New York Habitat Blog

Summer is the time for festivals in London—and whether you’re a music lover,

View of Westminster

dance fanatic, film buff or beer aficionado, the city has something for everyone!  To check out all the festival fun around London this season, stay in a centrally located New York Habitat vacation rental and head out easily to wherever your heart desires.  From August 4-8 in Earl’s Court, the Great British Beer Festival is taking place, featuring over 450 different beers from all over the world. Pub food and games are also on hand, adding British flair to international flavor, so get your tickets early. For what is supposedly the biggest South Asian cultural festival outside of the Asian continent, go to the London Mela in Gunnersbury Park on August 16, where you can enjoy urban, classic and experimental music, as well as DJs, circus acts, dance, visual arts and a children’s play area, not to mention a huge selection of flavorful ethnic food. 

If fantasy and horror films are your idea of fun (as well as an appealing air-conditioned movie theatre), don’t miss the Film4 Frightfest taking place in Leicester Square from August 27-31. There’s a schedule of UK premieres,

London Accomodation 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Chelsea/ Kensington (LN-312)

genre classics, quizzes and competitions—as well as surprise and scary special guests. Smear on the fake blood and practice your zombie walk for this one! On August 30, Get Loaded in the Park, one of London’s most highly anticipated summer music concerts, comes to Clapham Common once again. Spotlighting headlining acts as well as up-and-coming artists, this one-day fest doesn’t disappoint. If you’re visiting London at this time, get your tickets for what’s sure to be a summer highlight. 

Of course, summer simply wouldn’t be summer in London without the annual Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest—and brightest…and most boisterous—street festival. With parades, floats, music stages, dance parties, street vendors and thousands of people in flashy costumes cramming the streets, the carnival offers most everything a reveler could want—except adequate public loos! Luckily, there are always coffee shops or pubs to duck into during the festivities. Or take a short break from the action at your nearby New York Habitat vacation rental, such as:       
          
· A spacious 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Knightsbridge, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-312) on a quiet, residential square a few steps away from world-famous Harrod’s. This fifth-floor apartment is on two levels (the bedrooms are upstairs), and it comes complete with a laundry/dryer, comfortable queen-sized beds, daily housekeeping and weekly linen service.

What do you like best about London’s festival season? Share your comments below.

Paris Accomodation 1 Bedroom in Le Marais (PA-2641)

Despite the warm weather and blooming foliage, some seasoned visitors to Paris often forgo a summer “sejour” in the French capital for a fall, spring or even winter visit. This group of travelers lament the hordes of tourists that pack into the city during the year’s hottest months, and they claim that Parisians flee the city for the countryside and beach and take the authenticity of the living city with them. New York Habitat has been around a Parisian block or two, and can confidently claim that this simply is not true. While the city is crowded with tourists during the summer it is by no means overcrowded and a simple stroll away from the major monuments will have you in the company of Parisians of every ilk. The month of August does see many Parisians on vacation, but the city doesn’t take a break and festivals and special events such as Paris Plage provide a wonderfully unique experience for locals and tourists alike. One such festival that is often overlooked by travelers but embraced by Parisians is the city’s Paris Quartier d’Ete festival celebrating creative expression from around the globe.

Paris Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom in Clichy (PA-2433)

The festival Paris Quartier d’Ete brings together the Cuban sounds of Kumar in free performances at places like the Luxembourg gardens with the projected work of Andy Warhol set to the soundtrack of a live band at the Saint Eustache cathedral. The festival does an amazing job of mixing a variety of contemporary performance genres with iconic Paris settings. For 20 years the festival Quartier d’Ete has been tempting Parisians to put off that beach vacation and stay in the city they call home. For guests staying in New York Habitat accommodations the choice to come to Paris is an easy one, and the Quartier d’Ete festival makes it that much more simple. The Quartier d’Ete festivals runs from July 15th to August 9 in various locations throughout the city.

