New York Habitat Blog

Brooklyn is an iconic American landscape built on the foundation of a staggeringly diverse population, rows of century-old brownstones and a glorious industrial past. While Brooklyn’s reputation has undoubtedly changed over the last 20 years, images of the borough have virtually remained the same—ethnic neighborhoods, artist enclaves and really good cheesecake. Though home to an excellent botanic garden, Americans rarely associate the borough with tranquil Japanese gardens, coy ponds and thousands of plant species. Since 1952 the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has been a secret known only to Brooklynites and horticulturalists. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is truly a New York must see, and New York Habitat’s Brooklyn accommodations keep guests a mere sniff away from the closest roses.

Set on 52 acres smack dab in the center of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the premier public outdoor spaces in all of New York City. The garden features more than 10,000 different kinds of plants from around the globe and each month thousands of new plants are in full bloom. A visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is quite the New York experience, the fragrance and dramatic colors of the wildly abundant plant life come to life like the streets of Manhattan during rush hour. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is another one of those places where visitors have a hard time believing they are in New York City. The Garden is located adjacent to the fields of Prospect Park and the roundabout of Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn’s own version of the Chapms Elysees.
Guests looking to wake up near Brooklyn’s urban oasis should have a look at these available accommodations:

• This 2-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Brooklyn Heights (NY-12661) is a short subway ride from the island of Manhattan and has great Brooklyn-rooftop views.
• Just a few blocks from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is this spacious 1 bedroom rental accommodation in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn(NY-12480).
• This studio accommodation in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NY-12610) brownstone features exposed brick and easy access to lower Manhattan.

New York Habitat may have made its name with Manhattan rentals, but we nevertheless encourage visitors to stay in Brooklyn for the culture, restaurants and blooming flowers.

Famous for its cultural institutions, such as the Studio Museum and the Apollo Theater, its shopping district and for its multicultural community, 125th street in Harlem is going to be rezoned if it is up to the New York City Department of City Planning. New York Habitat is keen to share with you what is happening in the neighborhood so you can find the perfect apartment.

To support the ongoing renewal of this main street in Harlem, 24 Blocks along the 125th Street are going to change, with the two of the main goals to strengthen the continuity and maintain the unique character of this street.

At this moment, the neighborhood consists of many townhouses with few highrises in the area. The plans keep the townhouses intact however, the plan will change the character and the street scene of the neighborhood drastically and has already caused a lot of commotion and discussion among current residents.

Plans are to increase the number of people (residents and businessmen) in certain areas, residential use will be more strongly encouraged, and visitors and nightlife in this area will be encouraged to grow. Highrises will be constructed and about 1.8 million square feet of new commercial retail space will be developed. As a consequence, real estate values will likely increase, possibly causing some small businesses to disappear because they can no longer afford the higher rents.

Despite this fact, an increased number of businesses in the area is desired, preferably with a mix of businesses from different industries (including art and entertainment). Rezoning 125th street should create career opportunities for residents of Harlem as well.

At New York Habitat, we believe that change – a lot of times – is a good thing. The fact that New York City is always changing causes a lot of mixed feelings, but makes it a great and exciting city to live in! As long as improvement and development are key objectives, change should be present anywhere, anytime.

So, what if you want to live in this great changing city? You can check out our apartments in Manhattan. For example check out this beautiful 2 Bedroom unfurnished apartment rental in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12481) or this Garden Studio apartment in Harlem, near 125th street NY-7607 with an on site exercise room.

A more detailed description of the rezoning project of 125th street can be found on the website of New York City’s Harlem Redevelopment project.

We would like to know what your feelings are about the rezoning plan of 125th street. Give us your opinions and write a comment in the Blog below!

