Harlem Nights - Better Than a Hotel!

I just got back from a week's stay in this apt and miss it already!

Firstly,the owner, Earl, was very communicative, helpful & gracious in answering all my questions during the inquiry & reservation process. He was even willing to meet a local friend of mine & allow him to view the place on my behalf, which was comforting. (searched everywhere for weeks, dozens of emails, crazy requests/explanations, unreturned calls...this was a godsend!) Earl met me on my arrival to the apt, gave me a tour of the place & info about the neighborhood.

This apt is huge,it's the entire top floor of the brownstone! The pictures are accurate, it's clean & well maintained. There's a selection of guide books, maps, handouts, restaraunt menus & tourist/sightseeing info for guests to use. The kitchen's well equipped if you want to cook, there's a sectional sofa (w/sleeper) that seats 6-8 ppl comfortably & the bedroom is very spacious. At night it's very easy to get a good night's sleep as the neighborhood is quite & the bedroom faces out to the backyards.

The location is great. It's a short walk to the nearest train station or bus stop. Times Square is only about 15-20 mins away. If you need to catch a cab, there's a major street at the end of the block & it's easily done. Nearby is a public library (wi-fi is available,but I didn't bring my laptop), a local hospital, several cultural/historical attractions (Schomberg Research Center/"Striver's Row"/Apollo Theatre/Abyssinian Baptist Church...), a variety of art galleries, museums, tour group companies, a movie theatre and bowling alley.

There are plenty of great places to eat too! Down the street is Chez Lucienne, Sylvia's and The Red Rooster. Close by are Melba's and Amy Ruth's. For lighter fare or faster food there's Island Salad and for comfort measures there's Starbucks, Blimpie's, MacDonalds, White Castle etc...two great bakeries I do recommend in the area are Tonnie's Minis (wonderful cupcakes mmm!) and Levain Bakery (yes they came uptown!) for their ridiculously huge cookies.

I've been coming to NY for many years and this was my first time in a vacation rental. I felt not only safe but comfortable during my stay and enjoyed being a local living in the neighborhood. All in all I heartily recommend this place to those looking for an affordable way to enjoy New York. This much charm and value can't be found in a hotel! This is now my 1st go to for return trips! Thanks Earl!