New York Habitat Blog

We’ve waxed poetic about Bryant Park before, mentioning the green space’s role as verdant oasis in the middle of Midtown and suggesting visitors spend some time in the park enjoying open-air films during their annual summer film festival. Bryant Park is truly many things; lunch spot for thousands of workers on any given weekday, host of one of the world’s greatest fashion shows and an office for the students and professionals sitting at the green tables typing away at their laptops. But perhaps more than anything, Bryant Park is one of New York’s great literary haunts, with a history both glorious and checkered and a world-class library as its next-door neighbour. New York Habitat has been placing visitors in Midtown Manhattan accommodations for years, and 2010 will be no different.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park takes its names from one of New York’s great writers, William Cullen Bryant, most well known for his poem Thanatopsis and his work as editor of the venerable New York Evening Post. A large memorial and statue of the literary great sits on the park’s upper terrace, overlooking the Midtown green space. Also on the grounds is a bronze bust of the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a contemporary of the American Bryant. To the south of the lawn is a bronze statue of the American writer Gertrude Stein, known by many as the matriarch of the Lost Generation and a very important figure in 20th century literature. Bryant Park does more than just celebrate deceased literary figures, the park hosts readings by poets and novelist during the warm months of the year and even holds creative-writing workshops for members of the public interested in writing their own children’s books or starting a novel. Finally, the parks location directly adjacent with the New York Public Library makes it one of New York’s greatest sites for literary buffs. Bibliophiles can check a book out of the library, grab a seat on the park’s lawn and disappear into the pages of a borrowed literary work, all in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.

New York Habitat has a countless number of apartments available in Midtown Manhattan, below are a few to get your search off the ground:

- This beautiful 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-12330) is an ideal choice for couples. The accommodation features hardwood floors, a grand piano and an open kitchen. 

- This 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-11338) features a special Winter New York Travel Deal Discount on rentals made before March 26th, 2010. The apartment is spacious and bathed in sunlight.

- This modern 1-bedroom furnished apartment rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12442) features hardwood floors, a flat screen television and modern appliances.

Check out our other top literary haunts

 New York Top 5 Literary Haunts: The Strand Bookstore

Share your favorite spots in Bryant Park below in the comments section.

Named for the illustrious shipping and trade magnate, Richard Murray, the neighborhood of Murray Hill in New York is a peaceful and quiet enclave of Midtown East. The neighborhood is mostly known for its extensive residential housing made of historical 19th Century townhouses and the high-rise apartment complexes. Once occupied by a notable older demographic, Murray Hill is becoming a prime location for young professionals for its picturesque city streets, relaxed atmosphere and restaurant selection.

About Murray Hill

Starting in the north at 42nd Street, Murray Hill stretches to 27th Street and encompasses everything in between Fifth and Second Avenues. For most of the 20th Century, Murray Hill has been dominated by wealthy residents who have created a tight-knit community. The strong sense of community is unmistakable and a rare find in New York City. Getting to know the neighbors is easy as there are only a few supermarkets, dry cleaners and grocery stores in the area. Favorite bars and restaurants among residents are typically found along Park Avenue and draw the after-work crowd with the best happy hour deals in the city.

New York accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454)

If looking for after-hour hot spots and night life in Murray Hill, however, the place to be is Third Avenue. Reasonably priced restaurants, famed delis and quaint boutiques are also found along the edge of Murray Hill. The nickname of ‘Curry Hill’ has been given to the neighborhood thanks to the influx of Indian restaurants that have recently moved into the area.

Filled with a rich history, Murray Hill boasts of some the best architectural designs and buildings in the city such as the Morgan Library and Sniffen Court. The Beaux Arts mansion and Grand Central Station are other magnificent structural sites to see while in the city. At 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library’s myriad collection makes it one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. For nearby entertainment, the New York Art Theatre, on Park Avenue, the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater, on 33rd Street, and the Jewish Repertorty Theater, on 40th Street, are all within walking distance.

Murray Hill is also a prime hub for city-wide transportation. Subway access to the 4, 5 and 6 trains can be found at Grand Central Station at 42nd Street as well as Park Avenue and 33rd and 28th Streets. If venturing to the neighboring boroughs, the cross-town 7 train traces 42nd and runs out to Queens. The popular M16 and M104 cross-town buses also run regularly in and out of the neighborhood.

Murray Hill Accommodations

New York Apartment: Murray Hill (NY-12300)

There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York City. Depending on the length of stay, find the perfect furnished apartment or a vacation rental in New York Habitat’s vast collection of properties.

- This studio in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-12300), on 30th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, features a beautiful exposed brick wall and big windows overlooking the quiet street below.
- This two-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454), on 33rd Street between First and Second Avenues, is a modern apartment with a state-of-the-art home theater system and hotel amenities.
- This one-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-11945), on 37th Street at First Avenue, is located in a luxurious high-rise with two health clubs and laundry facilities within the building.

In the midst of the busy holiday season, New York Habitat has numerous places to stay in Murray Hill with proximity to the city’s best stores. You might also consider Murray Hill when attending Fashion Week in New York or the 4th of July festivities.

Have you ever stayed in Murray Hill and want to share the experience with others? Leave a story in the comments section below.