For most Americans Marie Antoinette is curiously the most interesting figure from the French revolution. From all accounts she was a beautiful yet naive character, an Austrian in French royalty who played a rather small, if only symbolic, role in the before, during and after of the revolution. Compared to that of a revolutionary like Maximilien Robespierre her life was rather boring (aptly portrayed in Sofia Coppola’s hate-it or love-it biopic). The seminal moment in her life was when her head was chopped off–and still we simply cannot get enough of Marie Antoinette. This spring at Paris’ Grand Palais, an exhibit explores Marie Antoinette and the multiple interpretations of her historical figure. Like everywhere in Paris New York Habitat has apartments big and small steps from the national gallery.

The Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais is truly one of Paris’ grandest exposition centers. The expo displays over 300 paintings, sculptures and art objects uncovering the life of Marie Antoinette from her youth in Austria, young adulthood at Versailles to her last days in the Conciergerie, a Seine-side prison still standing today. Perhaps her special draw is in the ambiguity of her story, she’s been portrayed as a naive victim, keen seductress and gluttonous despot sometimes all in the same story. Or it could just be that a beautiful French queen having her head chopped off by an angry mob makes for a good story. For some the pieces on display will clarify Marie Antoinette as a person and historical figure–for others the art at the Grand Palais will simply add to the dauphine myth.

This 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Parc Monceau, Champs Elysees (PA-2586) is in one of the city’s chic neighborhoods and is a short walk from the Grand Palais. Also, this classic 1-bedroom rental apartment in Porte Maillot, Champs Elysees (PA-2920) is adjacent to the massive Bois de Boulogne. While This small and funky studio vacation rental apartment (PA-3551) is on the Avenue Champs Elysees, need we say more?

Let her eat cake or off with her head? Was Marie Antoinette an unfortunate victim of Versailles or a worthy test subject for the guillotine? How do you view Marie? Comment Below.

 Another exhibit to see in Paris:

Ben Franklin: the First American in Paris

New Yorkers are proud of the city’s myriad cultures and traditions, taking every chance they can to celebrate the richness of the city’s melting pot. Every March, New Yorkers from all walks of life trade in their business suits and sidewalk coffee for a bright green sweatshirt and a pint of Guinness in Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Once all the green beer is officially drunk and the New York Baseball season is finally underway New Yorkers come together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May.

The Mexican holiday celebrates the victory of Mexican forces over Napolean’s French army in the battle in 1862. As the influx of Mexican-Americans in the United States continues to rise so too does the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Much like St. Patty’s Day has become an excuse for New Yorkers to drink Guinness and eat corned beef, Cinco de Mayo has become an excellent occasion to eat a fresh batch of Gaucamole or down a Margarita or two. New York Habitat loves New York’s cultural celebrations and has dozens of apartments that will put you in the thick of the lively Cinco de Mayo festivities.

It just so happens that the beginning of May is a wonderful time to be in New York City. The heat and humidity of summer are only a few weeks away and the fields of Central Park are packed with picknickers and school children. As Cinco de Mayo becomes more popular in the city it has become an unofficial start to a long summer of parties and beautiful summer weather. As with any New York celebration, Cinco de Mayo holds its own festive parade. Usually scheduled for the closest Sunday to the fifth, the parade route follows the west side of Central Park, from 110th street down to 72nd. For most New Yorkers the May 5th celebration is all about drinking and eating a la Mexican. Virtually all of the city’s Mexican restaurants have special promotions or live music performances. Cinco de Mayo is a margarita, nacho, enchilada and music-filled celebration of Mexican culture here in New York City.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be going on all over the island of Manhattan making all of our city accommodations within a few steps of the closest Mariachi band or margarita blender. Three of our favorite early May apartments:

-A 1-bedroom apartment rental in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12659) that has a southern belle ambiance.

-The bold colors of this 1-bedroom vacation rental accommodation in Midtown West-Chelsea(NY-11191)recall Mexico’s unique flair.

-The bright green accent walls in this 1-bedroom apartment rental in Gramercy-Midtown East (NY-7905) add a panache worthy of a Cinco de Maya fiesta.

Like St. Patrick’s Dayin New York, Cinco de Mayo is not the most authentic cultural experience. Nevertheless, the Mexican celebration is a bigger event each year and is a not-miss New York experience.

