New York Habitat Blog

Winter is a wonderful time of year in London! If you picture it as cold, gray and dreary, it’s time to put down the Dickens book and experience the real thing for yourself. While it may be chilly, the atmosphere is festive, the city is splendidly lit up, locals and tourists alike are full of good cheer and there are plenty of activities to make the season even more spectacular. That’s why, as our special gift, New York Habitat is bringing you a list of can’t-miss, must-do events to make your winter trip to London the crowning highlight of your year—and perfectly located rental accommodations to keep you cozy, comfortable and warm.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom rental in Kensington, Chelsea (LN-644)

One recommendation that no visitor should skip is the ice skating rink set up outside the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road in Kensington-Chelsea. This 1,000-square meter open-air rink, open through January 18, has the breathtaking Victorian building as its backdrop, which is even more dramatic during evening skating sessions (until 10 p.m.), when the museum is bathed in light. The ice-side Café Bar is on hand to help you warm up with traditional cold weather treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate.

If you want to make the most of the sunlight, book a morning skate session (from 8:45 a.m.) then spend the rest of the day exploring the museum’s excellent exhibits (the admission itself is free) and browsing through the Christmas Fair: twenty-five chalets set up with different weekly vendors selling everything from homemade jewelry, ceramics and handcrafted toys to beloved British snacks, seasonal ornaments and souvenirs.

Because the Natural History Museum is such a perfect place for children, it boasts its own adjacent junior rink for younger skaters. There are also wheelchair sessions on specific dates and a special viewing platform for those who want to watch the action on the ice but aren’t exactly eager to lace up and fall down themselves.

London 3-bedroom accommodation: in Kensington - Chelsea (LN-646)

The Natural History Museum is a central sight in Kensington-Chelsea, which is one of the most renowned and well-visited areas in London—and for good reason. In addition to the neighboring Victoria and Albert Museum of Art, the kid-tastic Science Museum and the beautiful Bromptom Oratory, the neighborhood has everything the holiday shopper could hope for in the form of Harrod’s world-famous department store, the five-story, fashion-packed Harvey Nichol’s and the internationally esteemed designer shops dotted along Sloane Avenue. Everyone on your list will be ecstatic—and you’ll be done in one afternoon!

Of course, the best place to drop off your bags and shake off the cold is in a nearby New York Habitat vacation accommodation, such as:

•    A contemporary and colorful 1-bedroom rental in Kensington-Chelsea (LN-642) in Stanhope Gardens, within easy walking distance of all the area attractions. This deluxe apartment comes with a balcony and access to a 2.5-acre private garden square and courtyard.

•    A spacious and spectacular 2-bedroom vacation rental in Kensington-Chelsea (LN-644) near the neighborhood’s royal parks and museums and Knightsbridge’s high street shopping. This apartment comes with access to a gym/sauna, and has its own laundry and parking space.

•    A glamorous and gorgeously designed 3-bedroom duplex in Kensington-Chelsea (LN-646), minutes from both the South Kensington and Gloucester Road central underground stations. This rental comes complete with a private terrace, three separate showers/WCs and two bathtubs.

For some heartwarming winter fun, head to the ice skating rink at London’s Natural History Museum—and to truly make your season bright, stay at a New York Habitat vacation rental in Kensington-Chelsea.

Make sure you check back for the city’s other winter wonders—and comment below about your favorite part of London’s holiday season.

2008 certainly shook things up. Why not do the same and ring in the New Year in the heart of New York City? It’s not too late to plan a trip to the Big Apple and celebrate in the ‘City that Never Sleeps.’ And with NY Habitat apartments available only blocks from Times Square, you’ll be right in the middle of the action.

New York accommodation: 1-bedroom rental in Times Square NY-12442

Now is your chance to experience the famous countdown up close and personal. Soak in the neon lights, live entertainment and unbelievable energy. For optimal viewing of the Times Square festivities, GET THERE EARLY! People start claiming their swath of sidewalk by early afternoon.  The ball drops at One Times Square but large video screens are also located along Broadway from 50th to 58th Street. For more information on all of the confetti-filled fun, check out the Times Square Alliance’s New Year Page .

Get a jump-start on the crowds by leaving from your very own apartment rental. Check out:

A modern 1 Bedroom Rental in a Midtown West (NY-12442) high-rise building. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances - a great perk for those looking to save on cash by eating in. And with a gym on the 12th floor, you can make good on that New Year’s resolution right away. Enjoy the minimalist decor, onsite laundry and around-the-clock doorman and front desk service. A rollaway bed is available upon request.

Times Square, New York

A comfortable 2 Bedroom Rental in Midtown West (NY-523) near Times Square and the Broadway Theater District. The apartment features a full-time doorman, an elevator and laundry facilities in the building. This clean, no-frills rental is a great option for those traveling with animals since pets are allowed.

A 1 Bedroom Rental in Chelsea (NY-12800) located on the fifth floor of a five-story walk-up, just blocks away from the heart of the Meatpacking District. This loft apartment is furnished with Indonesian antiques and authentic mid-century modern styles. Head up to the private roof deck for unobstructed views of the Empire State Building.

After a big night out braving the crowds and the cold, you might be craving the comfort of the indoors. Head to the Theater District (surrounding Times Square) to enjoy a relaxing New Year’s Day at a world-class Broadway show. But make sure to check the show times in advance since most productions do have holiday schedules.

Have you ever been in New York for New Years? We’d love to hear about your experience. Please comment below.

