New York Habitat Blog

Located in the quiet, leafy 11th arrondissement, this Hidden Gem 2-bedroom apartment boasts some very famous neighbors. Just around the corner from this flat reside the likes of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Doors’ front-man Jim Morrison in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. Sure these stars are no longer living, but this residential neighborhood in Paris is very much alive. The district is home to countless cafes and restaurants as well this superbly designed and decorated 2-bedroom duplex accommodation(PA-3392).

Just around the corner from the St. Maur metro station, in a classic Parisian setting, this 2-bedroom duplex accommodation showcases a modern, minimalist design. Recently renovated by an interior designer, guests are sure to love the apartment’s decor. A professional constructed the apartment’s aesthetic and it shows in each and every room of the two-floor flat. The designer’s choice of light colors brightens the apartment significantly, making for a soft, sunny apartment on the greyest of days. Hardwood floors and modern appliances are two more highlights of the apartment. Overall, renters will be delighted with the amount of light in this apartment, a rarity for Parisian accommodations, and the consistent, modern design on both floors of the duplex apartment.

The Pere Lachaise-Nation district of Paris is bordered by the river Seine to the south, the trendy Marais district to the east, the park Buttes Chaumont to the north and the massive Bois de Vincennes to the west. The strategic location is safely off of the beaten path while still a stone’s throw from central Paris. Besides being the location of Pere Lachaise, the world’s most famous cemetery, this district offers cafes and scenic walks in an authentic Parisian environment. Au Trou Normand comes to mind when thinking of authentic, French eateries in the neighborhood. There are several great accommodation choices in the district including a funky Studio-Duplex (PA-3040).

Why is this two-bedroom duplex a Hidden Gem?

This Paris apartment’s proximity to the mammoth Pere Lachaise and several metro lines, paired with an excellent, minimalist design make this two-bedroom duplex apartment a Hidden Gem.

Can you name some other famous residents of the Pere Lachaise cemetery? Comment below.

With summer just ending last weekend and winter fast approaching, it is time to finalize your plans for the 2007 winter holiday travel season. Whether visiting family in the South of France, traveling to Paris for the first time, touring London or enjoying New York again, the period from mid-December through the first week of January is one of the busiest for vacation apartment rentals. New York Habitat offers a variety of apartments throughout the year, but the selection for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays is rapidly changing as apartments are booked as quickly as they become available.

To help you in your search for the perfect apartment, New York Habitat has created some tools to assist you even when the options may seem limited:

• Using our RSS feeds (for more info, see RSS contribution to apartment search)
• Submitting your request to one of our specialized agents
• Expanding your search to other areas

New York Habitat recommends you start searching for accommodations for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period as soon as possible. We see requests for holiday apartments as early as February of the year before. If by chance you are stuck with nothing just a few weeks before your trip, New York Habitat has the advantage that our inventory is continually changing because of the flexible schedules of our owners. There are almost always some last-minute apartment availabilities, but this can be a risky strategy because offerings are limited.

Here are some accommodations that are available as of today for the 2007 holidays:

New York Apartments:

• A 3-bedroom rental in West Village, Greenwich Village (NY-12362) with a private garden and a convenient location
• A studio on the Upper East Side (NY-11943) that can sleep four and has a small terrace

Paris Accommodations:

• A 1-bedroom rental in Marais - Les Halles (PA-2281) that can sleep up to five people
• A studio in Saint Michel (PA-3257)

London Apartment Rentals:

• A 3-bedroom rental in Earls Court, Kensington (LN-374)
• A 3-bedroom rental in Camden Town, Camden – Brent (LN-428)

French Riviera Accommodations:

• A 1-bedroom rental in Nice, French Riviera (PR-707)
• A 2-bedroom rental in Saint Tropez, French Riviera (PR-629)

Provence Apartments and Villas:

• A 1-bedroom rental in Marseille (PR-441)
• A 3-bedroom villa in Aix en Provence (PR-506)

So, remember to book your holiday accommodations early. There are still great apartments available in London, Paris, New York and the South of France, but the best choices will soon be gone.

