New York Habitat Blog

Veteran’s Day: A time to remember and thank those who served the United States

New York has always been known for grand parades and the event commemorating Veteran’s Day is another one not to miss.  Since Veteran’s Day was first celebrated in on November 18th 1919 (originally know as Armistice Day) to remember the sacrifices of World War I parades have been held.

In New York we have had a parade since 1929. The parade in New York runs up Fifth Avenue from Madison Square Park at 23rd Street north to 59th Street. If you want to take in the parade then consider a location in Midtown Manhattan for easy access.

New York Habitat has many apartments available in the area including (NY-12098) near Times Square, (NY-7724) in Midtown East near the end of parade route and (NY-4564) a few blocks from Madison Square Park. There are over 20,000 participants in the parade including bands, floats and military. Take a look at http://www.nationsdayparade.org/ for more info about the parade.

What: The 2006 Nation’s Parade (Operation Welcome Home)
When: Monday November 11th, 2006 wreath laying ceremony at 10 a.m. parade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 5th Avenue from 23rd Street through 59th Street

Leisurely adventure in a timeless landscape

For many Americans, a French vacation conjures images of famous landmarks, Parisian cafes, and the awareness that not everyone has air conditioning nor prefers ice in their water glass! Part of the enjoyment of foreign travel involves surrendering one’s preferences and habits and welcoming the experience of local customs.

This American has just returned from 10 days in Gap, a provincial seat in Hautes-Alpes, located between Briançon and Aix-en-Provence. Returning from the island of Elba in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte passed through Gap on his way to Briançon, and then on to Paris. In recent years, The Tour de France has passed through Gap several times with cheering spectators lining the route.

Situated in a mountain valley at an altitude of around 733 meters (2400 feet), Gap appears in the distance after a scenic 90 minute ride from Aix. The 100 year-old cathedral spire points skyward, surrounded by terra cotta roofs. Nearby mountains—Ceuzes, Bure, Charrance are easily visible and underline the constantly changing cloud patterns.

Read the entire story here… »

Sometimes there’s nothing like watching a movie to rejuvenate or even spark interest in a certain area or place. If Paris isn’t already on your must-see list after watching delights like Funny Face or French Kiss, the latest film from director Sofia Coppola may just nudge the City of Lights and the surrounding area to the top of your list.

A recent story in the Travel section of the New York Daily News cited Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and some “newly hip neighborhoods” as motivators to visit or revisit some of the history and lore of France. The film is mostly set in Versailles, a nice day trip just a short train ride from Paris. And, of course, aside from the classic Parisian tourist attractions, there are revamped neighborhoods like the Marais, Bastille and Bercy to explore.

Read the entire story here… »

If you are a sports fan then you should know that New York is one of the most intense places to witness a sporting event. Baseball has an especially strong tradition in New York where the Yankees and Mets compete for the hometown fans.

Both teams made it to the 2006 playoffs but unfortunately the Yankees were defeated in the first round of competition. So far the Mets have been more successful defeating the Dodgers in the first round of the playoffs. So if you can get tickets to one of the remaining games this season you will be able to join one of the most excited groups of 57,000 people you have ever witnessed.

New York Habitat can help with accommodations if you come to New York to see the League Championship Series or with any luck the World Series.  Apartments near Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station offer easy access to the stadium. If you decide to stay near Grand Central take a look at apartement 4364. From here it is a short walk to the 7 train at Grand Central, which offers a 30-minute ride to Shea Stadium. On the other hand if you choose to stay on the West Side apartment 11204 offers a spacious family sized apartment, which is a short walk from the Long Island Rail Road to Shea Stadium (15 minute ride).

If you can’t make it to the playoff series this year consider coming in 2007 or 2008 before the Mets move to their new stadium for the 2009 season. For more information on The Mets and Shea Stadium visit http://www.mets.com/.

Let Go Mets!!

London in Song
“Through the streets of London”

So how can you tell me you’re lonely,
And say for you that the sun don’t shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I’ll show you something to make you change your mind

Ralph McTell’s famous song is an invitation to go through the streets of London… but did you know that London counts over 80,000 streets!! Add to them thousands of acres of open space and nearly 200 miles of waterside walks and waterways, walking through London could take you a lifetime or more! …

If you are not a born Londoner, just experience being one by choosing a London rental in your preferred area and uncover the city through the Georgian and Victorian streets, don’t miss the best-known tourist sites like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace, but do also explore London’s parks and pubs, its amazing variety of domestic architecture, its markets and countless surprises from even the most unexpected spots of the city and its ‘villages’. 

Choose your accommodation away from the beaten tracks, make yourself home and become a Londoner, even if for just but a few days! And if you go as far as Putney, open both eyes and ears, you may bump into Ralph McTell himself…

New York Habitat offers a value priced alternative.

In the October 2-8 2006 issue of Crain’s New York Business the headline reads “Rising hotel rates price visitors out.” The story notes that hotel price have increased 11% since the beginning of 2006 to an average rate of $241 a night while the authors expect that room rates may top $300 a night in the fall and holiday seasons.

The article notes that because of increasing room rates, the number of tourists able to visit New York has begun to drop because the value priced hotels in the $125 to $175 price range have experienced some of the sharpest price increases (15.5% since the beginning of 2006).

While prices have soared at Manhattan Hotels, New York Habitat continues to offer high quality apartments in all neighborhood of New York City in all price ranges. Whether it is a trendy East Village studio for $135 a day (NY-9803) or a luxurious one bedroom in Times Square for $405 a day (NY-12046) our offerings offer significant value in a market.  The typical rates (per night) for New York Habitat apartments are shown below though prices vary on individual apartments.

• Studio………………….$115 to $225
• One Bedroom…………$155 to $325
• Two Bedroom…………$250 to $470
• Special Apartments…..$300 and up

So if you are planning a stay in New York, why not contact New York Habitat to book a quality vacation rental in the neighborhood of your choice.

New York in Song
“The Ultimate Monster Mash”

The zombies were having fun, the party had just begun.
The guests included Wolfman, Dracula and his son.
They did the mash…they did the monster mash

“The Monster Mash” was a hit in 1962 for the novelty act The Cryptkickers, and it has remained an enduring camp classic ever since.  Of course, the ultimate Monster Mash takes place every October 31st right here in New York City: The Annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade!

Not unlike Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Halloween Parade is one of the biggest parties thrown anywhere in the world.  This year’s will mark the 33rd annual event, and it promises to be the best yet!  There are more than 53 bands that will be playing all kinds of music, plus performances by dancers, artists and acrobats.  And then there are the huge, incredibly made puppets; they’re like Thanksgiving Day balloons with a sinister side! 

Read the entire story here… »