Vacation Rentals by Owner

Cozy stay, perfect location

Guest: Haley (Edmonton, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/05/12 Review Submitted: 05/13/12

We loved our visit to Greenwich Village - the apartment was well equipped and comfortable. The proximity to the Subway was perfect, and the trendy neighbourhood made us feel like we were 'real' New Yorkers for a few days. The rooftop view is not one to miss! We've stayed twice in properties owned by the couple who own this listing, and can't imagine staying anywhere else while in New York. It was great to have cable and wifi.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

a new york experience!

Guest: Mary (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 04/18/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

Apartment is tidy and very convenient in terms of close proximity to public trans, restaurants, shops, etc. The owners were very accommodating and wonderful to deal with. I would recommend this as a terrific option, moderately priced and in a very cool area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Excellent Location

Guest: Les Smiths (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

We made the mistake of staying in Midtown on our first trip to NYC, but soon realised that Greenwich Village was a much better place to stay, so we booked this for our second trip. The location is great, right on the lower edge of the Village, but only a few blocks from pretty much everything from Husdon Street/W4th to Broadway. Either of those streets was a maximum 15 minutes walk, with a huge amount of restaurants, shops and cafes in between. West 4th subway was only about 5 mins walk and Houston Street even closer. The apartment itself is very small, with the lounge only big enough for the sofa bed and the tv. There were four of us (two adults, two late teens), but there were never four of us in the room at the same time as it would have been too cosy. That wasn't a problem though, as who comes to NYC to watch tv? The bedroom is again small, but perfectly adequate, and with a chest of drawers and cupboard for storage. The kitchen (small), has the mac computer in it, which was much better than it being in the lounge or the bedroom as it meant that you could go on it at odd times without disturbing anyone. The computer was the best thing about the apartment, as it was very modern and flash and meant that the children could keep in touch with their friends easily. It was also good for ordering food deliveries, which were incredibly quick and cheap. Whilst the apartment could never be described as swish or spacious, it's more than adequate, relatively cheap and we were pleased that a security deposit wasn't required. Special mention has to go to Viet, the owner, who responded very quickly to all our emails before and during our stay and immediately acted on a couple of very minor issues we had, such as providing new blankets when we felt cold. We were nervous before coming, as we'd heard so many rip-off landlord stories, but our initial impressions prior to booking were that the owners were genuine and following our stay I have no hesitation at all in recommending using them based on the very positive dealings we had during our trip. The only reason I give this 4 stars and not 5 is because I doubt if an apartment this age and size could ever have 5 star comforts, especially at this price. As for the owners, a definite 5 stars. To me, dealing with genuine and helpful people is much more important than taking a chance and maybe getting ripped off.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great apartment in perfect location!

Guest: SmileyGal (Raleigh)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

We just returned from our NYC trip. We absolutely loved staying in this apartment. It was clean and had all we needed to make our stay very comfortable. The location was perfect, tons of restaurants, shops and bars just outside our door. We especially enjoyed John's Pizzeria and Rocco's on Bleecker and had a fantastic time at the Comedy Cellar - all within a short walk from the property. The apartment was also very convenient to the subway, though we did most of our exploring on foot. Neighborhood felt very safe as well. Viet and Liezl were wonderful to work with and promptly responded to all of our questions and requests. I would definitely recommend this property and hope to return soon!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

HOME SWEET NY HOME

Guest: John and Veronica (CALIFORNIA)
Date of Stay: 03/11/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

That's how we feel when we walk into the W. Houston apartment. We feel like we are in our very own NY apartment. We love the great location, the cleaniness, the MAC computer and especially how Viet & Liezl are always so kind and helpful!! Thank you again for the best NY stay ever!

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sweet little place in the heart of a fantastic area

Guest: anna (norway)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

very sweet little apartment to stay in. the owners are fantastic and got back to us immediately when we had any questions. the flat had all we needed. the area around is great and full of restaurants and shopping. and a fantastic view from the roof. i would definately recommend this flat for a vacation. thanks for the stay

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Return Customer

Guest: Dawn (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/01/11

I have stayed in this apartment twice and have never had any problems, no complaints. My last stay was July 2010 and hope to visit again this fall. The location is perfect. I wouldn't want to stay any place else and have been disappointed in the past when it was not available during of my visits. The only warning I would give is that it is comfortable for 2 people, but would be rather tight for 4. But not as tight as 4 people sharing a hotel room. The stairs are a bit of a climb, but a great workout! I also never remember sleeping so late in the morning on vacation. The bed must be too comfortable!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Most disappointing, to put it mildly.

Guest: Rob & Simon (Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

My partner and I made the error of staying at this property in October, 2009. Although we had a very good internet relationship with the owners; and although I was throroughly familiar with the neighbourhood as a former resident of the New York Metro Area, we were not prepared for the poorly equipt, substandard accomodation that presented itself upon our arrival. The toilet was non-functioning and threatened to overflow. The kitchen cupboards were jammed with former guests' half-eaten provisions. A request for a heater, when an early cold snap hit the New York Metro Area became a matter of discussion. And the overall appearance of the place left quite a bit to be desired. Instead of the charming Greenwich Village apartment on offer in the owners' advert, we were treated to a living example of a Tenament Museum exhibit. We cannot express our disappointment enough, and, in spite of the fact that we posted a negative review of this place nearly a year ago; are puzzled as to why only 5/5 reviews are presented. Trick photography and exaggerations do not make up for quality and honesty. Caveat empetor.....in spades! And as a point of information: My partner and I use vrbo properties, exclusively, around the world. This is the very first time that we have had anything but a positive, delightfully memorable experience. Most disappointing...