New York Habitat makes finding a vacation rental as easy as deciding to come to Paris during the summer. Below are a few available apartments to get your search started:
-This 2-bedroom apartment rental in Gare du Nord, Montmartre-Sacre Coeur (PA-3792) is housed in a unique loft-duplex space and features a contemporary style, rooftop views and is bathed in direct sunlight.
-This 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Clichy, Montmartre-Sacre Coeur (PA-2433) features hardwood floors, country-side accents and modern appliances.

London Accomodation 1 Bedroom in Islington (LN-436)

If it’s a vibrant creative scene, cultural diversity and low costs you’re after, then there’s nothing quite like a stay in London’s East End. New York Habitat has fully furnished accommodations that fit your budget and put you in the center of this hip and happening area. All you have to do is enjoy…and explore!

Some of the best deals in London can be found on Brick Lane. There are Indian restaurants galore—all with above-average fare and lower prices than in other parts of the city. Just walk down the street and let the bidding wars begin: Servers will try to tempt you into their establishments with free glasses of wine, appetizers or desserts, or fifteen percent off your total tab. Go with the best offer—and be assured that, as far as the food is concerned, you can’t go wrong.

Near Brick Lane is the Truman Brewery, an eclectic art space with shops, eateries and—as the name promises—pints. Stop by for free showings and events or the popular (Up)Market on Sundays, where you can score samples of global or local treats or reasonably priced one-off clothing and accessories. Such cutting-edge designs can also be found at the nearby Spitafields market, an East End

London Vacation Rental Alcove Studio in Hackney (LN-773)

institution. Throw in a stroll through the colorful Columbia Road Flower stalls, and you can make a fun, low-cost day of it.
 The East End is also known for its galleries, which are more manageable—and often more contemporary—than London’s large-scale museums. Drop by Whitechapel in East Aldgate for free installations and music (and some of the best souvenirs for under £5 or £10 that you can shove into your carry-on), or White Cube in Shoreditch for its vanguard of visual artists. 

To explore the great outdoors, go for a dip in the lido at London Fields or head to sprawling Victoria Park for some football, free films or low-price music festivals. Let New York Habitat put you near it all in one of these amazing places to stay:

· A mod-styled 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-436) on Hackney Road, near the Columbia Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitafields. This funky ground-floor flat comes with a double bed, sofa bed, laundry/dryer, terrace and garden with deck. Smoking is permitted—and feeding the goldfish is encouraged!   

· A charming 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Haggerston, Hackney (LN-41) on the ground floor of a modern building with security. This apartment is located near Old Street station and comes complete with queen and double beds, laundry/dryer, an open kitchen, and homey wooden floors and shutters.
  

· This cool alcove studio in Hackney (LN-773) offers fresh furnishings, loads of light, exposed brick walls, parquet floors, a separate, fully equipped kitchen and a loft-style bedroom accessible from a staircase in the living room. It is located on the ground floor of a period block building with communal gardens, close to lovely London Fields. 
 

Check out our other Low-Cost London Neighborhoods:

- Mayfair

- Earl’s Court

- South Bank

With a New York Habitat accommodation in London’s East End, you don’t have to spend a lot to see it all!

Let us know your favorite low-cost local attraction with a comment below.

The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris, attracting millions of tourists each year. But if you’ve filed the Eiffel Tower under the “been there done that” category, think again. The Champ de Mars, the sprawling lawn that spans from the southeast side of the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire, is the perfect place to enjoy a baguette, some fromage and a bottle of wine. Especially this year, as the Eiffel Tower celebrates its 120th anniversary.

Champs de Mar - Eiffel Tower

The Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) was named for the Roman god of war and was originally used as a military training ground. The lawn was also a key site during the French Revolution. Today, the large public greenspace is home not to feuding soldiers but to students, young couples and families, socializing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The ideal time to throw down a blanket is at dusk, as groups gather in anticipation of the hourly light show. When the tower starts twinkling against the darkened sky, the crowd is set abuzz.

The well-manicured lawn of the Champ de Mars is crisscrossed with walking paths and dotted with flowerbeds. At the far end of the park, in front of the Ecole Militaire, you’ll find the Monument to Peace, which has the word ‘Peace’ written in 32 languages on 32 columns and a kiosk that allows visitors to leave their own message of peace. The park also has many attractions for children, including a playground, marionette theater, carousel and even pony rides.