Central Park Photograph provided by francois-roux-photography.com

On September 19, 2007, The Wall Street Journal reported that construction of new hotel rooms is expected to decline by about 1% in 2008 because of the tightening credit market and possibility of recession. New York’s vacation accommodation market, which includes hotels and vacation apartment rentals, has been red hot over the past several years with prices and occupancies increasing faster than in many cities around the country.

While large hotel developers need a longer time to react to a changing market, owners of furnished accommodations have more flexibility for their property use. Based on current market conditions, the vacation accommodation market in New York has several factors that help make it impervious to this national shift in the industry, including:

· A large portion of foreign travelers who bring currencies other than the dollar to New York
· A long-standing lack of supply of available rooms and apartments available for rent

With these market conditions, New York Habitat continues to increase our inventory of vacation accommodations and plans to continue finding new properties to offer throughout 2008. If you are interested in listing your apartment fill out the form online or call us at (212) 255-8018. If you would like more information about the market, read our New York Furnished Apartment Market Report. For investors read our Tips about: Furnished Apartment Investments in New York

Have some inside information about new projects in New York? Share below.

The Queens borough is known for its seamless blend of diverse people and background. As the largest borough of New York, it offers proximity to the city within a delightful suburban setting. If looking for comfortable accommodations while visiting Manhattan, then this one-bedroom apartment in Jackson Heights (NY-11830) is the perfect getaway!

While its closeness to Manhattan is an undeniable plus, there are plenty of places to explore within the Queens. Flushing Meadows Park provides a convenient escape as it is the site of both New York World’s Fairs and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. With its residential charm, many city-dwellers find solace in the relaxing environment of Queens. New York Habitat features other apartments in the area like this one-bedroom in Astoria (NY-6469) or this one-bedroom in Woodside (NY-11788).

The Jackson Heights, Queens neighborhood, though, is the quintessential melting pot of diversity and culture. Rumored to have someone from every nation with a corresponding restaurant, even the most seasoned palate will be delighted. Varieties of ethnic cuisines are available and range from Brazilian to Afghani. At 74th Avenue and 35th Street, Little India offers the best in food, jewelry, clothing and music. The sights and sounds of Little India rival the country itself!

Located in a historic pre-war building, which is secure with an intercom-buzzer system, the apartment is a cozy, spacious suite capable of accommodating up to three guests. The apartment is recently renovated and is fully furnished. The large, plush sofa easily pulls out to a bed and twin beds can be separated for two or combined to make king-sized. Wood floors run throughout the apartment and sparkle from the rays of sunlight streaming in from big windows overlooking the picturesque street below. Conveniently located near the 7 train, which connects to the E, F, V, R and G lines, commuting to Manhattan is an easy 15-minute ride.

Why is this Jackson Heights one-bedroom apartment such a hidden gem?

hether staying for one week or one month, the apartment offers so much at a reasonable cost compared to accommodations in Manhattan. The living areas are open and inviting; offering a distinct comfort unmatched by any hotel. Set in a rich, cultural atmosphere, there are plenty of places to see and discover within the neighborhood. And when venturing into the city, catching a train is simple with the subway station is just around the corner. Uncovering this treasure of an apartment will surely enhance any visit to New York City!

Stayed in Queens before? Know of great, affordable restaurants or quaint, secret shops? We want to hear about it so please leave any comments below!

Looking for an apartment with a convenient location, easy access to subways and close to the student life of some of Manhattan’s best-known colleges and universities? Look no further then Morningside Heights, New York.

The neighborhood has become to some an extension of the Upper West Side and to others a unique enclave on its own. Apartment searches in the Morningside Heights neighborhood can be difficult because Columbia University has bought many buildings in the area, but there remain attractive options there.

The Basics on Morningside Heights:

Morningside Heights extends from the end of the Upper West Side near 100th Street to 125th Street at its northern boundary, and from the Hudson River along its western edge to Morningside Park to the east. The neighborhood has seen lots of investment over the past decade with many new apartment buildings being constructed as well as new university buildings rising where large chunks of land can be assembled.

