New York Habitat Blog

During parts of the 1970’s and 80’s Central Park was often a scary place to be. Runners were told to steer clear of the reservoir loop at night, women were advised to keep a friend or two by their sides during park outings and dozens of out-of-luck men and struggling young people even spent desperate nights in one of the United States’ great urban landmarks. That era was surely one of the darkest in the park’s history, rivalled perhaps only by the period that saw the Hooverville shanty camps of the Great Depression. Today’s Central Park is enjoying a prolonged renaissance. The park is the envy of international cities that can only dream of having this much useful, manicured, diverse and safe green space in the geographic center of their metropolis. Contemporary Central Park is one of the safest places to be in an already secure large urban center. Nonetheless, the park does get quite scary at certain times of the year, especially if you happen to be a five-year-old on October 31st.

Central Park New York

Today’s park is a haven for families as much as any other group for myriad reasons, one of which being the diverse slate of events put together each month by the Central Park Conservancy. This Halloween’s Central Park offering really does have something for families of all stripes. On October 23rd the park will hold a pumpkin carving workshop designed specifically for families with children ages 6 years and older. All pumpkins carved, no matter how aesthetically advanced will be eligible to take part in the famous pumpkin sail on Sunday the 25th. On the same Sunday afternoon as the pumpkin flotilla will be the annual Halloween parade, including storytelling, pumpkin crafts, live music and, of course, plenty of candy. On Thursday, October 29th the park will hold yet another crafting event at its Chess and Checkers House while Central Park’s main holiday event will take place on the 30th when Belvedere Castle will be transformed into a haunted house. Adults looking to get in on the fun can participate in a workshop on making impressive jack-o’-lanterns that acts both as workshop and social hour. All of the Central Park Conservancy events are free to the public and require no advance registration, only a half-way descent costume.

Another scary New York experience can be arriving at a hotel that is not quite as advertised. With New York Habitat’s pre-screened apartments travellers won’t have to worry about the fright that comes with finding a closet-sized hotel room with that un-clean aura. Below are a few clean and cozy New York Habitat accommodations available at the end of October:

-This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12688) is housed in a quintessential Harlem townhouse and features hardwood floors, a renovated kitchen and large, bright windows.

-This 2-bedroom apartment rental in Midtown East (NY-12498) is just a few blocks from the green acres of Central Park and is fully renovated from stainless steel appliances to finished hardwood floors.

Ever been in New York for Halloween? Tell us about your experiences below.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you stumble upon Stone Street, a tiny cobblestone alley hidden among Lower Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers. Considered to be the first paved street in New York, Stone Street is now a historic landmark. Today its restored 19th-century buildings are home to an international mix of restaurants and bars, making it a unique dining destination you won’t want to miss.

Stone Street New York

During the warmer months, umbrella-topped tables fill the narrow, pedestrian-only street. Seating from one restaurant flows right into the next, creating a community of diners and revelers down the two-block stretch of cobblestone. Visitors can enjoy Swedish meatballs at the Scandinavian restaurant, Smorgas Chef; seasonal ales from the Greek-Irish pub, Ulysses’; or gourmet pizza at Adrienne’s Pizza Bar.

Located in the heart of the Financial District, the Stone Street Historic District includes the swath of land between Hanover Square and Stone, Pearl and South William Streets. Stone Street is actually cleaved in two by the Goldman Sachs building but the historic section is on the east side.

Downtown Manhattan is a perfect place to stay while in New York. Consider one New York Habitat’s gorgeous apartment rentals near the social scene on Stone Street:

- This impeccable 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Tribeca (NY-8901), located on the third floor of a prewar building registered as a national historic landmark. The apartment features high ceilings, high-quality furniture and artwork.

- This approximately 1,200-square-foot 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Tribeca (NY-347), located in a former industrial building. The spacious loft apartment has a huge living space and sleeps 4-6 guests.

Have you ever been to Stone Street? Share your comments with us!

For centuries, London’s waterways have been the lifeblood of the city, the center of almost all activity—and these days it’s no different. The Thames River is teeming with life, and we don’t just mean the aquatic kind! Stay in a New York Habitat vacation accommodation near the water and dive into the action yourself.

Blackfriars Bridge on The Thames, London

On London’s South Bank, there’s no end of choices for visitors: river tours, the National Theatre, The Hayward Gallery, the British Film Institute, the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, the London Eye, Movieum film museum and Borough Market are situated along the river, all within walking distance of one another. Even without stopping at all the attractions, this route alone makes for an amazing afternoon’s stroll or a romantic evening walk.

Further up the river lie London’s docklands, with narrow, picturesque, winding streets and ancient pubs. Spend some time in Limehouse (on the Docklands Light Rail) discovering Dickens’ old watering hole, The Grapes, across from the remains of Joseph Conrad’s favorite pub, The House They Left Behind (ironically, the public house is gone and only the sign has been left behind). For a modern take on traditional English food, dine at Gordon Ramsay’s pub, The Narrows, with its gorgeous river views, or head to the nearby Wapping Project, a stunning restaurant/bar/art space set in an old hydraulic power station.