New York Habitat has an excellent selection of apartments near the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, including:
This warm and inviting 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Invalides - Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2949) , located on the fifth floor (6th for the US) of a newly constructed elevator building. The living room area opens onto a balcony and offers a view of the famous Les Invalides.

Paris Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental Invalides (PA 2949)

This gorgeous 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Invalides - Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2914) situated on the fourth floor (fifth for US) of a 20th century walk-up building. The master bedroom looks onto the street and has a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower.
 
Stay near the Champ de Mars and you’ll be able to have a picnic in the park whenever you like. And for those in Paris for Bastille Day, July 14th, you’ll have great seats for the main fireworks display, fired off from the Champ de Mars or across the river at the Trocadero Gardens.

 Have you ever been to the Champ de Mars? Please share you comments with us!

In today’s video we’re going to get out of The City.  In New York, you don’t have to go far to escape the craziness of city life. In fact, New York has a massive 843-acre oasis right in the middle of Manhattan called Central Park.

Central Park hosts over 25 million visitors per year.  It’s the most visited park in the United States and its appearance in many movies and television shows has made it famous around the world.

Click above to watch this video: Central Park Video Tour – Part 1. (4:40)

Central Park is bordered on the north by West 110th Street, on the south by West 59th Street, on the west by Eighth Avenue – which along the Park’s borders are known as Central Park North, Central Park South, and Central Park West respectively. Fifth Avenue retains its name and forms the eastern border of the park.

Central Park contains several lakes and ponds, extensive walking trails, two ice-skating rinks (one of which is a swimming pool in July and August), the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a reservoir with an encircling running track, 37 kids playgrounds, children’s yoga, the Delacorte Theater and, of course, the famous Central Park Carousel.

I think you get the idea.  There’s A LOT to do here.  But so that you don’t get overwhelmed, we’re going to make this into a multi-part video series.  In this “Central Park Mini Series” I’m going to take you around to a few of my favorite places:
Read the entire story here… »

Paris Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom Buttes Chaumont (PA-1364)

Visitors to Paris have a tough task ahead of them. With so many sites, monuments and museums to visit itineraries can change at the glimpse of a long line or whiff of the scents emanating a savory crepe stand. Travelers have to stay on their feet and often accept the fact that they probably won’t to see and do everything they have been dreaming about since the idea of visiting the City of Light first germinated in their minds. Visiting the city during the summer months makes the juggling act of visits and lunches even a bit more difficult, as much of what attracts visitors to the city (museums, monuments and restaurants) are contained indoors while the city sidewalks and gardens buzz with the life of a city in full bloom. Most of the time travelers will have to make a decision; spend a few hours in the stagnant, yet magical air of a world-class museum or laze the day away on the banks of La Seine with a bottle of blanc and a picnic lunch; A difficult choice, indeed.

The city of Paris recognizes the enviable jam many summer visitors find themselves in and does something each year

Paris Accomodation 1 Bedroom near Sacre Coeur (PA-3867)

to make the choice a bit easier. From July 15th to August 16th the Parc de la Villette will offer a way to discover one of Paris’ finest parks, be entertained in a social setting and participate in a truly Parisian experience. The park’s cinéma en plein air (open-air cinema) festival celebrates the French love for cinema and al fresco dining. Families, couples and bands of friends gather on the parks pelouse to watch films projected on a giant outdoor screen. This year’s theme is “of the discovery of new worlds” and features films from across the globe exploring themes of authentic and metaphorical voyages. The festival will include the American film, Into the Wild, the Franco-Morrocan tale Le Grande Voyage, and the film Buud Yam from Burkina-Fasso, among many others.

-This one-bedroom rental accommodation in Belleville, Cite des Sciences-Buttes Chaumont (PA-1364) features a bright, open layout and a kitchen and bathroom seemingly pulled from a recent home-design magazine.

-This one-bedroom accommodation is Batignolles, Montmartre-Sacre Coeur (PA-3867) is a quirky and fun option for any couple or solo traveler looking for convenience and location.

