New York Habitat Blog

As we’ve already discussed, bridges are essential to the efficiency and aesthetic of the city of New York more than any other man-made structure. Uptown Manhattan has its share of river crossings, hulking structures meant for the traffic of commuting cars and trucks rather than pedestrians and camera-wielding tourists. Downtown’s East River crossings though, exemplify what modern spans should be–easily manageable for vehicles and pedestrians, architecturally sound, beautiful. New York Habitat has dozens of flats steps from the structures that link Manhattan to the rest of the world.

Brooklyn Bridge with views of downtown Manhattan

The king of all New York bridges is the Brooklyn Bridge. For most New Yorkers the bridge is the undisputed symbol of New York, the work of architecture of which they are most proud. In the absence of the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge is probably the most recognizable symbol of New York around the world (or at least a close second behind the Statue of Liberty). New Yorkers that cross the bridge every day are still struck by its singular beauty. A walk across the famed span is essential to any visit to New York. The wide pedestrian walkway is less noisy than most and provides some of the best southern-Manhattan views. The Brooklyn Bridge represents a gateway from the 19th to 20th centuries, from the low rises in Brooklyn to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the blue collars of Flatbush to the bleached-white collars on Wall Street.

While no New York bridge matches the aesthetic of the Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge’s two neighbors to the north–the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges–are also worth a visit. Both spans feature pedestrian walkways with a small fraction of the tourists packed on the Brooklyn Bridge. Best of all, these two bridges offer arguably better views of the Manhattan skyline–views that include the facade of America’s most famous river crossing.

New York Accommodation 2-bedroom loft in Noho (NY-12499)

New York Habitat has accommodations on the Brooklyn and Manhattan side of the East River, all within a walk of the pedestrian crossings. This 2-bedroom apartment rental in Brooklyn Heights (NY-12661) is available all summer and has panoramic rooftop views. This loft-style 2-bedroom vacation rental in Noho, East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12499) is on the Manhattan side of the East River as is this 1-bedroom apartment rental in Bowery, East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12317), another one of New York Habitat’s favorite New York accommodations.

Did we leave out your favorite New York bridge? Let us know why we should have included it below.

Coming up in London on June 11 is the Queen’s “official” birthday, not to be confused with her actual birthday on April 21. While there aren’t too many 82-year-olds looking to celebrate two birthdays in one year, Elizabeth is a good sport about it—and why shouldn’t she be? Each occasion merits Royal Gun Salutes—smoky, booming affairs, involving cannon blasts and artillery troops in full-on uniforms. Who says Her Royal Majesty doesn’t know how to party! There are two salutes that take place simultaneously in Hyde Park and at The Tower of London at noon—and New York Habitat has vacation rentals that put you within earshot of each celebration but keep you out of the line of fire!

London Accommodation 2-bedroom apartment in City - Islington (LN-449)

Our recommendation is to attend the June celebration when the weather’s warm and the event includes an elaborate Trooping the Colour. We also suggest catching the spectacle at the Tower of London, one of the city’s most historic and recognizable sights, with a sordid and storied past. On any day, the London landmark, built in 1066 and infamous ever since as a prison and place of execution, would be worth a visit, even if you just stand on the front lawn and listen to the first part of the Yeoman’s tour for free—but on the Queen’s birthday, cannon balls are shot from its grounds across the Thames River.

With flags hoisted high in honor of Her Royal Majesty, the Tower is a fantastic backdrop for this centuries-old tradition that has been taking place since Anne Boleyn’s coronation. You can get an amazing vantage point from midway across the theatrical setting of Tower Bridge. Besides, the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower shoots off a 62-gun salute, as opposed to the mere 41 guns going off at Hyde Park—so you’ll be getting more bang for your buck, so to speak.  

London Accommodation: studio loft in City - Islington (LN-446)

Getting more bang for your buck is what New York Habitat is all about—just check out the fantastic vacation rentals we have within a few minutes walk of Tower Bridge and the Queen’s birthday festivities:

• A sleek studio apartment in City – Islington (LN-446) with wooden floors, exposed brick and both a double bed and sofa. It was recently renovated but retains much of the structure’s original charm.
• A stylish 1-bedroom vacation rental in City – Islington (LN-447) featuring modern furniture and a private balcony. Our client testimonial proclaims: “The flat in London was great and I enjoyed my stay. I would rent it again because it was central to where I had appointments.”   
• A spacious 2-bedroom rental accommodation in City – Islington (LN-449) with contemporary décor and conveniences. The plush couches and accent pieces are appropriate to the occasion, considering that purple is the color of monarchs.  

