New York Habitat Blog

New York has a great literary tradition that often mingles with one of the city’s other proud pastimes, drinking. Sure enough, the same city that brought about the likes of Norman Mailer and harnessed the genius of Allen Ginsberg is also renowned for the creativity of its cocktails and the authenticity of its Irish pubs. Many New York writers, past and present, have found inspiration in the city’s drinking establishments and at the bottom of their sudsy pints and swirling martini glasses. Indeed, dozens of pubs in New York City claim to have hosted a literary great or two in their bar stools and the majority of them have valid claims. Greenwich Village in the southern section of Manhattan island, is the one place that has mixed a tradition of writing and drinking more than any other. Bibliophiles, historians and drinkers alike can appreciate a bar stool that Hemingway once sat in or imagine Bob Dylan jotting away song lyrics in a corner booth. New York Habitat has a long history in the Village and will continue to accommodate visitors amongst the neighborhood’s literary past and present.

Photo of the inside of The White Horse Tavern in New York

A tour of the Village’s literary pubs is a trip through some of the greatest names in American writing. The traces of Eugene O’Neil, Henry James, Edgar Allen Poe and Jack Kerouac are found throughout several different watering holes in the neighborhood. Pubs like the White Horse Tavern, where the poet Dylan Thomas drank himself to death, retain an air of a bohemian and artistic past. Other West Village pubs that deserve a visit are the Minetta Tavern, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, McSorley’s, one of the city’s oldest pubs that was frequented by E.E. Cummings, and Kettle of Fish a favorite of Bob Dylan and the Beat Writers of his generation, including Kerouac and Ginsberg. Unfortunately, two of the Village’s best literary pubs, Chumley’s and the Cedar Tavern, stomping grounds for the Lost Generation and the Beats were closed in the last few years with their re-opening in question. Still, despite the closing of these venerable old watering holes, the current wave of young Village writers can be found in any of the neighborhood’s countless bars, sitting alone at that corner table, milling over a sentence with a half-empty drink perched beside their notebooks.

New York Habitat has dozens of Greenwich Village and West Village apartments available for rent. Below are a few to get your search started:

- This 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in West Village, Greenwich Village-Soho, New York  (NY-8429) features exposed brick, tasteful furnishings and sliding doors leading to a private rooftop terrace.

- This quirky 1-bedroom furnished rental accommodation in West Village, Greenwich Village-Soho, New York  (NY-7565) features hardwood floors, quasi-Western styling, a decorative brick fireplace, all located in an historic 1832 brownstone.

- This only-in-New York 2-bedroom rental apartment in West Village, Greenwich Village-Soho, New York  (NY-7647) is one of our most unique accommodations. Full of details, the flat features hand-carved woodwork, a 14 ft antique beam ceiling and various original paintings, prints and photographs.

Whats your favorite watering hole in the Village?

This week we share with you a video of another New York neighborhood, the East Village, which brims with history and intrigue. To understand this neighborhood, you must first look west to Greenwich Village.  Greenwich Village was once the epicenter of artists, musicians, poets, beatniks and hippies.  In the 60s and 70s, many of its residents started migrating directly east and the East Village was born.

The East Village roughly runs south from East 14th Street to East Houston Street. Avenue D forms its eastern boundary and Fourth Avenue forms its western boundary.

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Click above to watch this video: East Village Video Tour (6:42)

Within these boundaries, you’ll find a bevy of bars, clubs, cafes, shops, and restaurants.  The best way to experience this lively neighborhood is to live in it.  So instead of staying in a boring hotel room, rent a fully furnished apartment right here in the East Village from New York Habitat.  Vacation rentals are the perfect way to live like a true East Villager.

A great choice is this East Village, New York  one bedroom apartment (NY-4572).  This townhouse dates from the mid-1800’s, originally built as the Parish House for the church next door.

There’s also this great New York studio apartment in East Village (NY-11967).  It comes equipped with a flat screen TV, cable, a stereo and WI-FI Internet.

If you are looking for a bigger apartment consider this New York 2-bedroom East Village apartment (NY-12606) which has its own private garden.

Tompkins Square Park:
Every neighborhood needs a park. The East Village is no exception with its major park being Tompkins Square Park.

