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October 5th, 2007

Bermondsey Street in Southwark is one of the trendiest spots in the whole of London. Lined with bars and art galleries, the chic and stylish Londoners flock to this area at any given time. And close to the lovely Tower Bridge, what’s not to love about this two-bedroom apartment rental in southeast London?

Two-bedroom Apartment in London:

London Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Bermondsey, Southwark London Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Bermondsey, Southwark


Sleek and luxurious living is what’s in store for anyone who rents this pristine abode. This two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey (LN-257) showcases an open, modern kitchen and two spacious, double bedrooms. The living room is completely furnished and comes with a 42-inch plasma television. Notice how the deep, red window treatments beautifully complement the polished, black furniture and the gleaming, white cabinetry under the television. An ottoman doubles as a place to relax and a table for performing work or eating a meal.

And who says you can’t get anything for free? You sure can in this London apartment! Some of the best perks of renting this two-bedroom in Bermondsey include the use of a free laptop with a WLAN card, free local phone calls from a LAN line, complimentary beverages and a free bottle of wine with your booking. With easy access to the West End via the nearby underground, the possibilities for fun and excitement are endless.

London Accommodation: 2 bedroom rental in Bermondsey, Southwark London Accommodation: 2 bedroom rental in Bermondsey, Southwark

Sleek and luxurious living is what’s in store for anyone who rents this pristine abode. This two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey (LN-257) showcases an open, modern kitchen and two spacious, double bedrooms. The living room is completely furnished and comes with a 42-inch plasma television. Notice how the deep, red window treatments beautifully complement the polished, black furniture and the gleaming, white cabinetry under the television. An ottoman doubles as a place to relax and a table for performing work or eating a meal.And who says you can’t get anything for free? You sure can in this London apartment! Some of the best perks of renting this two-bedroom in Bermondsey include the use of a free laptop with a WLAN card, free local phone calls from a LAN line, complimentary beverages and a free bottle of wine with your booking. With easy access to the West End via the nearby underground, the possibilities for fun and excitement are endless.

Other apartments in the West End of London:
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the West End, you will certainly love the three-bedroom apartment rental in Kensington - Chelsea (LN-354). Both the Bermondsey two-bedroom and the Chelsea three-bedroom are situated in South London near the River Thames. And by renting either of these two elegant apartments, shopping, dining and entertainment are never far away, and the sounds of the city are right outside your front door!

Why is the two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey, London a hidden gem?

Tower Bridge Tower Bridge


Living in Central London is like living in Times Square. Big, beautiful and busy, Central London is an adult playground, full of shops, restaurants, pubs and everything else imaginable! The fashionable and immaculate living conditions also make this two-bedroom apartment rental in Bermondsey a hidden gem. For up-to-date information on South London happenings such as sport, the job market and travel tips, visit icSouthLondon.

If you would like some travel tips from us here at New York Habitat, check out our blog titled Globetrotters: Apartment Tips for International Travel.

Feel free to comment on the fabulousness of South London below.


September 28th, 2007

2 Bedroom apartment in Paris Pere Lachaise - PA-3392 2 Bedroom apartment in Paris Pere Lachaise - PA-3392

Located in the quiet, leafy 11th arrondissement, this Hidden Gem 2-bedroom apartment boasts some very famous neighbors. Just around the corner from this flat reside the likes of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Doors’ front-man Jim Morrison in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. Sure these stars are no longer living, but this residential neighborhood in Paris is very much alive. The district is home to countless cafes and restaurants as well this superbly designed and decorated 2-bedroom duplex accommodation(PA-3392).

Just around the corner from the St. Maur metro station, in a classic Parisian setting, this 2-bedroom duplex accommodation showcases a modern, minimalist design. Recently renovated by an interior designer, guests are sure to love the apartment’s decor. A professional constructed the apartment’s aesthetic and it shows in each and every room of the two-floor flat. The designer’s choice of light colors brightens the apartment significantly, making for a soft, sunny apartment on the greyest of days. Hardwood floors and modern appliances are two more highlights of the apartment. Overall, renters will be delighted with the amount of light in this apartment, a rarity for Parisian accommodations, and the consistent, modern design on both floors of the duplex apartment.

