New York Habitat Blog

Tucked away in a residential park facing majestic Mount Ventoux is a gorgeous four-bedroom vacation villa in Mollans sur Ouveze, Avignon Region (PR-603). You will experience an unforgettable stay in the middle of the rich Drôme Provencal region in the South of France, which boasts mountains, rivers, pine woods and lavender fields.

South of France Accommodation: 4 Bedroom Rental in Mollans sur Ouveze, Avignon Region (PR-603)

Eight people can enjoy the gracious surroundings of this spacious vacation accommodation, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It’s full of things that make it like home for your stay: from the large living room with plenty of seating, colorful paintings on the walls and a fireplace, to conveniences like the DVD player, television and stereo. Off the fully equipped modern kitchen is a laundry room with a washing machine. In the living area sunshine comes streaming in through the French windows that lead to the terrace. Outside on the terrace, guests can use the barbecue and dine outdoors on the large table while taking in the gorgeous view.

The most attractive feature of this villa, however, is the resort-like outdoor setting. A private pool is set in a landscaped garden and lends a view ;of the mountains beyond the house. Pink flowers and vines climb the covered poolside terrace and deck chairs can be brought in or out of the shade. The scene is set for absolute relaxation and tranquility while taking in the surroundings.

Nearby is the Mount Ventoux, known as the “Giant of Provence,” which appears snow-capped year-round. UNESCO has classified it as a Biosphere reserve: The mountain has over four hundred different flowers and over a thousand plant varieties. Visitors prize this area for its walking and hiking paths as well nature-viewing opportunities, while cyclists and climbers also enjoy more challenging trails of this 1,909-meter slope. On the banks of the mountain are picturesque medieval villages and castles of Caromb and Barroux. This region is famous for the wines of the Côte du Ventoux vineyards, and is also not far from the Côte du Rhone wine villages.

South of France Accommodation: 4 Bedroom Rental in Mollans sur Ouveze, Avignon Region (PR-603)

What makes this four-bedroom vacation villa a hidden gem?
A gorgeous landscaped pool and second-floor terrace, both with a view of the majestic Mount Ventoux make this accommodation a hidden gem. Being in such close proximity to the mountain, plenty of nature activities, medieval villages and famous wineries give everyone something to enjoy here.

Can Paris get any more romantic? We at New York Habitat don’t think so. Every season seems to bring another event ideal for public displays of affection (something Parisians aren’t bashful about). Each winter (early December-early March) Paris opens two large ice-skating rinks in the shadows of two of the city’s great monuments–the Montparnasse Tower and the Hotel de Ville.

Paris Accommodation: 1 Bedroom Rental in Montparnasse - Porte de Versailles (PA-3581)

New York Habitat, never one to leave you out in the cold, has plenty of accommodation choices close to both of the free skating rinks.

The rink at the Montparnasse Tower is situated directly under the looming tower, across the street from the bustling Montparnasse train station. A great spot for people watching, the rink remains relatively uncrowded despite the people that hustle by.

This cozy one-bedroom rental apartment in Montparnasse (PA-3581) is the perfect place to rest and relax after a day spent gliding on the rink and catching Paris’ most underrated views from atop the mammoth tower.

Paris Accommodation: 1 Bedroom Rental in Montparnasse - Porte de Versailles (PA-3581)

Over in the 15th arrondissement is an ice skating rink adjacent to the Hotel de Ville, or the mayor’s official residence. Skaters are close enough to shout complaints or praises at the mayor, although we’re sure the success of Velib Biking in Paris and the Nuit Blanche have solidified Mr. Delanoe’s support in the city.

A short walking distance from the Hotel de Ville is this ground-floor studio apartment near Auteil-Tour Eiffel district (PA-2610) in the Maison de la Radio.

Of course the rinks aren’t just for lovers; kids and families revel in the festive ambiance as well. Both rinks provide professional instructors so first-timers need not miss out on the fun.