Over the years, Tompkins Square Park has served as a place to voice dissent. There were demonstrations in 1857 and 1875 about the lack of jobs as well as protests about gentrification in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, the park has been reconstructed and it now includes a state-of-the-art dog run, new playgrounds and several monuments. Tompkins Square Park continues to serve a diverse community, providing a peaceful, meditative environment within the bustle of city life.

New York Apartment: East Village 1-bedroom NY-4572 photo

The Hare Krishna Tree:
While you’re in Tompkins Square Park, make sure you check out the Hare Krishna Tree.  It was beneath this tree, on October 9, 1966, that the first recorded outdoor chanting session of the Hare Krishna mantra was held outside of South Asia.

The First Christmas Tree lights - 269 E.10th Street
The first home to have a Christmas tree with electric lights was in the East Village at 269 E.10th Street in 1883. It was owned by Edward Johnson, an associate of the famed inventor Thomas Edison.

Punk Rock, Iggy Pop at Christodora House - 145 Avenue B.
If the West Village is known for folk music, the East Village is the home of the punk movement in the United States.  Artists such as the Ramones and the godfather of punk, Iggy Pop.

Speaking of Iggy Pop, on Avenue B you’ll find the Christodora House.  Built in the 1920s as a settlement house to help the poor, the conversion of the Christodora into upscale condominiums in 1986 sparked anti-gentrification demonstrations. One celebrity resident: punk music pioneer James Osterberg - a.k.a. Iggy Pop, wrote the album “Avenue B” here in 1999.

Trash and Vaudville - 4 St Mark’s Place
If you are a true punk rocker or are just looking to dress the part while you’re in the East Village, there’s one place to go – Trash and Vaudville on St. Mark’s Place.  You’ll find vinyl, rubber, leather, lace and old school punk plaid.  And if you’re lucky you’ll get to meet long-time store manager, Jimmy.  If you see him, tell him New York Habitat sent you.

The Charlie Parker Residence - 151 Avenue B
Punk wasn’t the only musical style found in the East Village.  At 151 Avenue B you’ll find a brownstone built in 1849.  This brownstone was once home to Charlie Parker, the co-founder of the modern jazz style, bebop.  In fact, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is held every year just across the street in Tompkins Square Park.

Thompkins Square Park photo

The Village Voice - 36 Cooper Square
The first and arguably best known of the arts-oriented tabloids here in New York is the Village Voice.  Originally headquartered in Greenwich Village, it is now located at Cooper Square and Bowery.  The Village Voice is freely distributed all over Manhattan and is a great way to find out what’s going on in the city.

Cooper Union – Cooper Square and Bowery
One of the most prestigious design and engineering schools in America is The Cooper Union.  The school is rich with history.  Many historical American figures have spoken here – from Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed our brief tour of the East Village.  And of course, there’s a lot more to see and do here. Remember, New York Habitat is your connection to some of the best furnished apartments and vacation rentals in the East Village and all around New York. If you’ve got some must-see places in the East Village, be sure to share them in the comments below.

The 2009 2nd half and Full Year London Vacation Rental Market Report is now available on the London Furnished Apartment Market Report website. The report covers the latest information about London vacation rentals including information about the 2nd half and full year 2009. Data from 2007 and 2008 is provided for comparison.

The 2009 London Vacation Rental Market Report finds that New York Habitat is still growing its business in London despite the down economy in 2009. Overall the number of apartment bookings grew by 40%. Furthermore, the average apartment rental price also climbed in 2009. For find out about all of the causes for these gains, read the London Vacation Rental Market Report.

2009 London Vacation Rental Market Report

Some of the major factors affecting the London market in 2009 included:

•    A declining value of the British Pound, making London a more attractive destination for Americans and people in the countries using the euro
•    An increased inventory of apartments in London, making it easier to find the perfect match for our customers
•    The global recession which made clients more cost conscious

With many within the industry predicting that 2010 will be a year for recovery in the travel market, we expect more positive results for the London vacation rental market in 2010. One factor to continue to watch is the value of the pound. If it returns to levels seen in 2008 then the number of rentals will likely fall.

New York Habitat is happy to offer this comprehensive look at the London Vacation Rental market via our report. We will continue to provide up-to-date information via the New York Habitat blog and the London Furnished Apartment Market Reports web page. Check back this summer for the 2010 1st half London Vacation Rental Market Report.