2 Bedroom apartment in Paris Pere Lachaise - PA-3392 2 Bedroom apartment in Paris Pere Lachaise - PA-3392

The Pere Lachaise-Nation district of Paris is bordered by the river Seine to the south, the trendy Marais district to the east, the park Buttes Chaumont to the north and the massive Bois de Vincennes to the west. The strategic location is safely off of the beaten path while still a stone’s throw from central Paris. Besides being the location of Pere Lachaise, the world’s most famous cemetery, this district offers cafes and scenic walks in an authentic Parisian environment. Au Trou Normand comes to mind when thinking of authentic, French eateries in the neighborhood. There are several great accommodation choices in the district including a funky Studio-Duplex (PA-3040).

Why is this two-bedroom duplex a Hidden Gem?

This Paris apartment’s proximity to the mammoth Pere Lachaise and several metro lines, paired with an excellent, minimalist design make this two-bedroom duplex apartment a Hidden Gem.

Can you name some other famous residents of the Pere Lachaise cemetery? Comment below.


September 21st, 2007

The Queens borough is known for its seamless blend of diverse people and background. As the largest borough of New York, it offers proximity to the city within a delightful suburban setting. If looking for comfortable accommodations while visiting Manhattan, then this one-bedroom apartment in Jackson Heights (NY-11830) is the perfect getaway!

1 Bedroom Rental in Jackson Heights, Queens - NY-11830 1 Bedroom Rental in Jackson Heights, Queens - NY-11830

While its closeness to Manhattan is an undeniable plus, there are plenty of places to explore within the Queens. Flushing Meadows Park provides a convenient escape as it is the site of both New York World’s Fairs and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. With its residential charm, many city-dwellers find solace in the relaxing environment of Queens. New York Habitat features other apartments in the area like this one-bedroom in Astoria (NY-6469) or this one-bedroom in Woodside (NY-11788).

The Jackson Heights, Queens neighborhood, though, is the quintessential melting pot of diversity and culture. Rumored to have someone from every nation with a corresponding restaurant, even the most seasoned palate will be delighted. Varieties of ethnic cuisines are available and range from Brazilian to Afghani. At 74th Avenue and 35th Street, Little India offers the best in food, jewelry, clothing and music. The sights and sounds of Little India rival the country itself!

Located in a historic pre-war building, which is secure with an intercom-buzzer system, the apartment is a cozy, spacious suite capable of accommodating up to three guests. The apartment is recently renovated and is fully furnished. The large, plush sofa easily pulls out to a bed and twin beds can be separated for two or combined to make king-sized. Wood floors run throughout the apartment and sparkle from the rays of sunlight streaming in from big windows overlooking the picturesque street below. Conveniently located near the 7 train, which connects to the E, F, V, R and G lines, commuting to Manhattan is an easy 15-minute ride.

1 Bedroom Rental in Jackson Heights, Queens - NY-11830 - Bedroom 1 Bedroom Rental in Jackson Heights, Queens - NY-11830 - Bedroom

Why is this Jackson Heights one-bedroom apartment such a hidden gem?

hether staying for one week or one month, the apartment offers so much at a reasonable cost compared to accommodations in Manhattan. The living areas are open and inviting; offering a distinct comfort unmatched by any hotel. Set in a rich, cultural atmosphere, there are plenty of places to see and discover within the neighborhood. And when venturing into the city, catching a train is simple with the subway station is just around the corner. Uncovering this treasure of an apartment will surely enhance any visit to New York City!

Stayed in Queens before? Know of great, affordable restaurants or quaint, secret shops? We want to hear about it so please leave any comments below!


September 14th, 2007

5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - Pool 5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - Pool

If a sprawling country villa set amid gardens and an ambling vineyard sounds like the kind of place you’d like to unwind with family or a few friends, New York Habitat offers just the place: a five-bedroom accommodation in Beaucaire, Avignon Region (PR-745).

An authentic Mas in Beaucaire, Avignon Region
Provencal farmhouse ambiance awaits guests of this 17th century five-bedroom Mas, full of exposed wooden beams and stone walls throughout. Colorful artwork graces the walls and an antique Indian massage table makes for a unique coffee table in the center of the living room. A working fireplace and traditional blue and yellow tile brighten the eat-in kitchen. Guests can gather for meals in the kitchen, dining room or outside on the terrace looking over the vineyard—all three areas have tables for eight. Connected by a spiral staircase, the second floor’s three bedrooms with double beds and two single bedrooms provide plenty of space to accommodate eight people.

