Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect Location!

Guest: shana m.
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/16/12

My husband and I stayed here for four days with his daughter and 7-year old granddaughter. Everything was great. It was nice to have a place to come "home" to instead of a hotel. The apartment was large enough for the four of us, as well as several friends who stopped by to visit during the day. I didn't think the master bedroom mattress was very comfortable, but I'm used to a Tempurpedic. The linens were fabulous...luxoriously soft blankets that I want to get for my house! The apartment had plenty of towels and all nice extras like soap, hair spray, hair dryer (i forgot mine), iron, waffle maker, coffee maker and coffee, etc. We enjoyed Enoteca Maria on Hyatt Street (dinner), The Gavel Grill on Hyatt Street (breakfast), and Kim's on Forrest Ave. (manis, pedis, waxing). There are several bodega's in the area, but next time I will stop at a supermarket before checking-in. The best part about the apartment was the location/view. The parking situation was difficult, but we could walk to most places (as long as you don't mind a few hills...what a leg workout!). We took the ferry to the city twice and did some shopping at FAO schwarz, china town, little italy, canal street, and 5th ave. There was some noise from a downstairs tennant (vaccumming and dog barking), but I guess that's part of apartment living. I did mention it to Robin and she was very apologetic. The apartment is very Victorian, which I loved. My husband on the other hand wished there was "man furniture", a bigger flat-screen tv, and a TV in the bedroom. I disagree, but I promised I'd include his comments. :) He's a smoker and was told he could smoke on the balcony, but there wasn't an ashtray or butt recepticle and I think he might have got "in trouble" for using a mug of water from Robin's kitchen as an ashtray. Overall though, we had a great stay and will contact Robin the next time we are in Staten Island.

Owner response:Nice people but what they is true, there is no large flat screen TV. It wouldn't fit in the small Victorian living room plus when you have all of New York City to explore, why stay home and watch the tube. As to the ashtray, there was one in the kitchen which I was trying to tell the gentleman but he was in a hugh hurry, off to see the sights I believe, and he couldn't focus on what was being said. And '"man furniture"? In the living room there is an antique, an original sea captain's club chair salvaged from Sailors Snug Harbor that has been retied and reupholstered. I do hope these guests return to spend a few more days visiting this great city and have a peek around Staten Island too.

Recommended for:

No better landlord...

Guest: Cleve S.
Date of Stay: 04/03/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

Everything was as described in the advertisement. My sister and her two teenage daughters from South Africa met us (from Dallas, TX) there and we had a great time. Catching the ferry everyday made us feel like "locals" and we enjoyed that a lot. What made this stay even better was the fact that Robin extended her own home to us in order to accommodate us at relatively short notice. She and her gracious husband moved out so that we could enjoy our stay in New York where we celebrated my sister's 50th birthday. Let me add that I was alone with four women and never felt unsafe, even when we returned from New York after 12 A.M...and that view...wow...we will stay there again...

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

No better landlords...

Guest: Cleve S.
Date of Stay: 04/03/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

Everything was as described in the advertisement. My sister and her two teenage daughters from South Africa met us there (Dallas, TX) and we had a great stay. Catching the ferry everyday made us feel like "locals" and we had a great stay. What made this stay even better was the fact that Robin extended her own home to us in order to accommodate us at relatively short notice. She and her gracious husband moved out so that we could enjoy our stay in New York where we celebrated my sister's 50th birthday. Let me add that I was alone with four women and never felt unsafe, even when we returned from New York after 12 A.M...and that view...wow...we will stay there again...

Recommended for:

First family trip to NYC!

Guest: White Family1 (Richmond, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/04/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

Our family of six had a wonderful spring break in Manhattan. A big thank you to owners Robin and Stan for their hospitality. The view from their home is spectacular and the ferry ride to and from NYC each day is such a treat. We enjoyed being able to cook our dinners each evening and then relaxed by the cozy fire. A nice supply of clean-burning firewood was always available. The steam heat was quite a novelty for our kids! Hope we see you again one day.

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

Un séjour aux portes de Manhatan

Guest: Vincent (Toulouse, France)
Date of Stay: 02/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/05/12

Nous avons passé 1 semaine dans cet apartement à 5 personnes (couple avec 3 ados de 12/14 et 17 ans). Arrivés par l'aéroport Newark, nous avons loué un voiture pour nous rendre à Staten Island. 30 mn et quelques péages plus loin nous sommes arrivés à l'apartement. Pas de surprise, les photos sont fidèles et la location est bien entretenue. Tout l'équipement nécessaire pour cuisiner est disponible. Le seul reproche que l'on peut faire est le bruit de la circulation bien audible pour celui qui dort dans le salon... on est quand même à New York. Une vue magnifique sur Manhatan juste en face de l'apartement, 10 à 15 mn de marche pour arriver au Ferry et c'est parti pour 30 mn de Ferry et ensuite l'entrée dans Manhatan par le Sud. Robin la propiétaire est charmante et nous a donné de bons tuyaux pour avoir des places de NBA. En résumé une bonne adresse pour 4 à 6 personnes.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Holidays with our love ones