If you have any questions or comments about the London Vacation Rental Market Report, share them below.

Amateurs of live drama and medieval history, take note that one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious theater festivals is shaping up again in Avignon. Indeed, during the traditional three weeks in July, the 64th Festival d’Avignon will offer hundreds of shows presented as part of the official selection (“in”) or the alternative scene (“off”).

Pont Saint-Bénézet

All kinds of productions will spring up within the ancient city walls of Avignon, whether in the Papal Palace’s courtyard, in actual theaters, in temporary spaces or in the middle of the streets. Even the non-Francophiles can partake in the festivities by attending presentations in English, dance performances or pantomimes, so do not let the language barrier stop you. And if you are determined to watch a show in Molière’s tongue, a generous glass of local côtes du rhône wine will help you refresh your high-school French in no time!

Another worthy cultural event is the Avignon Film Festival which, like its New York twin, takes place in June. Aimed at encouraging independent film-makers in their out-of-the-box endeavors, this truly transatlantic affair gives an ever-needed boost to new and upcoming directors by organizing screenings, retrospectives, panel discussions and debates. Far from the exclusive atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival, you will actually be able to exchanges ideas with the artists and later brag about it.

For either event, or if you’re just planning to take it easy in Avignon, we have here several apartment rental options that will not fail to please you.

If you’re coming by yourself or with a significant other, you cannot do better than our Avignon One Bedroom Vacation Rental Apartment (PR-988). Located in a blissfully quiet street right downtown, it has many modern features such as a flat-screen TV with cable, a DVD player and DSL.  

If you’re planning to stay in Avignon as part of a group, our Hosted Four-Bedroom Avignon Bed and Breakfast (PR-325) is just what you need, and we’re not just saying that because of its incredible terrace offering a priceless view over the nearby Papal Palace and the surrounding rooftops.

The reign of Avignon as the religious, political and cultural center of Christendom lasted only 68 years, but the magnificent Papal Palace still effortlessly dominates the city, a truly stunning monument to the immense power of the papacy in the Middle Ages. A visit to the city would not be complete without an exhaustive tour of its numerous rooms, but make sure to come early to beat the crowds, an easy enough move if you’re staying in one of our rentals nearby.

Not as imposing but definitely more entrenched in popular French culture, the 13th century Saint-Bénézet Bridge in Avignon is first and foremost famous for the 16th century song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (“On the Avignon Bridge”), but also for its huge strategic importance back in the days as the only crossing over the Rhône river between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea and as a border post between the French territory and the Papal State. After several severe floods, only four arches remain, but it is still a favorite recreation spot.

No matter what you’re looking for, Avignon has something for you. Feel free to share your own experience of it in the comment section below.

This winter, if you need a break from the cold and could use some Caribbean food and flavor, why not head south—to South London, that is! Brixton, just a few short tube stops away from a selection of New York Habitat accommodations, is one of London’s most vibrant and culturally rich areas. Stop by and see why locals say you haven’t truly seen London until you’ve gone south. 

Brixton boasts one of the best market scenes in the city. With the covered Granville Arcade, the famed Brixton Station Road Market and Market Row all within steps of each other, visitors can find everything from prayer candles, original paintings and vintage clothes to stalls selling breadfruit, jerk chicken and other Indian, Afro-Caribbean and Vietnamese food. Here, you can get your hands on some of the best roti you’ll ever taste—and one of the best bargains in London, to boot.

Brixton market Arcade Photo

A few blocks away, on Coldharbour Lane, you’ll discover another Brixton institution: Bookmongers, an independent, second-hand bookstore literally filled to the ceiling with great finds. Once you’re done scanning the shelves, head over to—or, better yet, rock down to—Electric Avenue. Made even more famous by the Eddie Grant hit of the ’80s, Electric Avenue is also the address of Photofusion, one of the top photo galleries in London that always features exciting exhibits and first-rate talents.

If you’re looking for entertainment, you don’t have to search far. Brixton is home to the O2 Academy, with its nonstop lineup of stellar musical acts (look for Vampire Weekend in February and Tiësto in March), as well as the classic Ritzy Cinema, with its eclectic film screenings, the sleek Crush bar with foosball tables, and the sumptuous, old-school movie theatre surroundings. After a show, stop for a pint at the local Prince Albert, one of the finest and friendliest pubs in all of London.