As we talked about several weeks ago, one of the most important factors in finding holiday apartments in New York is to book early. One notable exception is around Thanksgiving when there is generally a wider selection of apartments available for three or less people. This makes for a great opportunity to come into New York and shop on Black Friday or take in the Thanksgiving Day parade. On the other hand, apartments for four or more people for Thanksgiving are generally booked further in advance.

new York Accommodation: studio in the Upper West Side (NY-12072)

Thanksgiving apartment rentals still available:

• A one-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side (NY-7620) that is two blocks from the Thanksgiving Parade route
• A one-bedroom accommodation on the Upper West Side (NY-5981) that is a short walk from Riverside and Central Parks
• A studio rental on the Upper West Side (NY-12072) that is a short walk from the start of the parade

Events over Thanksgiving Weekend:

• The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the largest and most extravagant parade on Thanksgiving Day. The parade begins at the Museum of Natural History on Central Park West and travels down to Broadway, where it continues all the way down to Herald Square (34th Street and Broadway, the site of Macy’s). The parade can be seen nationwide on TV, but experiencing it firsthand is truly something to behold. The parade features hundreds of floats, giant balloons and marching bands. There are plenty of places to watch the Parade along Broadway and Central Park West. For more info about the parade see: New York in Song - Thanksgiving Parade.
• Dinner in New York on Thanksgiving allows you to enjoy turkey at some of New York’s best restaurants. For those looking for something fancy, Asiate in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel offers a deluxe dinner and a great location just off of Columbus Circle. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a bit more classic, try Virgil’s BBQ featuring smoked turkeys and all of the traditional fixings at a location just blocks from Times Square.

• New York in Song - Thanksgiving Parade

  Black Friday shopping is the other major event of the weekend. Black Friday gained its name because in the past it was traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year and many stores reached profitability, which in accounting is often called “in the black.” Hence, Black Friday was born. Macy’s, the sponsor of the parade as well as other department stores throughout the city, offer big sales on Friday and throughout the weekend. So, come and get that holiday shopping done early.

Anyway, for those of you on the fence about whether to come, take a look at our accommodation options and, if you find the perfect place, take a trip to New York for the Thanksgiving festivities.

This two-bedroom apartment rental on Lilley Street is centrally located within some of the hottest neighborhoods in the West End of London. West Brompton is situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and nestled near Knightsbridge and Earl’s Court. The moment you step outside of your London apartment, the possibilities for shopping, dining and entertainment are boundless.

Two-bedroom Apartment in London:

London Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in West Brompton, Kensington - Chelsea (LN-426)

Looking for a quaint, charming apartment rental in London? Look no further! This two-bedroom apartment in West Brompton (LN-426) is located on the ground floor of a modern townhouse. The kitchen is equipped with all of the amenities both a gourmet chef and a novice cook could ask for, including an electric oven, a refrigerator, a kettle and a toaster. Notice the warm colors of the tile backsplash on the walls. It beautifully complements the honey cabinetry. Just imagine spending a morning in your furnished London apartment rental, sipping tea in the cozy, inviting kitchen.

Easy access to the West End via the nearby West Brompton (District Line) Tube station allows you to travel anywhere in the whole of London. Have a stroll through nearby Hyde Park or enjoy a uniquely British holiday by taking a hop, skip and a jump to Battersea Park in November for Guy Fawkes Night celebrations on the 5th. Also known as Bonfire Night, the celebration at Battersea Park includes food, drink, bonfires and a spectacular display of fireworks set to music! All of this can be found just minutes from your London apartment rental!

London Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in West Brompton, Kensington - Chelsea (LN-426)

Another apartment in Kensington – Chelsea, London:
If you love living near shops, parks and busy city streets, you will adore this one-bedroom apartment rental in Kensington - Chelsea (LN-460).

The two-bedroom apartment in West Brompton and the one-bedroom apartment in Kensington – Chelsea are near everything the West End has to offer. Both London apartment rentals are situated near open, relaxing parks, gourmet restaurants and upscale shops.