Guest: Regh D.
Date of Stay: 12/22/11 Review Submitted: 01/28/12

Hi there, We stayed over Christmas and New Year's Eve 2012 at this wonderful location on Staten Island. We really appreciated our stay there. The apartment was the perfect location. A very quiet place, with a wonderful view on the New York Skyline along with an excellent transport connection (Staten Island Ferry) . Really terrific. The property is very welcoming. The listing description was accurate regarding the location, layout, amenities, etc and the property was clean and well-maintained. Additionally, the owner provided a good customer service and was very kind... From our point of view, the apartment is highly recommendable for friends or relatives to have a wonderful stay in New York City. We really enjoyed our daily trips with the Staten Island Ferry to Downtown Manhattan every single day and that the trip was free of charge.... Enjoy! Doris + Mario + Joëlle + Ryan

Recommended for:

Great place to stay

Guest: Roxana J. (Hollywood, FL)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

We stayed at Robin's nest with my husband and my two children (7 and 12). We really enjoyed the place and the proximity to NYC. The boys loved the ferry and "Au Bon Pain", the pastry store at the ferry station. We would buy our breakfast and eat it in the ferry with the wonderful city views!! Robin is great to deal with and the house was decorated for Christmas at our arrival, really cozy. Having children the house was the best choice, we will be back!! Thank you for your hospitality!

Recommended for:

Great location and very comfortable

Guest: Kathy M.
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/13/11

This property is in a great location for a visit to NYC. It is a $50 plus tip taxi ride from Newark Airport and a 10 minute level walk to the free ferry to lower Manhattan. The 25 minute ferry ride is a relaxing way to start and end a day of sightseeing in a busy city, especially in summer. The ferry terminal is close to both subway and bus routes to all points in Manhattan. A weekly transport ticket makes travel easy. The bus to the Staten Island Mall stops outside the house. The ride is interesting and it is convenient for visitors to the US who want a 'Mall' experience. There's a convenience store on the corner and a very good restaurant, Beso, nearby. Inside, the property is just as described. It was very clean and comfortable. The owners were very thoughtful and turned on the bedroom air conditioner so we would have a cool room for our 11pm arrival after flying direct from an Australian winter into a NYC heatwave. It was very quiet inside despite being near a large police station. Although there were just two of us, we very much enjoyed the space. It made sleeping easier as we adjusted to a different time zone. On departure we were able to pull our suitcases to the ferry and then take a taxi to Penn Station for the Acela train trip to Boston - recommended. A suggestion would be to print out a picture of the front of the property. The house number is difficult to see at night and our taxi driver had difficulty finding it despite having a GPS. He had to circle the block and then one of us got out to walk up the stairs to confirm the number. We have recommended this property to our friends and family as a place to stay when visiting NYC, especially for those traveling by car, free parking at the door, or those wanting a quiet place with space.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Location, location, location

Guest: Carlton (Salisbury, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/19/11 Review Submitted: 07/24/11

Perfect location for families to park the car, spend the nights in comfort, use the free Ferry to Manhatten and connect to public transportation to any of the sights. The evening views are spectacular, the hosts are cordial, efficient and dedicated to make you feel at home while there. We had two sixteen year olds, mom, dad and grandpa with enough room to fit all comfortably for the night. Even sharing one bath with the sixteen year old girls went well with organization. We recommend this location as the finest place from which to explore New York!

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

Awesome!!

Guest: Debbie D. (Louisa, Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Thank you so much, Robin! We had a great vacation. The house was very nice and comfortable. It was perfect for a family of four (we have two daughters ages 7 and 13). The view was amazing. The walk to the ferry was easy and the 25 minute ferry ride was very relaxing and we loved it! We would definitely stay there again and would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to visit New York City. We took the ferry to Manhatten every day and loved going to the city, but we enjoyed getting back to peaceful feeling of Staten Island. It was really nice meeting you and your family, Robin, and we truly appreciated your hospitality.

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

WHAT A VIEW!

Guest: Chrissy (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

I have not had an opportunity to stay in her place yet...Unfortunately I had to delay my visit to NYC. Hoping to return soon, I will definitely be contacting this owner in the future when I plan my vacation. Thanks Robin :)

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

A must-do once in a life- time = een aanrader

Guest: Raymond Bogaert (Hoboken (Antwerpen) Belgien)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

Een aanrader. Alles er op en er aan. De andere reviews liegen er niet om. Indien gehaast dan zeker niet doen! Er is ongeveer 40 minuten extra tijd vereist te verdelen over 10 ga-minuten appartement-ferry en 20 à 30 minuten ferry voor alle verplaatsingen naar Manhattan en de andere buroughs. Appartement zeer geschikt voor twee personen en geschikt voor vier. Zeer aangename eigenaars. De ideale basis voor een uitgebreide verkenning van NY.

Owner response:These were the loveliest couple, they stayed a month but I wish they would have stayed a year. We do not speak any foreign languages but it is not necessary when you understand human nature.

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

It was a perfect trip for mom and daughters.

Guest: Debbie (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

We just returned from our NYC, Staten Island vacation. It was perfect. The house is beautifiully decorated with antiques. There are 3 beds including the sofa sleeper. We each had our own room. The view is gorgeous to say the least. We were conveniently located near the ferry so we went to NYC the first 2 days. The 3rd day we took the city bus (a first for us since we live in a rural area) The bus stop is just outside the door. We saw all of Staten Island on the bus ride. We also went to the lovely Staten Island Mall. All in all it was perfect. Would love to go back, will certainly tell all our friends. We were able to have a longer vacation by staying on Staten Island and not paying the NYC Hotel prices. I will always laugh at my first experience with steam heat. Works great just give it a few minutes.