For a convenient place to stay a short tube ride from Brixton and all the attractions of central London, consider these New York Habitat rental accommodations:

• A gorgeous, loft-style 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lambeth (LN-711) on the second floor of a converted walk-up with courtyard entrance. Both bedrooms boast double beds and open out to a terrace with vine-covered pagoda. This flat also features two baths, Baltic pine plank floor and fireplace.

Brixton Underground Staion

• A modern 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Lambeth (LN-234) on the second floor of a walk-up conversion that used to be a former tea factory from the 1850s. This open plan flat retains original features such as wooden floors and exposed beams and brick, and also has a state-of-the-art kitchen, two baths, a double bed, single sofa bed, laundry/dryer, and weekly cleaning service.

• A charming split-level, 1-bedroom duplex in Lambeth (LN-539) on Lansdowne Gardens near the Oval. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are on the second floor and stairs lead to the living room and balcony. This flat comes complete with double bed and laundry/dryer.

Who needs a trip to the islands this winter when you can take the tube to Brixton? Visit south London from your very own New York Habitat rental flat—and let us know some of your favorite spots with a comment below.

New York Habitat has been covering the best music venues in New York and Joe’s Pub certainly ranks among them. The intimate music club offers the rare, but extremely enjoyable, combination of live entertainment and table service. Guests can take in a performance over wine and Italian cuisine or cocktails and french fries.

Joe's Pub in New York Photo of the stage

Located just below Astor Place at 425 Lafayette Street, you can’t miss the large banner announcing Joe’s Pub. The club is an offshoot of The Public Theater and takes its name from the theater’s founder, Joseph Papp. Since 1998 the venue has hosted boldface names, as well as emerging artists, comedians and musicians from all genres.

Inside you’ll find a small, intimate space and swank interior. Guests can reserve one of the candlelit tables that fan out from the stage or one of the plush velvet banquettes that line the walls. The glowing black-and-white-striped bar on the upper level offers free seating with the price of admission. With good sightlines and theater-quality lighting and sound, there’s not a bad seat in the house – although most performances rouse the audience out of them anyway.

The club has a rocking retro feel, with large chandeliers, dark wood paneling and framed black-and-white photographs of Papp and his famous colleagues. The lone accordion mounted on the wall was the inspiration piece for the entire décor.

Joe’s Pub is open seven days a week and regularly features three performances a night. One important note: a dinner reservation or concert ticket for the first show will not grant you access to the later one(s). Ushers clear house after each show. Additionally, there is a $12 food minimum per person at tables. Visit joespub.com
for the calendar of events and ticketing information.

Joe's Pub Bar picture

Can’t wait to spend an evening at this unique venue? New York Habitat has hundreds of conveniently located apartment rentals near Joe’s Pub and New York’s thriving downtown music scene, including:

- This bohemian 1-Bedroom Loft in the East Village - Lower East Side - New York (NY-12317), located in the heart of downtown. The apartment is the live-in workspace of a hairstylist and is full of character and old world charm.

- This 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in East Village - Lower East Side - New York (NY-4573), located on the ground floor of a four-story townhouse dating back to the mid-1800s. This is a newly remodeled, bright and spacious apartment. You’ll love the back garden and relaxation pond.

Have you ever been to Joe’s Pub? Do you have a favorite New York music venue? Please share your comments with us!

London Events: 1 April – 30 June

April 2-5: Easter weekend
Perhaps the best known Christian festival is also a time for chocolate indulgence and combines public holidays to create a great opportunity for a weekend away!

Photo of Piccidilly Circus in London

April 11-12: Natural & Organic Products Europe (Olympia)
Natural & Organic Products Europe 2010 to be held at Olympia is a trade exhibition geared to anyone involved in the business of selling ‘natural, sustainable, organic, and healthy lifestyle products’.
With over 600 exhibitors and more than 7000 trade visitors from all over the world, this trade show brings together the Natural & Organic Products industry for two days of business and networking.