Columbia University, Barnard College and the Manhattan School of Music are a few of the higher education institutions that have made homes in this New York neighborhood. The area also features a growing selection of restaurants lining both Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. Some favorites include Bistro Ten 18 on Amsterdam and 110th Street, featuring traditional American bistro cuisine and a wide selection of wines and beers from around the world, and Awash Ethiopian, which offers a taste of East Africa at 107th and Amsterdam.

Transportation in Morningside Heights is dominated by the Number 1 train, which follows Broadway and has stops at 96th Street, 103rd Street, 110th Street, 116th Street and 125th Street. For those venturing to midtown Manhattan or downtown, there is a connection to the express 2,3 trains at 96th Street. The neighborhood also features an extensive bus network including the M60 bus, which travels up Broadway from 106th Street to 125th Street and then cross-town and over the Tri-boro Bridge to La Guardia Airport.

Accommodations in Morningside Heights:

New York Habitat offers several choices in this neighborhood, but remember to make your selections early because it tends to fill up fast, especially in September.

Roommate Shares in Morningside Heights:

• A roommate share on the Upper West Side/Morningside Heights (NY-311) on West End Avenue
• A roommate share on the Upper West Side/Morningside Heights (NY-10541) near Central and Morningside parks

Furnished Apartments in Morningside Heights:

• A furnished loft in Morningside Heights (NY-9228) near the Hudson River
• A studio on the Upper West Side/Morningside Heights (NY-12354) on Cathedral Parkway

Consider Morningside Heights, New York for an apartment or roommate share accommodation whether looking to be close to the area Colleges and Universities or to have easy access to local restaurants and a convenient transportation network.

Have you lived in Morningside Heights? What are your tips about the neighborhood?

Since July, Parisians have been taking advantage of Vélib (from the French vélo en libre service), the city’s new eco-friendly shared bike service that makes it easy to forego fuel-eating cars for something kinder to the environment. 

The public bike rental system is (almost) free, and has become the hip new way for city-dwellers and tourists alike to get to work, run errands or take a leisurely jaunt through the city.  To rent a bike, simply head to one of Paris’ 750 renting stations and swipe a credit card at the “borne”, or atm-like machine, get a bicycle pass, unlock the bike, and take off!  The first half-hour is free; or you can purchase one hour (1 Euro), a week (5 Euros), or apply for a yearly pass (29 Euros) by mail. When finished with your ride, simply park the bike an any station near your stopping point.  Well-equipped with baskets and easily-adjustable seats, these bicycles are making alternative transit easy and fun!

Not long after Parisians began enjoying the hop-on-and-ride system, Marseilles and Aix en Provence are following suit, encouraging citizens to opt for a “greener” ride.  In Aix en Provence, green and red three-speed bicycles line up at the town’s 16 “V’Hello” stations.  And Marseille plans to have 1,000 bikes at 130 stations ready to ride some time this fall. 

Already popular with locals, public bike-sharing in France also appeals to vacationers who want to take in outdoor sights while learning their way around these navigable cities.

If you’re planning to explore Paris, Marseille or Aix en Provence, by bike or otherwise, New York Habitat offers a number of vacation accommodations in all three cities that suit any need.

For those wishing to take advantage of Paris’ 230 miles of cycling lanes, consider this New York Habitat offering: a two bedroom apartment in Port Royal- St. Michel- St. Germain- Notre Dame (PA3306), neighboring the Luxembourg Gardens in the famous Latin Quarter. It puts you within short biking or walking distance of the Sorbonne, the Seine River and many outdoor markets. This apartment is also conveniently located around the corner from two bicycle renting stations.

In the South of France, this two-bedroom accommodation in Marseille (PR772) makes the perfect spot from which to cycle around the Mediterranean port: it is located next to the “Vieux Port” and the Cannèbiere, in the center of town.  While there, you might enjoy riding through the cobbled streets of Le Panier, the city’s oldest quarter, or to one of the many restaurants nearby to sample Marseille’s world-renowned bouillabaisse. 