Why is the two-bedroom apartment in West Brompton, Kensington – Chelsea, London a hidden gem?
London is one of the largest cities in the world and has hundreds of charming neighborhoods. Living in this two-bedroom apartment rental in West Brompton near Kensington and Chelsea, you will be situated close to just three of the most chic and entertaining London neighborhoods. For up-to-date information on the local area, visit the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website.

If hearing about Guy Fawke’s Night piqued your interest, visit our 2007 Holiday Apartment Rentals Blog! Feel free to comment on the latest happenings in West Brompton, Kensington – Chelsea, London below.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, the thought of spending a Paris vacation in Bastille was not very enticing. Today, thanks to a bloody revolution, the prison which stood as centerpiece of the neighborhood is gone. In its place is a towering spire, enormous roundabout (the Place de la Bastille), and the shimmering facade of the Opera Bastille. Thanks to several renovation projects, the grit of the neighborhood has been scrubbed clean. And thanks to New York Habitat’s apartment offerings, native Parisians aren’t the only ones lucky enough to enjoy it.

Paris garden in Bastille

For those who don’t know the origins of the Bastille neighborhood, the quarter takes its namesake from the hulking medieval prison that once defined the area. On July 14th, 1789 the prison was stormed by angry anti-monarchists, a revolution was sparked, a few heads were chopped off (thanks, Mr. Guillotine) and voila, the birth of French democracy.

Nowadays the Bastille quarter of Paris is no secret. Located at the crossroads of the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements, cafes, boutiques and galleries have popped up all along Bastille’s grand avenues and petite cul de sacs. In addition to a world-class opera house, Bastille boasts a leading contemporary art gallery in La Maison Rouge.

Paris Accommodation: 1 Bedroom Rental in Bastille, Marais - Les Halles (PA-3374)

The area directly surrounding the Place de la Bastille is an amalgamated swath of traffic: vehicular, human and bicycle. Exiting the Bastille metro station at night can be a bit wild, music funnels into the street from lively bars and club owners court passing customers in both French and English. Walk five minutes away from the Place and the quarter becomes quieter, tidier and more residential. New York Habitat has plenty of Paris vacation accommodations down Bastille’s grand boulevards and charming side streets.

Paris Accommodation: 3 Bedroom Rental in Bastille, Marais - Les Halles (PA-3530)

New York Habitat has an accommodation for everyone in this quarter. For the solo traveler there is this wood-planked 1 bedroom rental in Marais-Les Halles (PA 3310), just off the bustling Place de la Bastille. Traveling families might find a home in this airy 3-bedroom duplex rental in Bastille (PA 3530). And for couples in search of the charms and romances of the river Seine there is a 1-bedroom boat house apartment in Bastille (PA 3374).

Related areas and neighborhoods in Paris :

Bercy, Paris

Why does staying in Bastille attract you? The history, nightlife, location or something else?

The Upper East Side of Manhattan is known for being one of the most posh neighborhoods in the world. In addition to its wealth residents, the Upper East side, which is located between Central Park and the East River and stretches from 59th Street to about 96th Street, is the home of numerous museums, historical monuments, luxury boutiques and high-end dining and entertainment venues.

About the Upper East Side:

Central Park New York City

As first home to the kings of industry during the 19th Century, the Upper East Side has a rich and prominent history of catering to the upper echelons of elite high society. The quaint tree-lined streets nestled together with the pre-war brownstone townhouses that radiate a unique sophistication and chic appeal of the area. Strolling within the various districts of the Upper East Side will take you to the quintessential New York City streets that have been made famous in movies and songs including Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

In addition to the elegant streets and mansions in the Upper East Side, the area also boasts of the most museums and monuments in the city. “Museum Mile,” located along Fifth Avenue facing Central Park, is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Academy of Design, the Guggenheim, the Whitney Museum of American Art and many more.

Metropolitan Museum Upper East Side, New York

A stay in New York City, however, is not complete without a trip to Central Park. As the most visited park in the United States, there are plenty of things to do and see in Central Park and are especially kid-friendly. Between the Zoo, the Conservatory Gardens, two ice-skating rinks, and numerous lakes and ponds, it is easy to spend a whole day outside and away from the busy city in the peaceful sanctuaries within Central Park.