Owner response:We are completely shocked and disappointed by Rob and Simon's review. We work very hard to provide a nice and affordable home for our guests and the positive reviews below show that to be true. Before their stay, we had over 50 email correspondences regarding their questions and concerns and we felt we developed a good and honest working relationship. During their stay, Rob and Simon requested a space heater which we promptly provided and without "discussion". The only other things they asked for was extra toilet paper and to fix a slowly draining bathroom sink, both of which were corrected that day. The toilet issue was never made known to us until this review. The last email they sent to us made us feel that they were happy and content with the apartment (copied below). What Rob and Simon calls a "tenement", we called home for four years and we take exception to their description of our apartment advertisement as "trick photography and exaggerations". We describe the building as "fifth floor of a old, pre-war, walk up building" so we are not sure what we were exaggerating. The photos of the apartment are exactly as one would see the unit and we did not use a wide angle lens or Photoshop to change the views. We believe the photos to show the apartment to be cozy and compact, which it is. We realize that some visitors to New York are not accustomed to the high cost of living here but we never misled them to thinking they where going to get more then they paid for. Regards, Viet and Liezl "Dear Viet and Liezl, Many, many thanks for your prompt attention to our requests. The apartment feels comfortable and the sink is draining as it should. We've just spent the day at the Botannical Gardens and will be doing more tourist 'stuff' tomorrow. Again, many thanks! Cheers! Rob & Simon"

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Guest: Valda (Sydney Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

I booked the apartment for my daughter and her partner who were going to New York. I liked the description of the apartment and found Viet and Liezl to be very helpful and prompt in answering my queries. I booked the apartment and I couldn't be happier. My daughter said it was quiet, clean and very spacious for 2 people and would be fine for 4 people. Great location and neighbourhood. Would highly recommend the apartment,

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Guest: John and Veronica (CALIFORNIA)
Date of Stay: 03/24/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

Viet and Liezl~ Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! no amount of words describe the true & amazing experience we had by staying in a real NY apartment. From our first communication back in July 2008 (yes, i'm an early planner)to our actual stay, you both were so professional, so attentive and you anticpated our expectations better than any hotel concierge could!! We asked & we received! My husband, the chef in the family, was able to WOW our friends with a homemade meal made in 'our very own NY aparment' because he had everthing he needed just like at home. We absolutely loved that we had a MAC computer & that we were able to keep up with our favorite shows because you had cable!!! The apartment is in an awesome location & we loved every second of our 8 night stay!! We will be in touch to plan a November stay because while in NY we would not stay anywhere else and we know that we can trust that all will be just as excellent the next time & for all your future guests as well!! All the Best~

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Guest: T.J. L. (Southbury, ct)
Date of Stay: 03/13/09 Review Submitted: 03/13/09

Apartment of was clean and in a great location. Owners were helpful and very easy to deal with. We travel to the city often and would stay here again over a hotel anytime.

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Guest: Jenny16 (-)
Date of Stay: 10/28/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

This is a comfortable, quiet apartment. Close proximity to great restaurants and shopping. Very clean. Owners are helpful and always available. It worked out great for us! Would return again. Thank you!

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Guest: Bob and Satoe (Vancovuer, BC)
Date of Stay: 05/26/08 Review Submitted: 05/26/08

For our first visit to NYC, we chose this apartment over high-priced, tiny hotel room. And we were very happy with our decision. The location is great, you can easily walk to Greenwich village, SOHO and restaurants in Tribeca. We even walked to China Town/Little Italy, East village.Two subway lines runs nearby and it takes 5-10 minutes to Times square/Rockfeller ctr where we enjoyed musical and sightseeing.The apartment is spotless clean and well equipped. Its coziness makes you right at home. This was our first time to rent an apartment and we were little bit nervous about whole process. But Viet and Lizel were always available to answer all our questions and whole process was amazingly easy.We definitely recommend this place to anybody who loves to experience charming local scene rather than busy, hectic midtown tourist center. (and doesn’t mind a little exercise in morning & evening to walk up 5 floors! Well, we didn’t mind at all!)

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Guest: sue lempert (-)
Date of Stay: 03/21/08 Review Submitted: 03/21/08

my husband and I took our grand daughter to NYC for her first visit and we decided to stay in the Village instead of at a hotel. We loved the location of this apartment and its charm. It was quiet and furnished with everything we needed.

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Guest: Warren Gentry (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/12/07 Review Submitted: 08/12/07

We had the pleasure of staying in this apartment for three weeks this summer. Our group included my wife and I , our teenage daughter and a friend of hers. Though I feel the apartment is better suited for two, it worked out great for the four of us. We wanted a good NYC neighborhood experience and we most definitely got it at this location. Right at the crossroads of Greenwich Village, the West Village and Soho, there are an abundance of restaurants and cafes from which to choose. You can feel like a resident and be a regular at the Grey Dog Cafe or the Blue Ribbon Bakery just around the corner. If you can resist the urge to eat out every meal, there is grocery shopping near by, and the faclities for cooking are plenty adequate at the apartment. The apartment is well appointed, the window units cooled the apartment just fine on hot summer days and the light in the apartment is very nice. You are not looking out at another building's wall, rather you have a nice view of NYC rooftops which you will love. Bring your walking shoes. That's the only way to experience New York.

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