A lot of tourists never get a glimpse of the London that exists outside of guidebooks. New York Habitat is here to change all that! To really see the city, venture off the beaten path, break free of Zone 1—and head over to Hackney, where some of our best holiday rentals are awaiting savvy visitors to take advantage of them.

Located in London’s East End, Hackney is an expansive area where Hitchcock filmed one of his first films, the art scene is alive and thriving, and over one hundred languages are spoken in a single day. Hoxton Square in Hackney’s southwestern corner is a hotbed for scenesters, artists and locals out for some sun. It’s surrounded by hip places to eat, laidback cafés, and galleries like White Cube that will make you wonder why you don’t live here permanently. Hackney Empire and Hothouse are edgy and progressive performance spaces, the Lux Cinema shows stuff that can’t be seen anywhere else without taking itself too seriously, and Hackney Marsh has the largest number of football pitches (er…soccer fields) in Europe, if you fancy a game or just want to watch some World Cup-worthy play.

Add to that the gorgeous gardens at the Geffrye Museum, historic buildings and blue plaque houses (including those once belonging to Marc Bolan, Mary Wollstonecroft and Edgar Allen Poe), a Burberry factory store hidden off Morning Lane (which is a pretty well-kept secret, so don’t tell anyone!), and bars and social spaces in happening SoSho (South of Shoreditch) that stay ahead of the trends…and you’ll start wondering why anyone is bothering with the West End at all.

To those of us at New York Habitat who are currently living vicariously through other people’s travel plans, here’s our idea of a perfect day in Hackney: Start with a Sunday morning trip to the Columbia Road flower market for bunches of fresh flowers to adorn your already sweet 2-bedroom rental in Shoreditch, Hackney (LN-490).

Or, since you’re already up, stop at the Broadway and Ridley Road food markets, where you can smell the spices from blocks off. Buy handmade cheeses, organic breads, Turkish dates and fair trade coffee for a light lunch in your funky furnished studio in Shoreditch, Hackney (LN-506), which is in the basement of a refurbished building used as a frame workshop in the ’20s.

In the afternoon, follow an architectural walk like the one suggested on Hackney Walks: Hackney Central that takes you to many of Hackney’s historical sights—though you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as aesthetically pleasing as your own furnished studio in Shoreditch, Hackney (LN-536), with stainless steel shower and decorative fireplace.

After “bending it like Batista” at Hackney Marshes or London Fields (are you with me, Argentina fans?), go back to your super-stylish 3-bedroom rental in Shoreditch, Hackney (LN-434) and take in the sunset from your balcony overlooking Regents Canal.

Our client testimonial raves: “The apartment was excellent. I think it is better than any hotel I’ve ever been [to].” Hear that, all you overpriced Holiday Inns in the West End?

Enjoy the spaciousness of your accommodation as you get ready for dinner at the eco-chic, canal-side Water House Restaurant, then follow it up with a drink at Hackney Central (a converted railroad station), a show at the Empire or a game at the Hackney Snooker Club, where a friendly local will gladly explain the rules of snooker before soundly schooling you.

Finally, on your short walk back to your Hackney vacation rental, remind yourself that a perfect day out in London doesn’t have to be expensive—not in the East End, anyway.

Have anything to add to our Hackney itinerary? Please leave your comments below.

Recently we told you about some of the great Roman sites in the South of France. This week, we move forward about a thousand years to explore some vestiges of the medieval era, when France was just beginning to come into its own as a sovereign nation. These sites offer a historical backdrop for your vacation and after a full day of exploring the past, nothing could be better than coming back to a furnished apartment rental from New York Habitat.

You may want to begin your journey back through time in the medieval village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. This small town, nestled in among the Alpilles mountains, is known as one of the most picturesque in France. The main feature of this town is the huge medieval fortress, complete with castle and small village, perched atop the cliffs. Take a tour of this amazing relic of a past era where you can see real working trebuchets, jousts and other recreations of medieval life.