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

Beste Robin

Guest: Korrie (Arnhem, The Nethelands)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

Al weer 4 dagen thuis, en we genieten nog steeds na van onze mooie trip naar New York. We (met 3 kinderen 27,16,14) hebben genoten in "Robin's Nest". Elke morgen het mooie uitzicht over het water naar Manhatten, s'avonds, na een vermoeide dag, thuis komen in een warm gezellig huis. De afstand naar de boot en het winkeltje viel ons erg mee. Het was geweldig! We hebben nog lang niet alles gezien en komen dan ook graag nog eens terug in dit confortabel apartement!! Heel erg bedankt Robin! vriendelijke groeten van Fred en Korrie, Ineke, Jim en Bas

Owner response:These were lovely guests and I assume they wrote very nice things, if only I could read Dutch.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers.

Fabulous view its true!

Guest: I love New York! (Upstate New York)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 11/21/10

This rental was reasonably priced. Roomy and very comfortable. It is nicely decorated and very accomadating for a family. We were very comfortable and loved the view! It was one of the best for the price. The free ferry adds a lot to the conveniance of this location. The owner Robin was very kind and accomodating. It is a lot of value for the price. And located away from the crazy honking horns yet close when your ready to be a part of it. :)

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

Cosy & Convenient with amazing views!

Guest: Papa T (Warwickshire, England, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/18/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

We've just arrived home from an action packed holiday with our four daughters (aged 2 to 14) in New York & used Robins Nest as our base. It is a lovely cosy aprtment in an old house, warm & nicely furnished, with all the equipment you need to cater for yourselves if you so desire. The views are quite simply the best in NYC - Where else could you stay & watch the sun rise & set over the Statue of Liberty & the Manhattan Skyline? The Staten Island ferry is fantastic & free & what's more, it's only a 10 minute walk from the house! We hired a car, but only because we had friends & family to visit not only in Staten Island, Brooklyn & Queens, but also upstate New York (Walkill & Patterson), which is stunningly beautiful & not to be missed! However for the our time in Manhatten we simply used the ferry & subway. For a peaceful retreat at a reasonable price, which has fabulous views & easy access to Manhattan - you couldn't do much better. Thanks Robin - I'm sure we'll see you again soon! Tevye & family

Owner response:These were lovely guests, as are all of the fine people who decide to stay at our 1870's Victorian home by the bay.

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

comfortable retreat from Manhatten

Guest: de kölschen (Cologne, Germany)
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/17/10

We (a family of four with children aged 18 and 21) stayed at Robin's Nest right at the water front on Staten Island for the entire September. The Victorian house turned out to be the perfect getaway after a long and tiring day exploring Manhattan and the lovely Staten Island Ferry was a very relaxing experience (especially in such sunny weather!). Robin's home has got a great view of the world famous NY skyline, which we enjoyed a lot. Robin was the perfect hostess and really made us feel at home from the very beginning. She not only gave us valuable tips about NY and the surrounding area, but also took care of the little things, such as helping us out with candles when there was a one night power cut due to a storm! For us, staying with Robin on Staten Island was very worthwhile, as it combines its attractive closeness to Manhattan with the much more quiet neighbourhood (and thus a good night's sleep!). However, Staten Island is also worthwhile staying at due to some very nice attractions such as the Staten Island Zoo and for example the historical Richmond town. Our holiday at Robin's was sunny in every aspect - not just the weather!

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

What a beautiful house!

Guest: Isa (Acton Vale, Québec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

We’ve been in New York last August for our summer vacations with our two children (16 and 10) and our two friends for one week. We’ve find Robin’s Nest last November and since then, it was clear in our minds that we wanted to stay at this place! Since it was the first time that we book a house on the Internet, we were not sure or secure at the beginning. But Robin’s been helpful from the very beginning, and one of the most honest person I have met in my life. At our arrival, we knew that it was the best choice that we’ve made! The house was perfect for us, clean, beautiful, near the free ferry to Manhattan (not 5 minutes walking), near a grocery, etc. One of our numerous pleasures at Robin’s Nest was to sit on the front terrace on morning to sip our coffee, or at night with a bottle of wine, talking about our long day walking in Manhattan. Do doubt in our minds, we’ll go back at Robin’s Nest for our next vacations in the Big Apple! And it’s without any hesitation that we recommand this house! Thank you so much Robin for your kindness! Because of you, we had a wonderful time in your house, and we continue to talk about this experience as the most extraordinary vacations we ever had! Say a warm hello to Stanley, Virginia and little “Beany” for us! See you soon! Isabelle, Jean-François, Félix, Zacharie, Josiane and Dominique

Owner response:Lovely people and we hope they return.

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

Wonderful place to stay in New York

Guest: Una (Dublin, Ireland)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/23/10

My family ( myself, my husband and two teenagers 15 and 13) had a wonderful 8 days in Robin's nest on Staten Island. We were joined for 4 days by my sister in law and she too theough the location, house and whole experience was fabulous. The house looks out over the water towards Manhatten and we were able to see the 4th of July fireworks from the deck in the front of the house. It was the ferry ride everyday past the statue of Liberty that really made this holiday for me. We also visited the statue of Libery one day and went up to the crown ( we needed to book the crown tickets a few months in advance but it was welll worth it). The subway station is immediately outside the ferry terminal and couldn't have been easier for gettig around all the amazing sites of New York including up to the Cloisters above Harlem. On Staten island RH Tugs is a lovely restaurant recommended by our landlady Robin. Finally but not least Robin is a lovely lady who made us very welcome. Thank-you Robin

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, sightseeing.