Paris and New York City mirror themselves in many ways. Both are international capitals of the

New York Accomodation 1 Bedroom in Midtown East (NY-12330)

arts and style and the two city’s enjoy millions of visitors each and every year. In addition to the permanent museum collections and landmarks are a concerted effort by both cities to continue to evolve and change with the seasons. Both city governments encourage a revolving line-up of performances and attractions and the summer is the time of year when they both truly come alive. We’ve already told you about the open-air film festival in Paris this summer, and again New York won’t be outdone. Bryant Park, a green oasis in the heart of Midtown will be holding a film festival on its central lawn on Mondays all summer long. Guests staying in Manhattan with New York Habitat can enjoy an evening at the movies and the park, all at the same time.

The annual Bryant Park Film Festival will again open the main lawn to picnicking families and couples dining al fresco while classic films play on a giant screen. The festival has become a major midtown attraction so anyone looking for a good patch of grass should arrive a few hours before the movies start between 8 and 9pm. This year’s festival includes the classics Dog Day Afternoon, Kramer vs. Kramer and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, among others. One of the nicest things about the festival is that it gives visitors a feel for the lives of real Manhattanites. The Bryant Park Film Festival is free to the public and shows movies on Monday nights until August 17th.

-This worldly 2-bedroom Vacation Rental in Central Park South, Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-11133) features comfortable furnishings and can accommodate four guests.

-This 1-bedroom Loft Accommodation in Midtown East (NY-12330) boasts a quintessentially New York loft layout, hardwood floors and a renovated bathroom.

What will you be watching more at the Bryant Park Film Festival; the movies or the myriad New Yorkers in the crowd and passing by?

New York Vacation Rental Studio Apartment on the Upper East Side (NY-12486)

With yachts bobbing in the marina, a salty breeze coming in off the bay and dozens of seafood restaurants lining its main street, City Island doesn’t exactly sound like a scene set in New York City. But that’s why it’s one of New York’s little-known gems. While it’s hard to believe that such a tranquil setting could be part of the bustling metropolis, this tiny seaside community located in the northern part of the Bronx is indeed just that.

Surrounded by the waters of the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay, City Island is steeped in nautical history. Originally home to the Siwanoy Indians, and later claimed by the Dutch and then the English in the 1600s, the island quickly became home to fisherman, oysterman and shipbuilders. In 1896 the island’s residents voted to become part of New York City proper. Today the population remains small, with only 5,000 residents, but the town is flooded with visitors in the summer.

New York Accomodation 1 Bedroom on the Upper East Side (NY-12551)

The tiny isle offers a respite from urban living, especially when temperatures in New York City climb well into the 90s. The island’s main street, City Island Avenue, is where you’ll find seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafés and antique shops. Check out Johnny’s Reef or the Crab Shanty for some delicious fried seafood and cold beer. There’s also Le Refuge, a French bed & breakfast, if you’re looking for finer dining.

There’s only one hitch to City Island — getting there. The community’s only connection to the mainland is via the very tiny City Island Bridge, which means no direct subway access. For those without a car, you can get there by taking the No. 6 subway line uptown to Pelham Bay Park, and then transferring to the BX29 bus. The fresh sea breeze makes it absolutely worth the trip.

New York Habitat has hundreds of amazing apartments that let you discover both the big island of Manhattan and the smaller (and calmer), City Island. Check out:

- This gorgeous 1-Bedroom Accommodation on the Upper East Side (NY-12551) located on the 28th floor of a luxury building with concierge service and its own private garden. The apartment features a balcony with spectacular views of the East River and upper Manhattan.

- This spacious Studio Vacation Rental on the Upper East Side (NY-12486) located in a classic UES brownstone between Lexington and Park Avenues. Enjoy the large southern-facing terrace with both an open and closed, gazebo-style space.

Have you ever been to City Island? Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant to recommend? Share your comments with us!

As we make our way into summer, you’ll want to spend more and more time outdoors on your next Parisian vacation.  We here at New York Habitat are going to be highlighting some of the great outdoor parks and gardens in Paris so that you’ll already have some places in mind before you go.  These spots are all great for strolling, picnicking, or just sitting and people-watching, a favorite pastime of Parisians! 