Of course, the Thames isn’t the only celebrated waterway in London. Charming Regent’s Canal is also central to the city, though its colorful houseboats and abundant bank-side greenery make visitors feel transported to another time and place. One way to actually be transported is to take an afternoon cruise on the canal aboard an authentic houseboat, which takes passengers from Camden Lock past Regent’s Park, the London Zoo and the aptly named Little Venice.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom in Tower Hamlets LN-375 photo

A houseboat may be a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the city, but for spacious, comfortable accommodations on dry land, check out these riverside rentals available from New York Habitat:

• An elegant, spacious 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-753) that comes with a balcony, community gardens, laundry/dryer, two bathrooms, an elevator and a doorman. The large windows not only let in loads of light, but also allow great views of the marina. 
• A 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-375) on the third floor of a modern apartment block on Narrow Street, well-located near Limehouse Basin. This charming flat comes with a balcony with open-air seating.
• A 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-731) on the fifth floor of an elevator building with 24-hour porter. This gorgeous apartment has views over King’s College library gardens and is less than a ten-minute walk to the river.

To get the most from your visit to London, be sure to make a trip to the bank—the banks of the water, that is—and for a great place to stay without breaking the bank, book a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Let us know your favorite waterside spot in London with a comment below.

With the 1st half of 2009 being a challenging time in the Real Estate market, the Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report has become a must read. The report covers vacation rentals (from 3 to 30 days) and furnished apartments (from 1 month to indefinitely). In the 1st half 2009 Furnished Apartment Market Report we look at the effects of the global economic melt down on the furnished rental market, give advice to clients and owners in this market plus take a look into the future.

The report can be found on the Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report webpage. This site contains all of the previous Paris Furnished Apartment Market Reports for your reference.

Paris furnished apartment market report 1st half 2009

2009 1st half Paris Furnished Apartment Market:

Furnished Rentals:
Prices and the number of apartments booked in the Paris furnished rentals division feel in the 1st half of 2009. With the overall rental market in a downward trend including the price of unfurnished apartments this is not a surprise. Owners who were quick to lower the price of their apartments saw the smallest decline in the number of booking. Clients had a large selection of apartments to choose from in all sizes and price ranges.

Vacation Rentals:
With people pessimistic about the economy leisure travel was down in the 1st half of 2009 in Paris. In addition a strong Euro made travel from the U.S., the U.K. and Asia more expensive then in previous years. Similar to the furnished rentals segment of the industry, those owners who lower prices saw the smallest drop-off in occupancy.
Looking to the 2nd half of 2009 and into 2010 Parisians still feel pessimistic about the economy, with nearly 65% of respondents to a poll stating that they expect the housing downturn to continue into 2010.  Paris can expect to see increased business if the Euro falls or the world economy rebounds in the next few quarters.

We hope you find this report to be useful if you are an apartment owner in Paris or if you are planning a trip to Paris. Our goal is to inform you of the latest trends in the Paris furnished apartment and vacation rental markets.

To read this and previous market reports visit the Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report webpage. Please comment below on the report or e-mail us at marketreport@nyhabitat.com if you have any questions, comments or remarks.

Also, check out these blog entries about previous market reports

2nd half and full year 2008 Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report

1st half 2008 Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report

2nd half and full year 2007 Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report

1st half 2007 Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report

Paris Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Montmartre (PA-684)

Wine and champagne may flow freely in Paris but the city isn’t exactly known as a winery destination. Yet the City of Lights is actually home to several active vineyards, especially along the slopes of Montmartre. Every October, the 18th arrondissement plays hosts the Fete de Vendanges, or the Grape Harvest Festival. The joyous event brings the age-old tradition of the wine harvest to the city, attracting 350,000 Bacchus lovers annually.

This year, the five-day celebration will be held from October 7–11, taking over the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre with exhibitions, free winery tours and tastings, a village market and a Grand Parade with fireworks. More than 120 artisanal stands will pop up around the Sacré-Coeur Basilica atop the Butte de Montmartre – the highest point in Paris – which means delectable food and local cuvées with an incredible view.

Several exhibits will open on September 22 in anticipation of the festival, including the Exposition of the Grand Parade of the Feast of the Harvest, a collection of black and white photographs of the charmingly odd parade by Anne Boudard. You an also catch exhibits on The History of the Cabarets of Montmartre and 50 Years of Song with Jacques Canetti, this year’s honoree. Check out the full calendar of events here. http://www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com/.

View of Montmartre

A trip to the Fete de Vendanges is a perfect way to experience French culture at its finest. You can sample wine and explore the artistic neighborhood that was once home to Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso. New York Habitat has tons of Montmartre apartments for you to choose from, including:

This light, airy 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Montmartre - Sacre Coeur (PA-684), located very close to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Enjoy French windows in both the bedroom and living room overlooking a lovely courtyard.