So close, yet so far away :)

Guest: JenniferJohn (Brooklyn, NY, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 02/23/10

I stayed in this apartment for Valentine's Day weekend. My boyfriend and I had a great time there. Everyone thought we were crazy being that we are from Brooklyn and we went just over the bridge to Staten Island, but the weather everywhere else is what prevented us from going elsewhere. We were not sorry though. We really enjoyed our stay in the apartment. Robin is a lovely woman and was very accommodating to us, especially with the short notice. We found the apartment to be very cozy and clean (THANK GOD!). Because I would not have lasted one night if it was dirty. It was kind of like being at your Grandma or Great-Grandma's because there are beautiful antiques and antique furniture in the house. And you get extremely great water pressure in the shower! (I feel I need to mention this because usually when I go on vacation the water pressure seems to be a problem.) This place is especially ideal for tourists and/or people without a car. The view of Manhattan from the house is beautiful, and you also have the 9/11 Memorial right across the street. And if you want to go into Manhattan, just go across the street and hop right on the ferry. There is also the stadium for the Staten Island Yankees across the street and about a block over. In the area there are also museums and the library. The house itself is even historic! Being a native New Yorker who tends not to be excited about the attractions that we seem to take for granted, I actually appreciated the house itself more than anything else :) My over-all stay at the house was very pleasant, and I would like to return if I need another getaway.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful stay at Robins Nest !

Guest: Tim, Mary and family (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 12/06/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/10

My family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children 17, 14, 10) stayed at Robins Nest for a week in December 09. Our travel plans had us flying into NY direct from Sydney Australia – so after a 24 hour journey we did not need any accommodation hassles. That is why we chose Robin’s Nest. Robin the landlord had answered all my pre travel questions by email and phone so when we finally arrived very late at night, and very cold, the apartment and the check in process were exactly as we had been expecting. My kids loved the wood fire although the steam driven heaters were a new experience! The apartment proved very comfortable for our party of 5, and it was exceptionally easy to get to the New York attractions. We enjoyed the short walk to the Staten Island Ferry (despite the unseasonable cold weather !) each day, and the free ferry trip was punctual, clean and safe! There are plenty of convenience stores close by to stock up on groceries/snacks. When we needed to stock up on winter gear, Robin recommmended we take the bus from outside the front door direct to the Staten Island Mall - the pre Christmas sales were in full flight so we managed to pick up a bargain or two! Thanks again Robin and we have no hesitation in recommending your apartment to any travellers!

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

Winter in Staten Island

Guest: Michael und Ursula (Österreich)
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 12/06/09

Wir waren von 25.Nov.09 bis 2.Dez.09 in New York und haben dieses Appartment gebucht. Das positive war die tolle Lage und der atemberaubende Ausblick. Ansonsten ist dieses Apparment die reinste Katastrophe. Die Heizung ist so laut und fast nicht regelbar (nur über einen Regler, nicht jedes Zimmer einzeln). Man glaubt es sitzt jemand im Keller und schlägt die ganze Nacht auf die Heizungsrohre. Die Küche ist ganz gut ausgestattet. Schlafen für max. 5 Personen möglich. Allerdings ist man dann hoffnungslos überbelegt. Wenn im darüber liegenden Appartmnent jemand wohnt, hört man jedes wort und jedes Tun. Nach unserer Kontaktaufnahme mit der Vermieterin vor Ort bekamen wir nur die Info "well its an old house" New York immer wieder dieses Appartment nie mehr.

Owner response:And the Old house with Old heating pipes still makes loud noises, but at least you know that you will be warm with steam heat. These people were a pain and even though their review is in a language I don't understand so I cannot respond to anything else, when they asked to return six months later I just ignored their request.

Recommended for:

Stay here the next time you run the NYC marathon

Guest: Jodi M. (Minneapolis MN USA)
Date of Stay: 10/29/09 Review Submitted: 11/08/09

My husband and I and another couple rented this lovely home when we ran the 2009 NYC marathon. Getting the shuttle to the start line was a piece of cake, just a five block walk to the ferry terminal, where runners, biffy's and many marathon shuttles were waiting. Convenient to many good restaurants (walk a bit more down Bay Street to the blue restaurant) including the tapas Beso and Italian Enoteca. Only downside was the loud street traffic when you're trying to sleep. Not a big deal though, pros far outweigh the cons.

Owner response:The street noise on Staten Island is far quieter than in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens anywhere at any time. This is still the city if New York, the biggest town in the USA. But Jodi and Nate were wonderful and if they visit next year for the Big Run I will supply them with ear plugs.

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

Back in the New York Groove!!

Guest: Swan Valley (Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/30/09 Review Submitted: 10/25/09

My husband and I took our 3 children (ages 17, 14 & 11) to New York from Perth, Australia in early October. This was a return trip for us and a new experience for them. Finding accommodation for five people at a reasonable rate is not an easy assignment! Robin's accommodation is exactly as described and portrayed in her photos. The easy ferry access to Manhattan, the ability to travel on the subway to all points, the ability to find some space and to cook our own meals - all these wonderful points are eclipsed by the owner herself. Robin is a wonderful landlord - she is there when needed to provide good local information but does not intrude. She was especially helpful to us in obtaining tickets to a Giants game for my husband and son - which has given them both some great memories. I have no hesitation in recommending a stay with Robin at this, or any of her other properties. Our love & best wishes to Robin Margaret (John, Bradley, Kelsey & Brittany) Perth - 2009

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

Great to see NYC without all the hustle and bustle

Guest: Cincinnati Kid (Cincinnati, OH USA)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

We loved the accomodations and location. Far enough away from the city to not feel overwhelmed, but just a short free ferry ride to lower Manhattan. We had 4 adults, 2 teens and 1 baby and were very comfortable in the house. Robin, the owner, was very accomodating and provided just about everything you'd need to be comfortable. We thoroghly enjoyed our 4 night stay!

