Everyone knows that New York is a wonderful city full of awesome things to see and do. However, it does have a reputation of being quite expensive when it comes to accommodation. If you're thinking of visiting - or even if you're a resident and would like a little 'vacation', why not consider a vacation apartment instead of a tiny, expensive hotel.
Rental apartments are terrific value. They come fully furnished, with all the amenities you would ever need no matter how long your stay. For the past three years, vacation apartments have been my preferred mode of accommodation. Each place I've chosen has exceeded my expectations in every way, and made me feel more at home than I ever could have hoped.
The upsides to renting an apartment versus a hotel are many. First, there are so many to choose from. You can rent in any precinct you like, and be close to whatever action you're planning. Secondly, it's much less expensive. You can rent a 2 bedroom apartment, fully equipped including a properly stocked kitchen, from under $200 per night. Thirdly when you consider how much space there is in an apartment as opposed to a 12 feet by 12 feet hotel room, it's really a no-brainer.
I've found a number of sites that will make your search easy, and offer some really amazing apartments. I've chosen one from each site I think is a great deal. I'll start with my own 'home' in Manhattan for the last two years.
I have always booked through
CyberRentals. My apartment for the last two years is located at
420 West 42nd Street between 9th & 10th Ave. I did splurge on a penthouse so this is really in the high-end but I wanted the best. No really - I saved up all year. I chose the location because I love the Hell's Kitchen area, the 9th Avenue restaurants, and it's close to Times Square. It's one bedroom but sleeps up to 6.
View from living room of my condo
The living room
You can find this apartment
here - if you want to spend $295 per night.
HomeawayThere's no doubt that the living is cheaper if you venture a little further north. Here is an apartment located in the Central Park North area at
West 118th Street between Lenox & 5th Avenue. I stayed in this area three years ago and it's lovely. Just a stone's throw from Central Park North and subways, it's only 10 minutes to the heart of the city. It's 1 bedroom and sleeps up to 6.
From the living room
Fully equipped kitchen
More details
here - price starts from $135 per night.
New York StayThe cool and stylish West Village is home to many celebrities, great restaurants and bars and chic shopping. You can stay in one of New York's famous brownstones (like Carrie Bradshaw's apartment).
Corner of Perry & West 4th Street
Lounge room at Perry Street
This apartment is located at the corner of
Perry and West Fourth Street. It's 1 bedroom and sleeps up to 4. More details
here - price from $195 per night.
Vacation Home RentalsLocated in the heart of the Upper East Side - this is a two bedroom apartment if you need more space. The building is located at
94th Street between 1st & 2nd Avenue. It's walking distance from Central Park, as well as home to wonderful shopping and a variety of fabulous restaurants.
Living room
Fresh clean kitchen
More details
here - price starts from $200 per night.
Those are just a few of the websites from which you can rent an apartment, and all of them offer 'special' deals depending on the season. You could actually score a great place for a vacation at 50% off the normal price.
This year I will be staying in SoHo at
83 Mercer Street. It's a beautiful loft apartment, not quite the views of the penthouse but bigger and located in another of my favourite parts of town.
Living room of what will be my 'new home'
Bathroom of loft apartment
There is more information on this apartment
here.
Apartment living is a way of life in New York. Opting for a vacation apartment instead of a hotel is a way of feeling like a real citizen.
