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 Vacation Rental in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12688) is housed in a quintessential Harlem townhouse and features hardwood floors, a renovated kitchen and large, bright windows.

-This Midtown East 2-bedroom Accommodation (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 Tribeca 2-Bedroom Accommodation (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.

Welcome back to another edition of our video series on Free Things to do in New York City.

If your watching this video, you are likely coming to New York City soon and you are also looking to save some money. If you haven’t already, you really should consider renting a Furnished Apartment.  It’s a great way to save money over a hotel and it’ll give you a true authentic New York experience.

Click above to watch this video: Free things to do in New York – Free Guided Tours. (2:34)

Take a look at this Studio Vacation Rental just a few blocks from Times Square (NY- 12424).

We’ve also got this fantastic 1 bedroom Accommodation in Midtown East (NY-12611).

Everyone knows it’s easy to spend money in New York.  But what if you don’t want to?  I’m here to show you more great things you can do… without having to take out your wallet.

Walking tours of New York are a great way to learn about the city.  And most of them are well worth the money spent.  But if you’re looking for a more independent (and free) alternative, you should definitely consider a pod tour.

Pod tours are unique because you can pause your iPod at any time during the tour to stop and explore on your own.  Stop for lunch, do some impromptu shopping or take a phone call.  You are in control of the pace of the tour.

You can find free pod tours for Central Park, the Lower East Side and even the Museum of Modern Art.  Check out a few that I found online.

• Free MoMA Pod tours
• The Lower East Side free pod tour
• Central Park – pod tour
• The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council

If you prefer to have a real live guide, there are also some great free group tours in New York.

For example you can catch the 8th Street Walking Tour in Greenwich Village where you’ll see where Jimi Hendrix built the Electric Lady sound studios and Barbra Streisand debuted at the Bon Soir.

And instead of just visiting Grand Central Station, why not take a free guided tour?  Every Friday at 12.30, you can catch a free tour of Grand Central and the surrounding area led by one of New York’s most renowned tour guides, Justin Ferate.

Other great free guided tours you can find in New York are:
Orchard Street Walking Tour
The Union Square Walking Tour
Times Square Tour

Another fun thing to consider during your next trip to New York is Big Apple Greeters.  It’s a non-profit organization that matches visitors with friendly and enthusiastic New Yorkers who are happy to share the city they love. This is truly a way to see New York through the eyes of a New Yorker.

What’s great about the pod tours and many of the guided tours, besides the fact that they’re free, is that you will learn many lesser-known aspects of New York.  Many of the free guided tours are led by true New Yorkers, meaning you’ll get some authentic exposure to this massive city.

Well I hope this video has given you more ideas on how to save money and still have fun in New York City.  Don’t forget to check out our selection of thousands of Furnished Apartments and Vacation Rentals throughout New York.

This June started off cool and rainy but the summer heat wave has now definitely descended upon New York. The sweltering subway stations alone will have you pining for the beach. Fortunately there are some sandy escapes right in NYC that serve as a welcome alternative to the concrete jungle.  Enjoy a cool breeze coming in off the water and BBQ-style food at one of three Water Taxi Beaches, located in Long Island City, South Street Seaport and Governors Island.

New York Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom Apartment on a Ship in Battery Park (NY-14061)

All along the East and Hudson Rivers, yellow-checkered water taxis zip through the waterways. These taxis, owned by the New York Water Taxi Company, serve commuters and sightseers alike. In 2005, the company opened a man-made beach in Long Island City, Queens, hauling in over 1,000 tons of sand. The free beach – just a 4-minute water taxi ride from Midtown — was an instant hit. Although swimming isn’t allowed, beachgoers can enjoy burgers, hotdogs and tropical drinks from “Harry’s @Water Taxi Beach” while looking at the sweeping Manhattan skyline.

This May, Manhattan got it’s own Water Taxi Beach, located at the South Street Seaport next to Pier 17. Dotted with picnic tables and palm trees, the sandy beach also has a 9-hole miniature golf course, skeeball and ping pong tables. Not to be outdone by Harry’s, the Seaport location serves up beach eats at the Fish Shack and Raw Bar. At night, DJs spin music while partygoers dance against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Water Taxi Beach

A third Water Taxi Beach just opened in July on Governors Island, a tiny island located in New York Harbor less than a half-mile from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. With more than 300 tons of sand, as well as basketball and volleyball courts and live music, there are more than enough reasons to check out the newest location of WTB. For more information on any of the Water Taxi Beaches, click here.

Whether you want to explore one or all three of the Water Taxi Beaches, New York Habitat has the perfect apartment for your summer stay. Check out:

- This 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental (NY-14061) actually located on a ship docked in Battery Park City! You can stay in this floating lighthouse, known as one of the most historic ships in the world. The top level of the ship has a large deck for sunning and taking in the spectacular view of New York Harbor.

- This pristine, elegantly modern Tribeca 1-Bedroom Accommodation (NY-8901). The “yacht loft” was custom designed and decorated. Enjoy the high ceilings (over 12-and-a-half feet!) and hardwood floors.

Spending an afternoon or evening at one of the Water Taxi Beaches is a great way to relax in New York City. Order up a piña colada and enjoy the beach escape.

Have you ever been to Water Taxi Beach? Share you comments with us!

London Apartment 1 Bedroom Accomodation in Islington (LN-691)

Broadway Market in Hackney (near Hackney City Farm and lovely Regent’s Canal) is only open on Saturdays—but it packs enough food in its stalls to last savvy shoppers a full week before their ritual return. This loyalty was earned by a range of peerless treats, from cupcakes with organic frosting (in flavors such as elderflower and salted caramel) to garlic-mushroom spreads that are worth eating whether or not your significant other will kiss you for the rest of the day. On top of all that, there’s a Vietnamese café and a traditional Cockney food stand featuring authentic East End favorites like jellied eel! As they say: When in England…
 Once a week, the Sunday UpMarket on Brick Lane manages to outshine all the cheap Indian food restaurants in the area. This is perhaps London’s most ethnically diverse market, positioning Polish kielbasis next to Japanese pancakes and Ethiopian spicy stews. Forget Disney’s “It’s a Small World”—this is the real deal…and much more delicious!
 We could go on and on about Berwick Market, the food stalls on Portobello Road, the West Indian Brixton Market, etc., but you’ve definitely got the idea by now—and maybe a craving, too. So when you’re in London, stop by these markets and bring some flavorful finds back to your New York Habitat vacation accommodation for a memorable meal of your own. We suggest:

London Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Southwark (LN-747)

· A dramatic 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-691) built on the site of the Sarson’s Brewery and retaining many of its original features, such as wooden floors, high ceilings and interior brick walls. This elegant apartment comes with double bed, laundry/dryer and balcony with amazing views.  

· A bright 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Southwark-Bermondsey (LN-686) near Tower Bridge. This recently completed, modern apartment has a laundry/dryer, double bed and stylish furnishings.
 For tasty treats, choose a London market—but for a tasteful place to stay, make it a New York Habitat vacation accommodation.
 What food are you most looking forward to trying while you’re in London? Let us know with a comment below.