Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great apartment

Guest: Melissa C. (Ottawa, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 04/12/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

There were 5 women in New York for a special weekend. The apartment was perfect! Great location - near lots of shops, restaurants etc. The owner is very helpful and showed us around the neighbourhood, gave us advice on the subway etc. The apartment is clean, well equipped and the beds are comfortable - what more could you ask for! Thanks. Melissa

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Disappointed

Guest: dcfamily (DC)
Date of Stay: 02/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/01/12

After all the good reviews we thought we had found a gem and actually were very disappointed. Dust, cold in winter, and no light, in addition to being treated a “liar” by the owner... We were very excited to come to NY and to stay in this apartment. We really wanted to like it. We like this neighborhood with its stores, restaurants and attractions. Staff is nice, including the owner until we brought to his attention all the issues. That’s when he became defensive. The rental did not meet normal expectations. When we arrived the apartment was cold as several windows were open (in February). We closed the windows, plugged 2 small heaters we were given, and left the apartment. When we came back after dinner, the circuit had blown. Staff was kind enough to come quickly on a friday night and bring the light back but not everywhere. No light in the dining area for the whole weekend. Few of the outlets were working so we had to test them all before we could plug one small heater which barely kept the place warm. The second night was cold again. Additionally, the floor was dusty (one just had to look under the sofas or near the radiators to see dust) and the covers of the comforters were not spotless. While we think that the apartment is very far from "hotel standards", technical issues can happen. But what really got us was the attitude of the owner. When we highlighted all these defects, the owner responded that he “was doubtful of the veracity of our statements", did not apologize, and told us that if we did not have electricity it was because “we blew the circuit” when we tried to plug 2 heaters (given by the staff) at the same time due to the cold (like it was our fault). The owner states the apartments are managed like a hotel - so we had expectations. We were disappointed. Not a bad place, but so many things made us NOT feel at home that we thought about leaving after one night. But the hassle of looking for a new place for 8 people against accepting the reality of the place for another day so we stayed. We still don’t understand how the owner got all the good reviews. Were we particularly unlucky? is this an oversight? we would have then at least expected some apologies and not this attitude.

Owner response:Unfortunately, this goes to show that you can't please all of the people all of the time. I've had thousands of guests stay in my four apartments over the past 5+ years, and I've gotten two bad reviews. This guest apparently had a bad experience (it happens) and I DID APOLOGIZE, I just didn't agree with everything she listed. I didn't call this guest a "liar", I merely said I thought some of her complaints were exaggerations, and she confirmed them as so after a few emails. For example, "several windows" were not open when she arrived -- one window was slightly cracked open (probably by my cleaning lady to diffuse the smell of cleansers). Of the 18 apartments in the building, no one else complained about the apartment temperatures in the building, as I keep it at about 67-71 degrees F throughout the winter. I also provide electric space heaters to my 4 furnished apartments, in case they like it hotter. This guest happened to plug both into the same circuit, blowing the fuse. A simple flip of the fuse switch would have fixed it, but this guest instead called one of my employees over late at night to come and flip the breaker. I myself was on vacation, so I can't confirm or deny the "dustiness" of the apartment, although I have used the same cleaning lady for over a year and this would be the first complaint. For the record, I am sorry this guest had a bad experience at one of my places, but she would be the exception.

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Christmas Conference in NYC

Guest: MBrown (Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/08/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Very convenient apartment- stay for a week in December with 3 adults an infant and a toddler. Everything was exactly as described on the web site. Khris seemed a very pleasant host and took me on a quick tour of the area for restaurants, laundry, subway etc. No complaints what so ever.

Recommended for:Families with young children

Great location

Guest: voldoc (Chattanooga TN)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Comfortable apartment located on busy street in Manhattan. Easy to book and owner available by phone if needed. Less than one block to subway 1/2/3 and two blocks to subway A/C. Close to central park. Great takeout options were Asiakan (located in same building as apartment) and Pio Pio (Peruvian food, big portions and delicioous). Great bagels and coffee around the corner at Corner Cafe. Tried Indus Valley several blocks down Broadway, worth the walk, delicious Indian food at a good price. Grocery and liquor store one block away. Pros of apartment - comfortable beds and couch, nice dining area, kitchen well stocked, location Cons - apartment facing street (can be loud at night), no hand towels Would stay again for sure, fun staying in neighborhood out of touristy areas!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Good location, comfortable, value for money