Paris is an enchanting city to visit any time of year, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the City of Lights lit up for Christmas. Escape to Paris this holiday season and experience the dazzling avenues, storefronts and holiday attractions - not to mention the smell of chestnuts wafting through the air. Enjoy the Christmas sites from your own Paris vacation rental and feel right at home for the holidays.

Paris Apartment: 1-bedroom Saint Germain des Pris (PA-3049)

There isn’t a better place to start your holiday tour of lights than the Champs-Elysées at night. From November 24th through the end of December, the stunning avenue sparkles with Christmas decorations. Begin at the base of the avenue at Place de la Concorde, home to an enormous ferris wheel referred to as La Grande Roue (the Big Wheel). Take in breathtaking views of all of Paris, then continue down the Champs-Elysées toward the illuminated Arc de Triomphe. The festive atmosphere might inspire you to do a little Christmas shopping along the way.

Head down the Avenue Montaigne, off the Champs-Elysées, to ogle at the high-end boutique windows decorated with garland and lights. And don’t miss Paris’ major department stores, like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, both on Boulevard Haussman, for spectacular displays.

After all of that window-shopping, and perhaps buying, you might want to partake in something a little easier on the wallet. The ice skating rink at Hotel de Ville is free of charge. And even if you don’t feel like lacing up your skates, it’s worth a trip to simply watch the skaters in such a grand setting.

Across the Seine from the Hotel de Ville lies the magnificent Notre Dame, and during the month of December you can catch the cathedral’s nativity sound and light show. Shows run about every half hour.

New York Habitat offers numerous accommodations in close vicinity to the famed Notre Dame. Check out:

- A cozy 1-bedroom duplex rental in Saint-Germain-des-Près (PA-3049) on the fourth floor of a 17th century walk-up building. The apartment’s dark wooden beams make for a perfect winter retreat. The entrance door opens into the living room and kitchen. Upstairs you’ll find the bedroom area, featuring two large skylights, and the bathroom.

Paris Accommodation: 1-bedroom in Saint Germian des Pris (PA-3103)

- An attractive studio rental in Saint-Germain-des-Près (PA-3647) on the 3rd floor of a 17th century walk-up. The apartment features parquet floors, a modern kitchen and a green-tiled bathroom.

- A contemporary 1-Bedroom Rental in Luxembourg, St Michel - St Germain - Notre Dame (PA-3103) on the first floor of an 18th century building, renovated in 2006 (elevator access). The chic accommodation overlooks a beautiful courtyard and boasts southern exposure, teak flooring and WiFi Internet connection.

And no trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, guaranteed to wow you with its fantastic light show. Every night at the top of the hour, the tower comes to life with glittering, flashing lights. It will definitely leave you mesmerized.

Do you have a favorite holiday attraction in Paris or special Christmas memory from the City of Lights? Please comment below on your experience.

In late fall and winter, when a chill is in the London air and night falls early, it’s the perfect time to take a ghost walk through the streets of this very old, historical—and, some say, haunted—city. A New York Habitat rental accommodation can put you close to some of the most popular tours in town…and provide a bright, safe, cozy place for you to come home to!

London Accommodation: 2 bedroom in City Islington (LN-370)

A favorite ghost walk with visitors takes place near Bank underground station and passes by the site of Scrooge’s office in “A Christmas Carol” before winding its way down an allegedly cursed cobblestone street, through ancient courtyards and silent churchyards, to a well-known City landmark that is gaining a reputation for recent ghostly activity, and an historic building where tour members have seen an old woman waving to them from the upper windows of an empty room.

If the thought of any of that sends shivers down your spine, you’ll definitely want to book a spot on the famous Jack the Ripper walks in nearby Aldgate as well. These outings will take you to an 1888 building where an infamous suspect worked as a barber, into an alley where the first possible victim was found, and to the Princess Alice Pub, which shares a connection to Leather Apron, another main figure of interest for the police.

During these walks, you’ll soak up the atmospheric streets and sights of old London and be introduced to local, legendary public houses and restaurants—where you may want to return for a well-earned pint. You will also be entertained by the narratives and chilling anecdotes of the tour guides, seasoned storytellers whose words make the area’s rich past come to life around you.

At around only £8 per person, a ghost walk is one of the most affordable ways to see the city, learn a bit of its history, and be treated to some theatre-worthy tales. Rather than spending a lot of money on tickets to a crowded West End play, take a ghost walk, where the streets are the stage, the spectacles surround you and the main action takes place in your imagination…and possibly in the upstairs window of a dimly lit pub you just passed by!

London Apartment: 1-bedroom in City - Islington (LN-72)

To enjoy your stay in Islington and fully appreciate all the attractions that this central area has to offer, we suggest the following New York Habitat accommodations:

•    An immaculate fifth-floor studio accommodation in City-Islington (LN-226) in a modern building with porter and elevator, within walking distance of sights such as St. Paul’s and three nearby underground stations, including Bank. This rental comes with laundry, balcony and queen-sized bed, as well as hardwood floors and fantastic views.

•    A stylish and contemporary 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-72) between Bank and Aldgate. This flat is on the fifth floor of an apartment building with elevator, 24-hour concierge service and a parking space, and comes fully loaded with laundry and balcony.

•    A clean and comfortably furnished 2-bedroom rental accommodation in City-Islington (LN-370) near Mansion House station, close to the ghost walks and all riverside attractions. This apartment is well-equipped with laundry and dryer, queen-sized beds and built-in wardrobes.

For some fun and a few chills, check out the London ghost walks at www.london-ghost-tour.com and www.jack-the-ripper-tour.com — and for the best place to hide under your sheets at night, stay in a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Leave us your haunted tale of London below.