Transportation within and around the Upper East Side is supplied by the Lexington Avenue line consisting of the 4, 5, and 6 trains. Mainly serving the Upper East Side and East Midtown Manhattan, the Lexington Avenue line stretches from downtown Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan to 125th Street in East Harlem.

Accommodations in the Upper East Side

Whether vacationing for a short-time or in need of a furnished apartment for an extended amount of time, New York Habitat has numerous accommodations in the Upper East Side.

• New York Accommodation: 1 Bedroom rental in the Upper East Side (NY-12411)

  This one-bedroom Upper East Side vacation rental (NY-12411), located on East 82nd Street between Second and Third Avenues, is spacious and features a bedroom with a queen-sized bed and door with access to the back terrace.

• This one-bedroom Upper East Side furnished triplex apartment (NY-10249), on East 62nd Street between First and Second Avenues, is a private suite that is spread over three floors with access to a scenic terrace.
• This two-bedroom Upper East Side furnished apartment (NY-4596), on East 68th Street between First and Second Avenues, is in a postwar, secured building and comes with a balcony overlooking Central Park from the South.

Depending on the length of stay or preferred accommodations, there is certainly something available to enhance any trip to New York City!

Ever lived or stayed in the Upper East Side? Know of good restaurants or undiscovered hangouts in the area? We want to know so please leave thoughts in the comments section below!

In late November, the South of France celebrates the region’s grape harvest with the Côtes Du Rhône festival. Renowned vineyards offer tastings where Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux and Coteaux du Luberon wines flow freely, and restaurants present special menus highlighting the culinary specialties of Avignon. New York Habitat’s Hosted Four-Bedroom Maison de Village Bed and Breakfast in Avignon (PR-325) is an ideal vacation accommodation to experience the wine celebration in the South of France this Fall.

South of France bed and Breakfast Accommodation: Hosted 4 Bedroom in Avignon (PR-325)

This 18th century four-story townhouse has four bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms. It is available as a Bed & Breakfast accommodation, or as a private rental, depending on the owner’s availability. The first floor living room has a sofa, armchairs and a large marble table that seats 8. An intricately tiled fireplace, tall mirror over the mantle and tasteful antique furniture complete the room. Large, paned windows in the living room give a view of the courtyard and small street. Visitors will appreciate the sparkling white walls and “clean” décor throughout.

Church in Avignon, France

The house is located in small one-way street of Avignon near the Place de l’Horloge and the town’s shops. But the best feature of the house is its privileged spot overlooking the famous Pope’s Palace, which can be seen from the terrace. Built in the 14th Century, it is the largest Gothic palace in Europe, and is open to visitors. Avignon was considered the center of Christendom when the popes chose to reside there.

Also in Avignon is the St. Benezet Bridge, built in 1177, originally crafted entirely of wood. At that time, Avignon became the only place between Lyon and the Mediterranean to cross the Rhone, so the city developed into a hub for travelers, merchants and manufacturers. Still standing are many of the mansions full of private art collections, most of which are public museums. Landscaped gardens, the Roman amphitheater and the house of Vincent Van Gogh provide more reasons for strolling around town.

Theater in Avignon, France

Wine lovers will be delighted with the wealth of wine estates around Avignon. The area is known for its Syrah and Grenache grapes which produce powerful reds, as well as the rarer Viognier grape. The wines from the best 16 villages in the region bear their own “Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC” certification. Along with sampling wine, be sure to go by the Farmer’s Market, which is one of the best in southern France.

South of France Bed and Breakfast Accommodation: Hosted 4 Bedroom in Avignon (PR-325)

New York Habitat also offers several excellent vacation accommodations in the Rhone region of the South of France, such as:

• A 2 Bedroom House in Séguret, Avignon Region (PR-314)
• A 4 Bedroom Villa in Carpentras, Avignon Region (PR-784)

For more info on Avignon region read Top towns in the South of France: Avignon, Provence
Have you been to any of France’s wine regions, and what is your favorite?