This affordable 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Montmartre - Sacre Coeur (PA-2106), located between the Butte de Montmartre on one side and the Parc des Buttes Chaumont on the other. Enjoy spectacular views of the basilica from your living room window.

Have you ever been to the Fete de Vendanges or one of the Parisian wineries? Share your comments with us!

Paris Vacation Rental 3 Bedroom Accomodation in Nation (PA-3776)

More than 150 DJ’s. 400,000 gyrating techno fans. One gloriously long day of dancing in the streets. On September 19, Paris will host the 11th annual Techno Parade – the second largest street event in the city, second only to Gay Pride. More than twenty floats carrying hundreds of musicians, DJs and performers will blast house, trance, techno and drum ‘n bass beats to adoring fans. If you love electronic music, you must experience this pulsating dance party at least once in your lifetime!

The parade kicks off around noon at Place Denfert-Rochererau and slowly makes its way through pedestrian-clogged streets to the Place de la Bastille. Confetti flies, partygoers don over-the-top costumes and dancers climb atop scaffolding, street signs and balconies. Although the parade route is only a few miles long, it usually lasts until around 8 p.m. And the party

Paris Apartment 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Pere Lachaise (PA-3589)

continues long after, with many clubs hosting after-parties.

First held in 1998, the annual Parisian Techno Parade is put on by Technopol, a French association that promotes electronic music and art. In recent years, the parade has broadened its focus to include environmental causes. The crowds continue to grow as well, from 100,000 fans the first year to nearly half a million last year.

Don’t want to miss a second of the parade action? Stay in one of New York Habitat’s conveniently located apartment rentals, including:

- This white, spacious 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Bastille - Pere Lachaise – Nation (PA-3589). The living room has a French door that opens onto a balcony with southern exposure, overlooking the street. You can also enjoy quiet courtyard views from one of the bedrooms.

- This 3-bedroom party loft in Bastille -Pere Lachaise – Nation (PA-3776). The living room has a tiled floor, a skylight and modern furnishings. Enjoy the super-luxe, glassed-in patio, equipped with wooden patio furniture.

Plan your trip today so you can join the throngs of techno fans in an all-day music and dance extravaganza!

Have you ever been to the Techno Parade in Paris? Share your comments with us!

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

England’s capital is well-known for its centuries-old architecture (and, in fact, ancient ruins from the Roman Wall can still be seen throughout this bustling and cosmopolitan center, most unexpectedly in the basement of a barbershop in Leadenhall Market and most picturesquely within the sprawling confines of the Barbican Centre). However, in recent years, London has been undergoing a facelift in terms of architecture and design—and there’s more to come before the 2012 Olympics. Admirers of modern style will be pleased and perhaps a bit surprised at all the cutting-edge structures the city has on show—not to mention the stylish and contemporary accommodations that New York Habitat offers throughout central London.

To really see the changes giving London its updated look, head to St. Helen’s Church, a well-preserved example of twelfth-century architecture. Then contrast it with the infamous “Gherkin” (St. Mary’s Axe) rising behind it. That contemporary building was constructed on the site of a 1992 IRA bombing to commemorate the city’s commitment to continually moving forward.

Another nearby example of modern design is Sir Richard Rogers’s celebrated building for Lloyd’s Insurance, styled somewhat like a sophisticated Erector Set. The stone remains of Lloyd’s original doorway from the 1800s stand solemnly to its right, a reminder of London’s rich history.

Yet another of Rogers’s buildings, Lloyd’s Registry for Shipping, at 71 Fenchurch Street, is also a modernist masterpiece, with a courtyard garden, exterior glass elevators and a sleek, ship-shaped fountain. It was built in 1997 behind the classical façade of the original Lloyd’s Registry.

Of course, many of London’s shops, bars and restaurants also boast the most modern design elements while paying homage to the past. For example, the Hoxton Apprentice in Hoxton Square is an excellent restaurant that employs ex-homeless workers and trains them in the gastronomic arts. The high ceilings, wood floors and huge windows were once part of a Victorian schoolhouse, now transformed into a popular, stylish and socially conscionable eatery (profits go back into the charity/training program).

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

To really get a glimpse of London’s architectural present, stay in a chic New York Habitat vacation accommodation in the city center, such as:

· A breathtaking 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in City-Islington (LN 659) on the penthouse level. This apartment is built in a former luxury office and comes with two baths, laundry/dryer, dark oak flooring and two spacious outdoor terraces that allow striking views of the skyline. 
  
· A crisp, clean-lined studio in City-Islington (LN-212) on the third floor of a period walk-up. This vacation accommodation has a double bed, laundry/dryer, decorative Victorian fireplace and lots of light from the large windows. To contrast the white walls and appliances, there’s a black antique leather sofa.

 · A sleek studio in City-Islington (LN-681) on the lower-ground floor of a period building near Tower Bridge. This rental accommodation comes with a stylized and comfortable double bed, laundry/dryer, wood floors, open-plan kitchen and unique windows.
  
For fans of high design, there’s no better city than London—and no better place to stay than in a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Let us know your favourite building in London with a comment below.