5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - living room 5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - living room

Take in a view of the vineyard and the typically Provencal countryside from the two terraces: one off of the ground floor and a second-floor terrace connected to one of the bedrooms. Once outside, you’ll be surrounded with pine, olive and mulberry trees, lending shade to a private garden. At the end of the garden is a swimming pool with poolside lounge chairs and a sheltered deck. A pond with water lilies completes the outdoor oasis of this rental property.

5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region 5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region

The “Golden Triangle”
A few-minutes’ drive from the villa takes you to the center of the medieval village of Beaucaire, France, where restaurants, small shops and 16th-century mansions share the cobblestone streets. Equally close to the vacation property is a 5th- century Roman monastery carved out of rock.

Bordered by the Rhône River and the Canal du Rhône à Sète, Beaucaire is located in the “Golden Triangle,” an area defined by Arles, Nimes and Avignon, often described as the most beautiful part of Provence. The medieval port village of Beaucaire was once known for its commercial fair that attracted merchants from all over the country. Home to the Course Camarguaise, an annual Spanish-style bull run every summer, the town boasts a several sites, including ruins of a 13th century castle which served as an ancient fortress.

Driving a bit further allows for exploring the ancient amphitheater in the Provencal town of Arles (15 km) or viewing wild horses, flamingos and native black bulls in the natural reserve of Camargue, also accessible by boat ride. Just a thirty-minute drive east is St. Remy de Provence, the home town of VanGogh and one of the top towns to visit in the South of France.

If a five-bedroom vacation rental is slightly too spacious for your needs, New York Habitat also offers a three-bedroom Mas accommodation (PR-821) in Beaucaire, from which to take in the historic and naturally scenic surroundings of the Avignon region. Thirty minutes from Nimes, the area is accessible to the local airport with daily domestic flights from Paris and the TGV station (it’s a three- hour train trip from Paris). The vacation property is also 45 minutes west of the Marseilles airport.

5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - main room 5 Bedroom Rental Beaucaire - Avignon Region - main room

Why is this five-bedroom rental property a hidden gem?
Lush gardens, tree-lined terraces, a vineyard and a private swimming pool are the main attractions of this authentic Mas
. Five bedrooms and two floors make this vacation property is a spacious and welcoming place to enjoy the heart of Provence near a historically rich village that hasn’t yet made it onto tourists’ must-see lists.

Have you visited any of the villages in France’s Golden Triangle, and do you have any hints about places to see that are off the beaten path.


September 7th, 2007

1 Bedroom Rental Canal Saint Martin PA-3288Away from the hordes of tourists packed along the Seine, this one-bedroom duplex accommodation (PA-3288) resides in the 11th arrondissement, a quarter where true Parisians live. Long overlooked by visitors to Paris, the area just north of the trendy Marais district offers scenic walks along the world famous Canal Saint Martin, an aesthetic gem in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and countless ethnic and artistic enclaves.

Renters will be delighted with the amount of light and open space in this apartment that give it a distinctive, airy feel. While the open design of the apartment is surely attractive, the details are what really make this rental unique. The apartment is decorated in typical Parisian style; modern, worldly and eclectic. Exposed wood beams run throughout the flat and pair with the hardwood floors to give the apartment a warm, homey aesthetic. The bedroom sits atop a mezzanine which adds a touch of privacy to the open arrangement. This one-bedroom apartment is perfect for visitors looking to explore an authentic side to Paris often lost amid the throngs of tourists packed along the Seine.

1 Bedroom Rental Canal Saint Martin living room PA-3288The Cite des Sciences/Buttes Chaumont has quickly become one of Paris’ hottest neighborhoods. While mostly quiet and residential, the area boasts an array of trendy boutiques, cafes, shops and restaurants including the excellent Moroccan eatery Mansouria. The neighborhood is a short walking distance from the Pere Lachaise cemetery and aforementioned Canal Saint Martin and Parc des Butted Chaumont. Best of all, central Paris’ major attractions are just a short metro ride away. Another Hidden Gem in the area is a Three Bedroom Duplex in Paris’ 11th Arrondissement (PA-2472) .

Why is this one-bedroom duplex in Paris a Hidden Gem?

A sleek modernist design combined with a central location in one of Paris’ most sought-after neighborhoods makes this one-bedroom duplex apartment a Hidden Gem. The fact that the 11th arrondissement still flies under the tourist radar makes the apartment ideal for those looking for an authentic Parisian living experience.