All of these rentals, located on Tanner St. just off Tower Bridge Road, are set within a residential development built around the old Sarson’s Brewery. The buildings, which are now entirely converted into apartment units, have managed to maintain many of the original brewery features. So while other visitors who come to London are proud to have visited a pub or two, you can actually say that you stayed in a former beer factory!

If your living surroundings should inspire you, there are plenty of places nearby to put back a pint: The Bridge House pub next to Tower Bridge, any of the cafés or restaurants in Butler’s Wharf near the Design Museum, or even the bar way up in the Tower Hill Novotel, which gives you a grand view of both the Bridge and the Tower.

As you’re busy toasting your good fortune at having found the perfect New York Habitat  accomodation, don’t forget to raise a glass for the birthday girl. To Lizzy, long may she live!

Who are your favorite London icons, past or present? Tell us about them in the comments sections below.

Paris is all about museums. The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Musee Rodin, Centre Pompidou, the list goes on and on. It seems as if every Paris neighborhood has its own museum, or at least a couple of fine art galleries. Paris is home to museums celebrating fashion design, hunting, sex and even dolls and dollhouses. Nevertheless, for a long time there was an obvious absence of non-Western art in the city. That substantial void was filled in June of 2006 with the opening of the spectacular Quai Branly Museum. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the modern design of the building–and the non-Western collection–sit in stark contrast to its Seine-side neighbors the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. Thankfully for visitors New York Habitat is, of course, a regular in the neighborhood.

Quai Branly gardens Paris, France

Whereas many mutli-cultural museums are situated away from city centers, The Quai Branly sits at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in some of the most sought after Paris real estate. The museum’s collection is devoted entirely to the art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of over 3,500 artifacts from four different continents. Mostly impressive is the Quai Branly’s schedule of temporary exhibitions which boldly tackle issues of colonization, race and cultural misunderstandings.

This spring the Quai Branly hosts an exhibition titled Planette Mettisse: To mix or not to mix. The presentation delves into globalization and the effect crossing of cultures has had on art and human history. The museum juxtaposes works from the 15th century to the present day in order to highlight the importance and richness gained from the collaboration of cultures. Also on display this spring is an exhibition devoted to sculptures carved from African Ivory.

Paris Accommodation 2-bedroom vacation rental near Tour Eiffel (PA-2431)

For a rental apartment close to the new Quai Branly, Eiffel Tower and everything else central Paris has to offer take a look at these available New York Habitat accommodations.

-1-bedroom apartment rental in Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2065)
-2-bedroom vacation rental in Champs De Mars - Tour Eiffel (PA-2673)
-2-bedroom rental accommodation in Champs De Mars - Tour Eiffel (PA-2431)

The importance of an engaging non-Western museum like the Quai Branly cannot be understated. For now the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay rule the museum scene in Paris but the buzz building around the Branly is definitely worth noting.

Tell us about your favorite Paris Museum experiences below:

Normally, the best views of Manhattan are found on the shores of Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey or on an island in the middle of New York Harbor. Thanks to modern architecture, however, visitors no longer have to leave the island of Manhattan to appreciate the full landscape of the city. Gazing out of high-rise windows has been a favorite past time of New Yorkers since the advent of the skyscraper. Looking down on New York from 70 stories above adds a unique perspective–people and cars vanish in the distance, the city itself like a living version of the map in your pocket. The Rockefeller Center GE building, commonly referred to as 30 Rock, is home to the best observation deck in New York City. New York Habitat has apartments just around the corner from Rockefeller Center and the 30 Rock observation deck.

Thanks to major renovations completed in 2005 the 30 Rock observation deck, or “Top of The Rock,” beats out the Empire State Building’s own viewing floor. Despite giving up 16 floors and years of name recognition to the Empire State Building, the Top of The Rock’s midtown location makes it more ideal for central Manhattan views. Name a point of interest in New York City and you can probably see it from the Top of The Rock. When seen from above, the scale of Central Park is tangible–amazingly untouched by Manhattan’s relentless developers. The Chrysler, Empire State and myriad other buildings seem to be swimming in a sea of concrete, held together by the rivers East and Hudson on either side. Viewing New York City from The Top of The Rock’s open air deck is an absolute must-see for any visitor to the city.