Also in the South of France, this one bedroom apartment in Aix en Provence (PR834) is in an ideal location to discover one of the top towns to visit in the South of France.  Take a leisurely ride through tree-lined avenues of the Cours Mirabeau, past fountains and historical mansions of this very bike-able city.  Or, stay in this two-bedroom villa in Aix en Provence (PR728), just five minutes from the center of town, where you can have lunch on the terrace shaded by wisteria, or take a swim in the pool.

So, do you think the bike-share system is an environmentally-friendly alternative that could eventually convince people to give up their cars?

Paris Velib Station photos from Wikipedia

If a sprawling country villa set amid gardens and an ambling vineyard sounds like the kind of place you’d like to unwind with family or a few friends, New York Habitat offers just the place:  a five-bedroom accommodation in Beaucaire, Avignon Region (PR-745).

An authentic Mas in Beaucaire, Avignon Region
Provencal farmhouse ambiance awaits guests of this 17th century five-bedroom Mas, full of exposed wooden beams and stone walls throughout.  Colorful artwork graces the walls and an antique Indian massage table makes for a unique coffee table in the center of the living room.  A working fireplace and traditional blue and yellow tile brighten the eat-in kitchen.  Guests can gather for meals in the kitchen, dining room or outside on the terrace looking over the vineyard—all three areas have tables for eight.  Connected by a spiral staircase, the second floor’s three bedrooms with double beds and two single bedrooms provide plenty of space to accommodate eight people. 

Take in a view of the vineyard and the typically Provencal countryside from the two terraces: one off of the ground floor and a second-floor terrace connected to one of the bedrooms.  Once outside, you’ll be surrounded with pine, olive and mulberry trees, lending shade to a private garden.  At the end of the garden is a swimming pool with poolside lounge chairs and a sheltered deck.  A pond with water lilies completes the outdoor oasis of this rental property.

The “Golden Triangle”
A few-minutes’ drive from the villa takes you to the center of the medieval village of Beaucaire, France, where restaurants, small shops and 16th-century mansions share the cobblestone streets.  Equally close to the vacation property is a 5th- century Roman monastery carved out of rock.

Bordered by the Rhône River and the Canal du Rhône à Sète, Beaucaire is located in the “Golden Triangle,” an area defined by Arles, Nimes and Avignon, often described as the most beautiful part of Provence.  The medieval port village of Beaucaire was once known for its commercial fair that attracted merchants from all over the country.  Home to the Course Camarguaise, an annual Spanish-style bull run every summer, the town boasts a several sites, including ruins of a 13th century castle which served as an ancient fortress.

Driving a bit further allows for exploring the ancient amphitheater in the Provencal town of Arles (15 km) or viewing wild horses, flamingos and native black bulls in the natural reserve of Camargue, also accessible by boat ride.  Just a thirty-minute drive east is St. Remy de Provence, the home town of VanGogh and one of the top towns to visit in the South of France.

If a five-bedroom vacation rental is slightly too spacious for your needs, New York Habitat also offers a three-bedroom Mas accommodation (PR-821) in Beaucaire, from which to take in the historic and naturally scenic surroundings of the Avignon region. Thirty minutes from Nimes, the area is accessible to the local airport with daily domestic flights from Paris and the TGV station (it’s a three- hour train trip from Paris).  The vacation property is also 45 minutes west of the Marseilles airport.

Why is this five-bedroom rental property a hidden gem?
Lush gardens, tree-lined terraces, a vineyard and a private swimming pool are the main attractions of this authentic Mas.  Five bedrooms and two floors make this vacation property is a spacious and welcoming place to enjoy the heart of Provence near a historically rich village that hasn’t yet made it onto tourists’ must-see lists.

Have you visited any of the villages in France’s Golden Triangle, and do you have any hints about places to see that are off the beaten path.