Guest: Sean (London)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

Took a 5 day stay with my family of 5 (parents, 2 brothers) Excellent location (a block away from a friend's place), excellent transport links and conveniences nearby. Close experience to living like a New Yorker Despite being on the 1st floor the place was fairly quiet Would recommend and will stay there again given half a chance.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful~Authentic NYC Rental

Guest: Tom (Washington, Missouri)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 07/29/11

It would be difficult to find a more honestly represented rental apartment. The pictures and description are very accurate and Khris is a wonderful host. If you are looking to rent for a vacation, in my opinion, this is an excellent choice. My wife and I, as well as our three teenaged children were very happy here. The proximity to groceries, restaurants, deli's and neighborhood shops makes everything easy. The subway is a very short walk for any tourist destination. We actually ended up spending a good deal of time in this upper west side neighborhood. It is also an easy walk to Columbia University. I will, without reservation, recommend this to my friends and family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

successful family weekend

Guest: Angie (Naples, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

My family of 4 (2 small kids), my parents and my sister's family (3) stayed in this apartment over Father's day weekend and we had a great time. The managers assistant was greatly helpful and friendly upon check in. We found the apartment very clean and comfortable, easy to get to and from all parts of NYC with a great safe neighbborhood feel. The restaurant downstairs, Pio, was fantastic, authentic Peruvian food in a great atmosphere and I highly recommend it. We found the apartment a little snug for sleeping arrangements but it still worked. The kitchen was great and had all that we needed to make breakfast every morning.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Perfect!!!!

Guest: Miriam (CINCINNATI)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

Location, location, location!! If anyone is looking for a super clean apartment with a great location this is it. This apartment is perfect for families, couples or anyone who is looking for a "home away from home" in NYC. Kris was a pleasure to work with! We look forward to coming again.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic

Guest: tom (ogden Utah )
Date of Stay: 04/07/11 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

Thank you for a fantastic place to stay. It was very comfortable and clean.

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

Perfect Place to stay on UWS

Guest: FloridaRenter (Tampa)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

Managing expectations is very important to me when I travel and Khris (the owner) delivered everything he had promised. This was my first time renting a private property versus a hotel when traveling and I was nervous when I began my search. But, once I spoke with Khris and learned more about him and the Unit- my mind was set at ease. The unit was clean, modern, and secure with all the amenities Khris had advertised (towels, bedding, etc). The neighborhood is fantastic, too. Try Aqua for lunch and Dive Bar for a nightcap. Easy access to subway and a steady stream of cabs, too. I would certainly recommend Khris and his property (and I can be a VERY critical person) to anyone looking for an upscale, no-nonsense stay in NYC. Thank you, Khris! I will definitely rent from you again!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Experience!

Guest: iufan (indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/23/11 Review Submitted: 03/27/11

My family, 2 teenaged boys and my husband and I, stayed here for 3 nights in March. Khris was more than helpful and the place was just right. Its a great neighborhood with lots of families, tons of restaurants, subway and grocery close and just a couple of blocks from Central Park. Easy access to everything and apartment had what we needed. Someone was waiting to let us in and give us the keys and answer questions. Can't say enough good stuff!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

perfect in new york

Guest: dott.sery (Italy)
Date of Stay: 12/08/10 Review Submitted: 12/21/10

I have been in this apartment for 9 days and everything was good. The flat was exactly like in the photos, and Khristopher has been really helpful and kind with us. The apartment was fully furnished and clean and with a perfect location, only one block and half to the subway station and there are many good restaurant in the area; i really recommend this apartment!!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Live like a New Yorker

Guest: pds (Wales, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/03/10

From initial enquiry to booking to check-in, everything was easy, friendly and honest. The apartment is exactly as described - comfortable and homely, and the nieghbourhood is perfect if you like to just wander from bar to restaurant to store. On previous visits to NYC we have stayed in Sofitel and the Waldorf, but never again - this place beats them hands down for comfort and location.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Look no further

Guest: Atlantic Canadians (Charlottetown,PEI Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10 Review Submitted: 09/06/10