April 12-13: WWE Raw & Smackdown (O2 arena)
WWE brings RAW and SMACKDOWN to the O2 arena.  For anyone interested in the world of WWE wrestling this is the opportunity to view the World Revenge Tour in London.

April 14-15: Counter Terror Expo (Olympia)
The only international exhibition of its kind in the UK, Counter Terror Expo 2009 brought together over 4000 exhibitors and visitors from government, military, law enforcement, intelligence, and private sector organisations from the UK and abroad. Counter Terror Expo 2010 brings together industry leaders to provide a comprehensive focus through conferencing, and workshops in addition to the 250 exhibitor stands.

April 19-21: London Book Fair (Earls Court)
The London Book Fair brings you to the cutting edge of print, audio, TV, film and digital channels whether it involves negotiation, sale or distribution.   Taking place in arguably the world’s premier capital for publishing, this is a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the publishing world.

April 19-23: Alternative Fashion Week (Spitalfields)
Alternative Fashion Week 2010 takes place in London’s Spitalfields Market and highlights alternative fashion and new talent hallmarking new concepts, bright ideas, and wonderful artists.

April 25th: London Marathon
26.2 gruelling miles around London! The virgin London marathon is a huge celebratory sporting festival that, since its inception in 1981, has raised close to £500 million for charity!

April 27-29: Internet World (Earls Court)
The 18th edition of this digital marketing and online business exhibition showcases leading suppliers, brings together a huge collection of visionary minds, and provides Europe’s biggest free education program from ecommerce, digital, marketing, and IT.

April 30-May 3: London Golf and Tennis Show (Excel)
A great day out for golf and tennis enthusiasts, this event at London’s Excel centre showcases the latest in fashion and equipment as well as brings the latest gadgets and gizmos that you never knew you needed. 
This hugely entertaining and interactive show allows customers the opportunity to try out the latest equipment, watch displays and visit 200 stands.

May 1-9: Grand Designs Live (Excel)
Grand Designs offers visitors guidance and insight into buying, building, and furnishing a home. With a combination of cutting-edge design, eco-friendly alternatives, and latest technology this is the place to be if you are looking for inspiration!

May 18-30: International Wine Fair (Excel)
One of the world’s most important wine trade events brings together producers, merchants, agents, wholesalers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and anyone else with a trade interest in both wine and spirits.
This show is geared for trade only and focuses entirely on the business of wine whether you are a producer, importer, exporter or retailer. This show gives everybody the opportunity to network with other experts and further develop business.

May 25-29: RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Possibly the world’s most famous flower show, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show bursts with creativity and imagination for everything floral.

June 4-13: London International Fine Art Fair (Olympia)
The London International Fine Art Fair is an opportunity for over 200 of the world’s most distinguished galleries to exhibit an extraordinarily diverse range of pieces varying from Old Master paintings, English formal furniture, Art Deco jewellery, and 20th century design classics.
With over 30,000 art lovers, museum curators, and private buyers congregating from around the world, London Olympia is the place to be for an unrivalled view of world class art and antiques.

June 12: Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour is a ceremony performed by regiments of the Commonwealth and the British Army. It has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, and, since the 18th century, has been a mark of the sovereign’s birthday. The Queen’s Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday 12th June 2010 on Horse Guards Parade when The Colour will be trooped by 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in the presence of Her Majesty.
Over 1400 officers and men of the Household division as well over two hundred horses from the cavalry will be on parade.  400 musicians and drummers from ten bands play as one to celebrate this annual event.

Wimbledon Court 1 picture

June 21-July 4: Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world dating back to 1877.  Held at the All England Club in the London suburb of Wimbledon it is considered the most prestigious tennis championship in the world and the only still to be played on grass. For two weeks in late June and early July the world’s most talented players gather for this knockout competition with the goal of being crowned its champion. In all Wimbledon boasts 19 courts, over 700 matches, more than 30,000 tonnes of strawberries consumed by spectators, and over 30,000 tennis balls are used throughout the tournament.

June 25-27: London Clothes Show (Earls Court)
Hosting a number of prestigious industry awards and exhibiting a fantastic selection of designer, boutique, and high street brands the London Clothes Show at Earls Court offers a magnificent variety of clothing and hair and beauty products to the thousands of visitors.

Share your favore Events in London this Spring in the comments section below