic chocolate gelato.  And it was worth it!    On my way out I grabbed an espresso to go and called it a day! 

Overall I really enjoyed my Eataly experience.  I could do without the crowd  . . . but hey, that’s New York! 

 My best advice to guests that plan on visiting . . . Enjoy!  However, be prepared to spend a fair amount of time inside.  This is not a place for a quick bite to eat.   Go on weekday afternoon and late evening as it is rumored to be less crowded.  (weekends are a madhouse! )

Next time I will be sampling all the “flavors” of the wine bar . . . stay tuned!

 

Want to know a secret? Eataly is opening a rooftop beer garden on the fifteenth floor! Rooftops and beergardens are ever so popular here in New York. Eataly has ingeniously decided to combine the two! Supposidly the highest brewery in the states, La Birreria boasts 8,000 square feet of drinking, eating and brew-watching. It opens June 3rd, so make sure to check it out and tell us all about it!

 

Have an upcoming trip to New York City this spring/summer???  Call us at (212) 302-4019 or email info@newyorkguest.com  Our expert concierge staff is here 24/7 to assist you with any arrangements such as restaurant reservations, theater tickets, airport transfers or any other questions you have about New York City!