Great location, clean apartment. The beds were really comfortable. We had 3 adults and 3 children and there was plenty of room. The photos were very accurate as is the listed description. Just a block and a half from the subway made our touring of Manhattan a breeze. I would definitely consider staying here again. I have already recommended the location to several people without hesitation. Both Khris and his assistant Erica were very friendly and helpful. A definite asset to newcomers to New York. If this property meets your needs I wouldn't bother looking any further. I researched over 50 rentals before choosing this one and I am glad I did. Thanks again Khris and Erica. We totally enjoyed our stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place In NYC

Guest: Girls Family Getaway (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/27/10

We stayed at this apartment from Thursday until Sunday. There were 9 girls ranging in age from 6 - 68. The apartment was very clean, had sleeping space for all of us and a nice kitchen with all the appliances needed to have a few meals in. We were close to the subway and bus stops and only minutes from Central Park. Khris showed us everything we needed when we arrived and was very helpful throughout our stay. The restaurant below the apt. was fabulous. I would definately stay here if I were to visit NY again! Great location and easy access to anywhere in Manhatten. If you are flying into LGA get a metro pass at the airport, and take the bus, then subway to the apt. (96th and Broadway - ask for a map), saves you the cost of a taxi and you will need the metro card anyways for the rest of your trip and your return to the airport. That also is well worth the money. Save time for Central Park - it is beautiful. Hope to visit again - Thanks Khris.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

stay in nyc

Guest: mototopo72 (pistoia/italy)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

really good experience in this apartment and Chris is very ok.totally recommended

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Way to Stay in NYC

Guest: DBVande (Cedar Falls, IA)
Date of Stay: 05/16/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

We could not have asked for a better location for our NYC journey. Close to both subway lines only three blocks to Central Park and close to the museums and going the other direction only a few blocks to Riverside Park. Many places to eat, nearby delis grocery choices. Major street so taxis were also readily available. We would definitely consider staying here again for our next NYC Trip.

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

Great location for a New York City visit

Guest: nyc enthusiast (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/30/10

We enjoyed ourselves during our recent visit to the City, staying in this clean and comfortable apartment in the Upper West Side. It has a convenient location to get to the Park in one direction and the river and its linear park to the west. The apartment was well equipped and provided a relaxing home base. The subway is nearby, allowing easy access to anywhere in the City, and there are a number of good restaurants in the neighborhood.

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

Guest: Rita R. (Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/26/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/10

My friends and I spent 4 days in unit 3D and were very pleased with not just the apartment, but the location and the amenities as well. The kitchen and bathroom was nicely updated, and the beds were comfortable. Khris was very pleasant to deal with, always available with recommendations and ideas, and very accomodating in general. With only 2 blocks to the subway, the location was perfect. (ps, the sushi restaurant downstairs was great!)

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Guest: Sylvia14 (san antonio texas)
Date of Stay: 12/17/09 Review Submitted: 12/17/09

Wow... what a great place. Close to everything.Great restaurants nearby, Khris was great, very accomodating. Had a great time! Have already recommended Khris to friends!

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Guest: Ken Skotak (Phoenix, Arizona)
Date of Stay: 12/01/09 Review Submitted: 12/01/09

Its hard to add any more positive comments then what has already been stated. We would agree with what the previous tennants have stated, close to the subway and bus stops, close to stores (new Whole Foods is 2 blks away), kitchen is stocked with everything you need to prepare meals, apt is clean, beds are comfortable. Khris is a real pleasure to work with. Upon our arrival he walked us around the neighborhood, showed us the subway, grocery stores, and recommended restaurants. For our first time renting in NYC, we couldn't have done better then staying at this location.

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Guest: Michelle Hersh (Camas, WA)
Date of Stay: 11/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/11/09

We stayed in 710 3D for almost 2 weeks, and it was just what we needed: lots of great places to eat, two blocks from the main subway line, and three blocks from Central Park. The owner Khris was prompt in answering any questions we had, and he was available to meet us when we arrived. Very highly recommended. what we

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Guest: Dr. Vasant Mhaske (Mumbai-India)
Date of Stay: 08/28/09 Review Submitted: 08/28/09

we a family of 6 people stsyed at 3D from 12th Augtill 21st Aug.2009.Right from our arrival we started feeling that it was the best decision.The locality looked so friendly & lively.The apt was nicely madeup & more then adeqately furnished.Every thing needed is around & at walking distance.But the best part was Mr. Khris,who is gem of a person.Always ready to go extra mile to help.We would certainly stay there again.