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

a lovley stay

Guest: Bert & Ilse and Dirk (Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 08/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

We stayed in the appartment with 3 people for 6 days (august 2009) It is a very good place to stay if you want to visit New York. You don't need a car but if you have one parking is free on your doorstep. The ferry takes you in 25 min to manhattan. just perfect. The house clean and lovely decorated although its not my style. Every room has an AC so after a hot day in the city you can enjoy the coolnes en quietnes of the house and staten Island In the morning and evening is the view magnificent The police station is 1/2 mile away so you feel safe even at night when you return form the city The tappas bar 2 blocks away (accros from the ferry) is the best restaurant in the area. The Owner who lives upstairs gave us good advise about going out in new york and staten Island.... Small stores for daily groceries and a laundry are in 8 min walking distance. Perfect place for a good price and warm-hearted owner.

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

Familientrip nach NY

Guest: nygangstas (Bayern, Deutschland)
Date of Stay: 05/30/09 Review Submitted: 07/26/09

Wir wählten für uns und unsere 3 Kinder (15, 17, 20) NY als Ziel eines Familienurlaubs. Da wir ausschließlich die Stadt erkunden wollten und nur öffentliche Verkehrsmittel nutzten, erwies sich unsere Unterkunft in vielerlei Hinsicht als vorteilhaft. Das Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis ist okay, die Ausstattung zweckmäßig, die Lage dank der Fährverbindung gut und die Fahrt und der Blick auf die Freiheitsstatue und Manhatten sind immer wieder ein Genuss. Wer sich selbst versorgen und nicht nur Fast Food essen will, kann den Einkauf allerdings nicht in nächster Umgebung erledigen, da gibt es nur kleine Läden. Die Küche ist gut eingerichtet, das übrige Mobiliar älter. Die Vermieterin ist nett und hilfsbereit, wenn man Tipps benötigt. Wir können die Unterkunft für Urlauber empfehlen, die gerne auf eigene Faust unterwegs sind und eine vernünftige Basis für ihre Unternehmungen suchen. Wem Komfort, Ruhe (Verkehrslärm) und eine schöne Umgebung wichtiger sind, sollte sich anderweitig orientieren.

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

Fantastic stay

Guest: nomiddlename (England, UK)
Date of Stay: 04/06/09 Review Submitted: 06/13/09

We had a fantastic stay in this lovely apartment. Our party consisted of 4 adults - mum, dad and 2 grown up children. This apartment worked well for us with there being a comfy sofa bed in the lounge (along with 2 bedrooms), internet access for everyone and the kitchen well equipped for us all. It really was easy going into Manhattan with the free ferry and access from there onto the subway. We also visited various outlets/shopping at Short Hills (thanks for the tip, Robin) and Woodbury Common (about an hour away). These were great and it was much cheaper shopping there rather than on Manhattan. To do this we hired a car and parked outside the apartment for free. A few restaurants/shops nearby but we tended to eat while we were out and about rather than nearby. While we were there it was pretty cold but the heating provided plenty of warmth and was quite instant, with it being steam driven. Robin is available to help if you need it or leave you alone if you would prefer. We would definately return and we recommend to friends and family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just the right place to approach New York

Guest: hanovergang (Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany)
Date of Stay: 03/28/09 Review Submitted: 04/30/09

We were a party of three (my husband, teenage son and me), who stayed at the Hudson Harbor apartment for one week (unfortunately only one) end of March and the first days of April. When looking for a place to stay in New York I had browsed through all the reviews written by earlier guests to this house and then we decided based on those testimonials. And how good a decision that was! The apartment came up to everything mentioned on the Home Away site: it is spacious, furnished with love and care (even with an easychair by a Tiffany lamp, which I loved in the still dark mornings of early spring), with a modern kitchen that provides for every need, lots of towels in the bath etc.etc. You can really trust all those positive things mentioned by previous visitors. What we liked most was: 1) the spectacular view of the Manhatten skyline and Statue of Liberty from the living room window. And there is always something going on on the water, ships of all sizes and nationalities being tugged all day into and out of the harbour. Our son loved those scenes! 2) our daily (free) rides with the Staten Island Ferry to and from Manhattan. It gives you the time to prepare for your activities in New York in the morning and to relax and let the day pass through your mind in the evening, while gliding slowly along the Statue of Liberty. 3) our landlady's kind and decent way of being present whenever we had questions and needed advice. We had some interesting conversations with her and learned a lot about Staten Island, Snug Harbour, about the story of the house and the apartment. This is what makes your stay personal and makes you feel rather like a friend than a tourist. We would love to return soon and have already recommended this home away from home to friends. Thank you Robin, for your warm hospitality! P.S. Last but not least I have to mention the really phantastic matresses, on which all three of us slept like babies. New York is a city to be conquered walking, so a good night's sleep is essential.