Reaching Rockefeller Center is relatively easy from anywhere in the city, but those wanting to walk to the Top of the Rock to catch a glimpse of a New York sunset should try one of these apartments in Midtown:

New York Vacation Rental: studio in Midtown West (ny-12424)

-Studio apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12424).
-1-bedroom vacation rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-12060).
-3-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea(NY-10971).

Which observation deck do you prefer? The Top of The Rock or the observation deck at the Empire State Building? Comment Below.

If you have missed the previous top New York Vies read:

#5: Liberty State Park, Jersey City New Jersey

#4: Empire - Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn

#3: Governors Island

As discussed in an earlier post, the life and death of Marie Antoinette is something that captures the imagination. The story of the frivolous queen being sent to death by her own subjects has been played out time and time again in literature, film and theater. Visitors that still have a yearning for more Marie after a visit to the Grand Palais’ Marie Antoinette exhibition  need not worry, Paris is the city where the history of Marie Antoinette’s rise and fall took place, and her lasting impression is everywhere. New York Habitat has dozens of rental accommodations near the gardens where Marie spent her youth, the prison she stayed while awaiting execution and the square where the guillotine finally struck down royalty.

Paris Accommodaiton 3-bedroom houseboat on the Seine River

Don’t feel too bad for the headless queen yet; visitors must first visit the grounds of Versailles to understand the causes for the public outrage and the queen’s eventual execution. Versailles can be a daunting place to visit, the grounds of the main Chateau are massive, attempting to visit the interiors and gardens of Versailles in one day is quite a feat. Instead of wearing yourself out with a marathon visit, guests should spend a full day focusing on Marie Antoinette’s life at Versailles. Save the long lines at the main castle for another day and continue on to the Petit Trianon, a neoclassical chateau on the Versailles grounds was the private domain of Ms. Antoinette. Marie sought refuge from the demands of royalty here, forbidding anyone to visit without her personal invitation. The cube-shaped chateau is rather small in comparison to the other castles in Versailles, however when viewed in the context of the late 18th century–a time of great hardship for France’s commoners–the scale and opulence of the building is quite staggering.

Paris accommodation 1-bedroom apartment Saint Germain des Pres (PA-3445)

Also on the grounds of Versailles is the “Little Hamlet of the Queen,” a man-made pastoral village built to resemble an idealized Normandy. Here the queen and her subjects would pretend to be commoners, performing chores and tending to live animals. The hamlet proves the gross naiveté and grand imagination of the young Marie Antoinette. Leaving Versailles and heading back into Paris guests can’t miss a visit to the gothic La Conciergerie, the Seine-side prison where the queen awaited her execution. Recently restored, La Conciergerie is located on the Ile de la Cite and is one of the most recognizable structures in central Paris. During the French Revolution the prison was packed with enemies of the new French state, including queen Marie. Today, the prison features a tourist section where visitors can visit the restored cell of Ms. Antoinette. A final stop for history buffs is the Place de la Concorde the site of Marie Antoinette’s execution.

This 3-bedroom rental accommodation in Paris suburbs (PA-1299) is tucked in between Paris and the town of Versailles. To say the accommodation is original would be an understatement; these 3-bedrooms are aboard a houseboat parked on the iconic river Seine. This open 1-bedroom apartment rental in Saint Germain Des Pres is  (PA-3445) is a short stroll from La Conciergerie. While this 1-bedroom rental apartment in Luxembourg, St Michel - St Germain - Notre Dame (PA-3385) is full of old-world charm.

Let us know your tales from your Paris excursions to famous Marie Antoinette sites below.

It is difficult to imagine–while shopping in SOHO–that Manhattan is an island of only 22.96 square miles. Millions of commuters come in and out of the city each day, each of them crossing a bridge or tunnel on thier way in. River crossings are an essential part of Manhattan’s efficiency, as much as any major city in the world. The bridges that connect Manhattan to the rest of the city via the East River and the state of New Jersey via the Hudson River are themselves worthy tourist destinations. While the bridges of Paris have a subtle aesthetic, New York’s river crossings are massive, utilitarian odes to modern architecture. While some lack the aesthetic of their Parisian counterparts, many of New York’s bridges are as essential to the city’s landscape as the rivers they cross. New York Habitat has plenty of apartments in Uptown Manhattan that place guests steps from New York’s most practical works of art.