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Guest: Dave Green (Seminole, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/14/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

We highly recommend this apartment, and the owner Khris. The location is superb, close to the subway, stores, everything. The place comes well stocked, and the beds are extremely comfortable. My wife and I and our three girls stayed there two years in a row and would stay there again in a heartbeat. My highest complements.

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Guest: noya
Date of Stay: 04/25/09 Review Submitted: 04/25/09

Comment 2 of 08/02/08 made by the owner himself. I wonder why the owner himself needs to put in positive comment by himself? ! . I don't know too many poeple who would agree that some body bust in his appartment on his absence. More than that , money deposited with the owner is for coverage of damages left in the apartment and not for any other reason

Owner response:Again, this is the same (and only) guest with a negative posting. Sometimes in this business you have to deal with idiots, and I had an idiotic guest. I have now shown two of this guest's comments, but I assure you that the other negative comments that I have hidden are also from this same guest. I don't want to give him a platform to keep spewing out his immature vitriol, so these are the only two I will show.

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Guest: Ronit Gilad
Date of Stay: 04/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/22/09

THe apartment was dirty and noisy. The owner entered the apartment with a double key he has while we were out with out our permission. The owner ran away with part of the money deposited in his hands.

Owner response:This comment is from the same guest as all of the other negative comments (i.e. there is only one negative comment) -- the guest obviously isn't very mature and has a lot of free time on his hands. The story is that this guest was a repeat guest (they obviously liked the apartment enough to book again), but the guest attempted to "short" me on the agreed-upon rate, even though the payment due was agreed upon in writing (with the guest's signature). The guest became belligerent when I wouldn't offer him a discount on the spot, and he ended up trashing the place. I'd encourage any prospective guests to read comments from other guests, all of which discuss how clean and nice and well-located the apartments are. In fact, here is the comment made from the same negative guest (which he posted on another website similar to VRBO) from his first stay: "We have stayed in appartment 2D for a week in April 2008. Graet location . comportable beds , well equiped , very corporative owner , many good restorants, supermarkets , subway station in the immidiate neighborhood." All of the spelling and grammar mistakes are his, not mine. And yes, of course I have my own key to the apartment, and sometimes, albeit rarely, I let myself into the apartment (after knocking) to grab some cleaning products or other item to use on another apartment, just like at any other hotel.

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Guest: Janet Falat (Simi Valley, California)
Date of Stay: 09/27/08 Review Submitted: 09/27/08

Awesome!! That's about all I can say. From the time we first made contact with Khris and Joanne until the day we left EVERYTHING was awesome! The apartment was beyond our expectations, the neighborhood was fantastic. For the short time we stayed, 5 days, we really felt like we lived in New York...it was incredible! Loved every moment of our stay. Subway is super close, restaurants are excellent and within walking distance, markets on every corner, Central Park 3 blocks away. The apartment was clean and stocked with all the amenities. Thank You! We will be back and we will recommend your apartment to our friends! Again...just an awesome place to stay!

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Guest: Chris100 (-)
Date of Stay: 08/02/08 Review Submitted: 08/02/08

Great location for tourists, short walk to Nat History Museum, or across Central Park to Guggenhiem, Me and Frick collection. One block to subway leading to Time Square, Empire State, and ferry to Statue of Liberty. Surrounded by a vast selection of restaurants catering for all tastes all very child friendly.

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Guest: Hasina (Hayward CA )
Date of Stay: 06/26/08 Review Submitted: 06/26/08

This was our first trip to NYC and amongst all things we were apprehensive about, finding a nice place to stay was the biggest concern. We discovered this apt. well above our expectations. The location was safe and conveniently located near subways and restaurants. The apartment was clean, beautiful and oh yes, it has the most comfortable beds. It’s true that you only need to bring your clothes and toothbrush. It made our vacation relaxing and was home for the 8 of us who stayed there in 2D. What a PERFECT place to stay! We certainly recommend this rental to everyone.

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