For more on visit the office website of Les Baux and its fortress castle.

In Les-Baux, you can even feel like you’re living in medieval times by staying in this bed-and-breakfast establishment, a hosted 3 bedroom maison de village rental (PR-248). Each room has medieval touches, such as tapestries on the walls or beamed ceilings. However, the kitchen and bathrooms have been updated to include modern conveniences. Some rooms include private terraces and all of them offer exquisite views of the town.

From Les-Baux, it is just a short drive into Avignon, where you’ll find the Palais des Papes (the Palace of the Popes), home to the head of Catholicism for much of the 14th century. A wonderful example of medieval Gothic architecture, this palace was commissioned by Pope Clement V in 1309 and was home to 6 other popes and 2 anti-popes. After the Catholic leaders returned to Rome, the palace fell into disrepair until the beginning of the 20th century when it was declared a national monument and museum. After extensive restoration, most of the castle is now open to the public. Avignon is a large city in the South of France and has much more to offer so you may want to spend several days here.

You’ll want to stay in this 2 bedroom duplex penthouse vacation rental apartment in Avignon (PR-615) during your visit there. Able to accommodate up to four people, this luxurious apartment is sunny and spacious. The open kitchen is modern and the perfect place to cook a meal with ingredients bought from the local market. The large bedrooms and modern bathrooms will make you feel right at home. Located just steps from the palace and the center of town, this apartment offers views from each room, and from the large open terrace, making it a truly wonderful place to stay.

If you’d like to visit more than one place in the South of France on your next vacation, planning your trip around a theme is a great way to do so. Visiting these medieval sites will allow you to experience small town life in Les-Baux-de-Provence, and the larger city of Avignon. Luckily, New York Habitat has accommodations all around the region for your convenience.

For more on Avignon, read Top towns in the South of France: #2 Avignon, Provence.

Have you visited these sites? Did you enjoy them? Do you have other recommendation about the area? Please share with us in the comments section.

New Yorkers are reluctant to concede anything to the state of New Jersey. New York has the better bagels, a more stable housing market, less pollution and a stronger economy, or so some say. One thing New Yorkers can’t deny is New Jersey waterfront’s awesome Hudson River and Westside Manhattan views. Nowhere in New York does the Westside of Manhattan look as good as it does from Jersey City. Liberty State Park is situated on the western coast of the Hudson River, steps from downtown Jersey City. Liberty State Park features a restored historical train terminal, a state of the art science museum, and sweeping views of the foreboding Manhattan skyline. For those looking to visit Liberty State Park choosing a Vacation Rental Apartment in downtown Manhattan can offer views back across the river to the park plus you can look out from Liberty State Park and see your building in Manhattan.

Liberty State Park in Jersey City is less than 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. The park is the site of a daily ferry service running between the park and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park is home to the restored Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJT), a place with a special place in American immigrant history. A visit to the terminal is a perfect compliment to a stop at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; millions of European immigrants poured through the terminal on their way to settling in communities throughout the US at the turn of the last century. Also at the park is the Liberty Science Center, an interactive museum with a revolving door of interesting exhibits and excited school children. The main draw of Liberty State Park is, of course, the Manhattan views. From here visitors have fully unobstructed and expansive views of the city’s Westside, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Guests planning to visit Jersey City should stay somewhere on the Westside of Manhattan. The PATH train runs all day between Jersey City and several Westside stops. Take the PATH train to either Exchange Place or Pavonia/Newport and then transfer to the Hudson/Bergen light rail train to the Liberty State Park stop. Some apartments that are interesting include:

• This 16th floor 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-9951) which is flooded with natural sunlight most of the day.
• This roomy studio apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-11956), that is well situated, near the transportation hub at Union Square.
• This loft-style alcove studio rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12391) features a wall of windows with a view of the neighboring flower shop.

If you enjoy this Manhattan view just wait until next week when we share with you the 4th best view in the New York area.

Photograph provided by francois-roux-photography.com