The George Washington Bridge at night

Uptown Manhattan doesn’t have nearly as many recognizable bridges as the beauties Downtown. Downtown, bridges are framed by the towering New York skyline, principle actors in the city’s scenic canvas. Uptown the bridges are mostly gritty, industrial structures connecting the South Bronx to Harlem and Washington Heights. Uptown bridges are, for the most part, famous for snarling traffic rather than architectual genius. The one Uptown Manhattan exception is the hulking George Washington Bridge, spanning across the Hudson river from New York to New Jersey. Originally constructed in 1931, the exposed steel towers and suspension of the bridge act as an informal gateway into New York City. The George is one of the busiest bridges in the world offering 14 lanes accross the Hudson River. The George features pedestrian paths on both sides of the structure and offers some of Manhattan’s greatest Westside views. For views of the GWB itself visitors should take a visit to Fort Tryon Park near Washington Heights.

Hudson River with George Washington Bridge views

Within walking distance of the George Washington Bridge is this 2-bedroom townhouse accommodation in Harlem-Uptown (NY-12256). The apartment is near the C train, about 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. This modern 1-bedroom rental apartment in Harlem, Uptown (NY-12546) features exposed brick and an open layout. This alcove studio in Upper West Side (NY-12107) has some amazing views of the Hudson river and the George Washington Bridge in the distance.

Later we will be discussing Lower Manhattan’s iconic East River crossings…

Summer is fast approaching and that means vacations on the beach, spent lying in the sun, reading trashy novels, and sipping cocktails.  Instead of going to your normal vacation spot, why not try something new and different this year and spend some time on the shores of the Mediterranean in lovely Nice, France?  Recently, the town has been undergoing  improvements which make it an even nicer place to visit, especially if you stay in a vacation apartment rental or villa from New York Habitat.

Nice, France Beaches

Nice has long been known for its beautiful Mediterranean vistas, walks along the picturesque Promenade des Anglais, and the charming Vieux Nice neighborhood.  Now getting to all these places has just gotten easier.  After years of construction, the first of three lines on the new light-rail transportation system (Le Tramway) opened late last year, with the next two lines to open shortly.  The system connects the major transportation hubs and cultural sites of the city with affordable daily or weekly passes.  So if you’ve been hoofing it around Nice all day and need a little rest, hop on the tramway to reach your next destination.

While in Nice, at least one of your destinations should be the many first-rate art museums.  Both the Matisse and Chagall museums have completed recent renovations to provide even better spaces in which to display the works of these famous painting masters.  Of course, these are only 2 of the numerous art museums in Nice, all of which have wonderful collections for you to visit and see.

To complete you beach vacation in Nice, New York Habitat has a wide variety of apartment rentals from which to choose.  This 3 bedroom furnished rental in Nice, French Riviera (PR-708) is perfect for a family.  The pre-war building is located in Vieux Nice but is also minutes from the beach.  All the rooms retain their French charm in the architectural details while still offering modern amenities in the kitchen and bath.  This apartment will make you feel more like a resident of Nice, instead of a tourist.

Nice, France markets

If you’d like a more intimate place to stay, look at this 1 bedroom furnished rental accommodation in Nice, French Riviera (PR-244).  With more modern décor and an open kitchen, this apartment looks like it could be in New York but the views from your windows will tell you differently.  Located on the top floor of the building, every window of this apartment has spectacular views of Nice and nearby Place Masséna.  Nothing could be more relaxing that waking up and looking out your window to scenes like this every morning.

A vacation on the beach is a vital part of summer but going to the same old spot year after year can get dull.  Why not change it up this year and be able to tell your friends that you will be vacationing on the French Riviera this summer.  And a vacation rental in Nice from New York Habitat will give you even more bragging rights.

For more on Nice, read Top Towns to visit in the South of France: Nice, French Riviera: #4. 

Do you have any other travel tips for Nice?  Please share with us in the comments section.