Can you name the hit movie starring Audrey Tautou that highlighted the beauty of the quarter, specifically the Canal Saint Martin? What other films have iconic scenes filmed along the serene canal? Comment below.

1 Bedroom Rental Canal Saint Martin view PA-3288

 


August 17th, 2007

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway.
They say there’s always magic in the air.
~George Benson

Times Square, New York needs no introduction to entice. Over 26 million people visit Times Square a year to marvel at the bright lights, larger than life advertisements, and bustling crowds. Unbeknownst to many, besides being a business and tourist district, the Times Square neighborhood is also home to several palatial high-rises. New York Habitat has several accommodations available right on Broadway.

1 Bedroom Rental in Midtown West - Chelsea - 12092Penthouse: What a View

If a penthouse view of Broadway and Times Square isn’t luxury, then we do not know what is. This one-bedroom apartment (NY-12092) features a small, private balcony off of the bedroom, providing a bird’s eye view of the Times Square action.

The two-bedroom (NY-12098) and one-bedroom (NY-12046) luxury apartments available in the same building do not have private balconies. They do, however, have floor to ceiling windows in common with the penthouse apartment. Occupying the entirety of one wall, the windows allow for the multi-colored lights of Times Square to fill the room, while also keeping out all of the noise.

While staying in any one of these three accommodations, renters will have access to the extravagance of the building’s amenities, including the common terrace boasting its own putting hole.

These apartments are in the perfect location to visit the major Midtown Manhattan attractions, while also being located near the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, and W trains for convenient travel to other areas of New York City.

1 Bedroom Rental in Midtown West - Chelsea - 12092 - viewWhy are these Broadway apartments Hidden Gems?

Location, alone, would be enough to make these apartments stand out. That detail combined with the luxury and comforts of the building destine them to be Hidden Gems.

For more information concerning restaurants, theater, and attractions in the Times Square area, visit http://www.timessquarenyc.org/

If you would like to learn more about the Times Square apartment and hotel market, read Times Square: Home to Furnished Accommodations from our blog.

Feel free to comment on the wonders of Times Square below.


August 10th, 2007

The 11th Arrondissement is to Paris as Williamsburg, Brooklyn is to New York. In short, the 11th Arrondissement is the spot that hip Parisians are flocking to. New York Habitat can help you avoid the tourist traps of Paris and explore the lively and artistic neighborhoods of the area. Our first stop is to take a look at this Three-Bedroom Duplex off of the Place de la Nation (PA-2472).

Colorful, Three-Bedroom Rental in Paris:

3 Bedroom Rental in Pere Lachaise Nation (PA-2472) living roomFrom the framed artwork throughout the space to the lobster and crab detail in the kitchen, this duplex home offers many conversation pieces. The lively array of colors on the walls, floor and furniture mix and match to create the eye-catching décor of this three-bedroom home.

The bedrooms, split amongst two floors, can sleep five people comfortably, while the large windows of the living room face east onto a small garden walkway.

Great for friends looking to explore Paris, this residential neighborhood contains several markets and shops of convenience.

The nearest metro stations are Nation (lines 1, 2, & 6) and the RER A.

11th Arrondissement, Paris:

3 Bedroom Rental in Pere Lachaise Nation (PA-2472) stairsMost historically well known for being the birthplace of the French Revolution, the 11th Arrondissement has contemporarily become the hipster escape from all things tourist in Paris. Boasting the Place de la Bastille, Place de la Nation, and the Place de la République, the area is a fascinating combination of newly built, trendy designs and 19th century Haussmann influence.

The Place de la Nation (the neighborhood of our aforementioned three-bedroom rental) is a more family oriented region. Nearby, however, the area surrounding Rue Oberkampf boasts an exciting collection of shops, galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Oberkampf, the Place de la Bastille, as well as the famous Paris attractions outside of the 11th Arrondissement can all be reached via the many metro lines that converge within this location.

3 Bedroom Rental in Pere Lachaise Nation (PA-2472) entranceWhy is this three-bedroom duplex a Hidden Gem?

Two floors of invigorating décor combined with the numerous delectable distractions of the area make this apartment a Hidden Gem. Easy access to four train lines only adds to its appeal. The 11th Arrondissement’s increasing popularity makes it a great area to live-in and visit during your stay in Paris.

For more information on the wonders of Paris, read Paris in Song - “Paris – Picture Perfect”.

Where are the best places to dine in the 11th Arrondissement? What other Paris neighborhoods can you suggest? Comment below.