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

Great few days in NY in great Location

Guest: Mojmir (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 03/09/09 Review Submitted: 05/18/09

We are a couple from Australia and we spent a great 5 days exploring New York from this great location just a half hour free ferry ride (across the Bay) from Manhattan. Accommodation is located in a house with lounge overlooking the Hudson bay to NY skyline and a short 10 minute walk to the ferry. We used the ferry and then the subway each morning and returned late at night to our cozy, clean, well furnished, self contained, two bedroom flat in a safe area. Our host Robin was a helpful source of information and provided us with some good tips on things to do, see and the most efficient way to move around this great city and maximize our time there. There are some shops located on way from the ferry to stock up on groceries or to grab a quick snack (open from early in the morning to late at night). There is street front parking available. If no car we would recommend booking a taxi service which services the Staten Island area as most yellow cabs and normal transfers are for hotels and accommodation in Manhattan.

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

Ney York City im Februar 2009

Guest: Raui (Gelsenkirchen)
Date of Stay: 02/15/09 Review Submitted: 06/28/09

Im Februar 2009 verbrachten wir zu zweit eine Woche in dem Ferienhaus. Das Haus entspricht exakt der Beschreibung. Herrlicher Blick von der Terrasse auf den Hudson und die Skyline. Die Vermieterin, Robin, ist nett und hilfsbereit. Die Staten Island Ferry bringt sie rund um die Uhr in ca. 30min. nach Mannhatten. Mietwagen lohnt sich für Ausflüge, z.B. in eines der umliegenden Outlet Shopping Center.

Recommended for:

marathon stay

Guest: marathon family (gettysburg, pa)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/08/09

My husband ran the new york marathon...this lovely home was the home base for he, myself and our teenage daughter. Robin, the owner, was extremely helpful...the place has many wonderful extras you would never get in a hotel...she even delivered items we left behind(thanks again, Robin) Short walk to ferry...free 20 minute ride...amazing night photos of NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay...and plan to stay again in the future...and have recommended it to many friends.

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

Great

Guest: Floridafolk (Sarasota, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/13/08 Review Submitted: 11/10/08

The description of the property was accurate. Truly, we thought it was better than the description. We had a wonderful stay! Frank is originally from Brooklyn and occasionally likes to escape sunny Florida and go back to touch home-base. We wanted to book what he calls "a hub and spoke" trip and of course, he wanted a bargain rate...this couldn't have been better. We flew into NY, rented a car and drove to our home (the Hub) for 2 weeks. Harbor House was an immaculate, warm, safe and inviting house. Everything we needed to make ourselves at home was provided. Parking was free - and right in front of the house. The owner, Robin, was friendly and helpful, and clearly cared about everything being "just so" for her guests. We unpacked once and then began venturing out to new places each day. Most days, we left the car and went into Manhatten on the Ferry (a short walk to the Ferry and a delightful, free 20 minute trip into the city) for dining, Broadway plays, concerts, museums, walking different areas of the city. Other days we took the car and went Frank's to old haunts in Brooklyn, visiting family and friends in the area and shopping in NJ, one day we took a trip up to the catskills and enjoyed the beauty of fall color, another day we went to Atlantic City. There were even terrific restaurants and golf, etc. on Staten Island (who knew!). We will definitely do this trip again and highly reccommend it. If you know the area around the city, a car is nice to have for jaunts into the countryside...if you don't know the area, stick with reliable, bargain public transportation in the city. Great trip.

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

Great Stay!

Guest: NY Tourist (Toronto Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/10/08 Review Submitted: 10/14/08

Just got back from a fantastic stay here. Great location, great property, all as advertised. The owner Robin was available and helpful when required. We are a family of five that drove down from Toronto Canada and things couldn't have worked out better. We are all ready planning on returning.

Recommended for:

The Dutch are back on Staten Eiland!

Guest: De Joostens (Nijmegen, Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 07/12/08 Review Submitted: 08/19/08

After reading the reviews on the site we, (a Dutch family with two teenage kids) decided to book the Hudson Harbour view house (or Manhattan skyline view!) for this year's USA vacation. No regret!. Ideal for European first timers! All the reviews are correct. Everything is fine, even the small details like coffee, tea, toiletpaper already in te house so there's no need to hurry to the shop. We left almost every day after a good homemade breakfast at app. 10.00 AM lazy and cozy to the Ferry terminal. In less than an hour we were in downtown NYC! And, the returning Ferry trip is an excellent way to calm down from the Manhattan hectic. To avoid killing shopping trips with wife and daughter to NYC we took the Staten island bus (valid with the NYC Metrocard) to the Staten Island Mall, after visiting our colonial heritage in historic Richmond Town (boring according to my daughter, not the shopping part!) Still a pity that we sold all this to the British a couple of centuries ago...... During the rest of our visit to the USA we kept a pleasant email contact with the owner. She is really great: she leaves you alone if you wish to be, but always available as an NYC tourist board volunteer. Thank you Robin! You can see the result of all your efforts on this site: the house is booked full for a large period! A last remark for my compatriots: renting this house for a week is much cheaper than two manhattan hotelrooms for the same period