This week, we’ll be looking at the largest park in Paris: le Jardin du Luxembourg! 

Luxembourg Gardens

This park is actually located on the Left Bank of Paris, near le Quartier Latin, and there are so many things to do.  The garden itself is home to French Senate, located in the Palais du Luxembourg, at the north end of the park.  Le Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite place of Parisians to sit back, relax, and people watch.  You can also stroll through the many walkways and take in the many statues that can be found in the park, including the original model for the Statue of Liberty.  Along the fence that surrounds the park, there is often a photography exhibit.  There is also plenty to do for children, like launching a sailboat in the large, central fountain, watching a puppet show, and getting a pony ride.  Le Jardin du Luxembourg is a must-visit spot in Paris, if only for the quintessential Parisian atmosphere it offers.

New York Habitat has many vacation rental apartments near le Jardin du Luxembourg.  The two listed here are but a small sample.

Paris Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom in Saint Michel (PA-3703)

This 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Quartier Latin (PA-2534) is just steps away from le Jardin du Luxembourg.  This penthouse apartment is bright and sunny, thanks to its many windows and décor.  The building is classically French, and some touches of this style remain in the apartment, despite some modernizations in the kitchen and bath.  The highlight is the balcony and its amazing views of Paris!

If you need some more space, this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Port Royal (PA-3703) is also available.  The elegant style of this apartment will make you feel like French royalty, with its many large windows, French doors, and other decorative touches.  Past clients have described this apartment as “very attractive, spacious and well maintained”.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg is a perfect way to spend a beautiful summer day in Paris.  Its central location makes it easily accessible from wherever you are and it’s the perfect spot to just relax and soak up some Parisian atmosphere.  A nearby New York Habitat vacation apartment rental could make a visit to le Jardin du Luxembourg a daily occurrence!

To learn about the other parks on our list, see: 

#2 Le Jardin des Tuileries
 #3 Le Champ de Mars
 #4 Le Bois de Boulogne 
 #5 Le Bois de Vincennes

What did you think of our list?  Are there any parks you would have liked to see?  Please share your ideas with us in the comments section.

Paris Vacation Rental 3 Bedroom Tour Eiffel (PA-3368)

Paris, and France for that matter, are often defined by the symbol of the Eiffel Tower. It represents the beauty of French architecture, the resistance of a city once occupied during the second World War, and a glimpse towards a future of French innovation. The Eiffel tower seems to invite foreign visitors to come and experience the city of Paris, to climb aboard its skeletal frame and to view the beauty of its bridges, buildings and parks from a bird’s eye view. Indeed the Tour is ubiquitous in this city of low-rise buildings and Haussmannian uniformity. From anywhere in the city the tower acts to orientate lost Parisians and beckon first-time visitors. The tower is celebrated everyday by the thousands of visitors that climb its stairs and ride its elevators, but this year, on the 120th anniversary of its completion, the city of Paris will pay homage to the man for whom the tower is named, Gustave Eiffel.

This summer, Paris’ Hôtel de Ville will retrace the career of the inventor and architect of France’s national emblem. The exhibition will make en effort to honour Eiffel’s work on the iconic tower, but also to examine the man himself and the other projects he dedicated his life to. In doing so visitors will be able to look at this remarkable man’s contributions to his engineering as a whole, aerodynamics, and academia. Of course, the exhibition will also have a stock of documents, photographs and other artefacts on hand exploring Eiffel’s role in creating his crowning achievement. The exhibit will run until August 29th and is free and open to the public. New York Habitat’s accommodations owe a debt of gratitude to Eiffel as many of them enjoy views of his sparkling masterpiece.

-This studio apartment in Trocadero, Auteul-Tour Eiffel (PA-3749) is in Monsieur Eiffel’s neighborhood and boasts exposed wood beams and a mezzanine sleeping level.

-This three-bedroom vacation rental in Champ de Mars –Tour Eiffel (PA-3368) has beautiful views of the tower and features a wonderful little balcony.

What other architectural symbols of France can you think of? Are there any other cities that are defined by one architectural masterpiece as much as Paris is by the Eiffel Tower? Please Comment Below.