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

Fantastic Stay for 6 Adults

Guest: Duredhel (Singapore)
Date of Stay: 07/06/08 Review Submitted: 07/13/08

As many have pointed out, this is just simply a wonderful accommodation. We arrived in early July, a party of 6 adults, and were pleasantly surprised to find the place spacious, tastefully decorated, and perhaps most importantly, refreshingly cool with the great A/C. There was little trouble finding enough bedding real estate for 6 people to sleep in, though one should be aware that we weren't the stockiest of characters. In addition to the 2 bedrooms, the couch can be converted to another bed, if you happen to be curious how 6 persons are expected to comfortably coexist in a 2 bedroom apartment. Robin's skill in interior design is readily apparent in the pleasant mix of colors and furnishings which she has chosen for the apartment. It is simply a great place to wake up to, and the charming design may have been somewhat responsible for us chatting hours away in the house, so travelers with tight sightseeing schedules, beware. ;) Wireless internet is complimentary, and the bandwidth was sufficient for 6 laptops to surf the internet concurrently. Yes, you read right, 6 laptops. As one may infer, there was thus enough room and power points available for 6 people to run their laptops at the same time. In the dining room alone in fact. The ferry is free and runs almost every half an hour to and from Manhattan. A detailed schedule is kindly provided on the fridge for your perusal. :) I'm not too sure about my travel companions, but personally, the trip to Manhattan in the cool ocean breeze, and the return ferry with the whole city and the statue of liberty illuminated in their night lights was pretty much the highlight of my day. Robin herself is a very friendly and helpful landlady, and provides the occasional periodical and traveler's guide to events in the city. This is of course in addition to the towels, bathroom amenities and coffee mix which we found. If you think it's unusual that such an unassuming and affordable apartment has garnered such generous praise in virtually all its reviews, that's because it is - an unusually great place to stay for an unusually great price.

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

Great Location !

Guest: Tony & Christine (Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/17/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

We were thrilled to stay at the Staten Island Vacation Rental. Our decision to stay at this location was somewhat based on the reviews written by other guests, and we were delighted to find the writings were accurate and the home was exactly as described by each guest. We absolutely loved the home! The description on-line is accurate, however the location is much better than described! The home is comfortable, immaculately clean with charming furnishings. Robin is friendly, helpful and makes you feel like a guest in her home. The location has an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. We were completely satisfied and hope to stay here again.

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

Hidden Treasure

Guest: B and B (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/09/08 Review Submitted: 05/15/08

Fresh off the ferry, so to speak, we are still basking in our Staten Island adventures that began with Robin's home away from home overlooking the harbor and ending with a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline including the Stature of Liberty. Surrounded by comfortable period furniture, books, a handy modern kitchen, and a wood stove we first thought we'd stay in all weekend and enjoy a rare rest. However we were soon lured into the community to explore. Along Bay Street our first stop was at a local pub, Ruddy & Dean’s, where friendly working people included us in the bar conversation and pointed us toward the local thrift shop for warm clothes (we came ready for summer…..wrong!). “Everything Goes” goes beyond a mere thrift store and is a window into a part of the community. The proprietor directed us to a coffee house/used book store and an art gallery, all operated by an intentional neighborhood of eight or nine families also restoring their beautiful Victorian homes a few blocks up the hill. From there, we took the ferry, 5 minutes walk from our lodging, ate hotdogs in Battery Park, and enjoyed watching the Stature of Liberty mimes interacting with children who walked away with foam crowns on their heads. The ferry is free and half the fun of the experience and the mix, as with the neighborhood, is one we especially enjoy as no fewer than 10 languages were spoken around us on the ride. Back on Staten Island, we exploded the myth that there are no good local restaurants by discovering Beso, a recently opened first rate Spanish restaurant with a cuisine featuring tapas of various choices that the table could share. We chose anchovy, sausage (chorizo), stuffed pepper, and tuna. An excellent mojito and wine also graced the table and we left smiling at our good fortune. The next morning we jogged along a track constructed by the water with hurdles, hand ladders, and other ergonomic features for the serious runner. Of course the doughnut shop was there waiting for us at the end. The grand finale of our trip was just that. Awakened by a popping sound, we reached the window in time to take in a full fireworks display from Battery Park in lower Manhattan that went on for many minutes and was enhanced by the city skyline that lit up with each volley. Obviously we recommend both Robin's house and the surrounding neighborhood and available Manhattan enticements most highly--and we didn't even mention the bargain price of lodging!

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

6 So Cal desert rats in The Big Apple

Guest: DesertRats (Indio CA Coachella Valley)
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 05/07/08

When I started looking for a place to stay in New York, my first stop was Home Away. I read the reviews for the Harbor House, I figured that I would take the advice of a fellow Californian. Here is my review, Robin was very polite during the whole process, gave me info about the house, neighborhood,transportation etc. She was always prompt in answering my questions. Our view out the front window is the Manhattan Skyline. The SI Yankees stadium a 2 minute walk, The FREE Staten Island ferry 3 minutes away, I have traveled extensively, but it was the first time in a big city, a real city, for my friends. They were impressed by the whole experience, Of course the house has everything we needed, We did not cook anything, but we could have. There are deli's, pizza, drugstores, beer, anything you need within a five minute walk from the house. . We had 4 women in our party, The house has one Bath room, but we worked it out. Plenty of towels!! Whether you are a seasoned traveler or your first time to the big city, Robin's house is the best deal in town!!! The NYPD is right around the corner, Its funny, my wife did not like the little wooded area next to the house, I thought it added to the experience, Staten Island is very nice. We booked our whole trip in advance, Citysights Ny, Yankees, Broadway etc. Once you land at Battery Park the bus and subway system was very easy to negotiate.

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

Spectacular!

Guest: jennyG (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 04/13/08 Review Submitted: 04/22/08

We absolutely loved the house. It was everything it was advertised to be and was spotlessly clean. Taking the ferry into the city was a perfect way to start and end the day and was a very convenient walk from the house. Robin was wonderful and we absolutely plan to go back.

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

Warm & Wonderful!

Guest: Chicago Family of 3 (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/28/08

We had a great time staying here! Lots of space and a spotless warm and homey apartment. The location is very convenient ( a few blocks from the free ferry,& past a police station) with free on street parking. The owner was very attentive.Lovely antique furnishings and beautiful linens were provided. We would stay here again!

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

Highly recommended

Guest: Gravy (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/18/08

Clean, modern kitchen with everything you could ask for. Robin was a gracious host, you'll like her. Decorated with gorgeous antiques.

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

Very nice appartment

Guest: Virginie (Burlington, VT)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/08

The house was very clean, had everything we needed, and Robin was very accomodating. The view on manhattan skyline was amazing, and the (free) ferry only 10 minutes from the house. There were 6 of us sleeping comfortably in the appartment. This is a cheap and pleasant alternative for bigger groups to stay in New-York.

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

Hudson Harbor View,Charming 137 year Old Victorian

Guest: Ethel (Kansas City, Missouri USA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/20/07

The Hudson Harbor Home was warm and inviting, beautiful furnishing, all new appliances the most up to date pots and pans, microwave, stove, china, silverware, sheets,towels and comforters, T.V., DVD,CD & Radio player, fireplace in the living room and master bedroom. The Ferry from the house to take to Manhattan is about 4 blocks, its free and the scenery is great and all kinds of people travel the ferry. The owner was wonderful, she checked to make sure we had everything we needed, she was helpful in directions, restaurants, and had all kinds of leature on New York and surround areas. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone on vacation in New York. We enjoyed our stay very much. There arre a few steps to go up to the house, but the view is magnificent of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. HAVE A GREAT VACATION STAY IN NEW YORK. MARIE PARRETT KANSAS CITY, MO.

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

Beautiful place to stay!

Guest: lovedacoquies (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/19/07

What a wonderful clean house! We enjoyed our stay very much. It's only 3 blocks to the ferry and the *best* view! We highly recommand staying here and when we go back to NY will stay again. The kitchen was well stocked for cooking. The antiques where beautiful to behold. Over all a very very wonderful place to stay. Thanks Robin!

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

A Cosy Gem With a Million-Dollar View

Guest: JHEE (just outside Philadelphia in beautiful New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/23/07

We travel to New York frequently, and decided this time we'd venture away from our usual haunts and explore some more economical and adventurous places to stay. We'd never been to Staten Island and, frankly, our friends thought we were nuts to stay there, but we had a wonderful stay at this immaculate, warm, safe and inviting house. We thought it was even nicer than the pictures had indicated, and everything you'll need to make yourselves at home is provided. Parking is free - and right in front of the house. The owner, Robin, was friendly and helpful, and clearly cared about everything being "just so" for her guests. Although some of the surrounding area is a little down-at-the-heels, this home is spruced up and has a wonderful location. From the front deck, you'll have broad clear views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. We enjoyed watching the trusty little tugboats shepherd giant barges in and out of the harbor as intrepid little sailboats tacked their way through the bustle. Across the street from the house is a harbor-side esplanade where you can stroll (or jog, if you're so inclined.) Just down the street is a donut shop where you can grab a quick croissant or have a full eggs-and-bacon breakfast. The ferry terminal is a pleasant, three block walk from the house, taking you past a moving memorial to the Staten Islanders who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a nice little baseball stadium that's home to the minor-league Staten Island Yankees. The FREE 24-hour-service passengers-only ferry is clean and reliable and both the Staten Island and Battery Park terminals appeared very shiny and new. The 25-minute ferry ride will take you right by the Statue of Liberty (the ferry does not stop there) and it was a refreshing and pleasant way to arrive in Manhattan. At the Battery Park ferry terminal you can easily hop on a subway uptown, grab a cab, climb on a tour bus, or just start exploring. A short drive from this house is Snug Harbor (founded in 1833 for "aged, decrepit and worn-out sailors") where you can have a nice brunch outside under the trees, or explore the gardens and restored Victorian cottages and Greek Revival buildings. If we had one small complaint about our stay, and it's a subjective one, we found the mattresses too firm. They might benefit from the addition of a latex or featherbed topper to soothe the sleep of those of us with older bones. Or maybe we're just wimps. We have already recommended this place to friends, and would happily stay there again. Thank you, Robin, for a very positive introduction to Staten Island life.

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Best holiday yet!

Guest: TheHalls (Derbyshire, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/07

This is a wonderful accomodation. The view across the water is just spectacular with the statue of liberty on the left, downtown manhattan straight ahead and brooklyn bridge on the right. It is very clean and furnished to a high standard. Stayed for a week and were really sad to leave. It is the perfect 'quiet' retreat after hectic days in NYC. As already commented, the owner was extremely hospitable and very friendly. We just loved being there. We will definitely return.

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A Beautiful Long Weekend

Guest: yvonne (Montreal)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/10/07

The house is beautiful and is a very short walk from the ferry. You can therefore drive your car here, park on the street (no fees) and walk to the ferry. The tour buses stop right at the ferry in Manhatten so just get on and enjoy. The house was beautiful and the owner very hospitable. Everything was clean and tastefully decorated. I would return in a New York minute ! Thanks for a great weekend Robin. Yvonne

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