Vacation Rentals by Owner

A very disappointing experience compared to many other VRBO homes which we have previously rented.

Guest: Surfer Sue (Irvine)
Date of Stay: 04/08/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

The most disturbing part of our experience was the fact that, when the landlord finally returned our calls about problems with the apartment (after several phone messages and E-mails) she yelled at us over the phone and took absolutely no responsibility for her behavior. She had said, "Call me any time", which we did, but she only returned our calls when we left a message saying that we would be writing a negative review on VRBO. Since this apartment was listed as suitable for ages 55+, we were surprised to learn (two days before we arrived) that this is a third floor walk up. There was no heat, and although the owner said the super would take care if this, it was three days before he arrived and told us that the heat would not be coming on. By that time, fortunately, the weather had warmed up. Both bedrooms had way too much furniture, and the armoire in the master bedroom started to fall on us when we opened it to put in our clothes. We managed to push it back up, then noticed a block of wood on the floor next to the armoire, which had been propping it up. We replaced the block of wood so that the armoire would not fall on us again. The master bedroom was crammed with furniture, a crib, an exercise bike, and a cedar chest which blocked the use of the window seat and made it very difficult to open and close the windows. In the smaller bedroom, our friend had to turn sideways in order to walk between the dresser and the bed (he is not overweight). The photos of both bedrooms do not accurately reflect the apartment's appearance. We are giving this rental one star because it is in a good location. We definitely would not recommend renting this property.

Owner response:Sue Let me start by saying we have been renting on VRBO since 2008 and have NEVER had a negative comment. Actually we remain friendly with many of the people who have stayed here, some have even enquired on where to buy the beds we have since they are the most comfortable they have ever had at a rental home. I find most of your comments false and so does our Super; Jimmy who was at your beck and call from the moment you arrived. First of all I did call you back EVERY time you called, I finally put you directly in touch with our Super since I was traveling out of NY at the time of your visit and you seemed to have many specific and special needs. You never asked what the floor to this apartment was on and it no secret this is a walk up since it is a townhouse and NOT a high-rise. The heat for the building is run from a boiler in the basement and supports all 8 apartments. The Heat was on the whole time that is the LAW you are lying by saying there was NO heat that is just preposterous. You told me you were traveling with one older person and one who was recovering from and illness and they were in need of a very hot apartment but you yourself were comfortable, I offered to send jimmy to get you a space heater, since someone was recovering from an illness I was concerned. The master bedroom has a king bed, crib and elliptical machine in it because it is a huge room especially for New York standards and as far as the dresser, it is an antique.. if it is broke it will be taken care of. As for opening the window, If you were so cold and there was NO heat why would you need to open any windows? Your phone messages and texts messages do not match this review. You LOVED the apartment when you were there. My only thought is after speaking to our Super who ran himself ragged trying to please you being your personal assistant is that you may have been better off staying at a 4 star hotel where you are given a hands on concierge service in assisting to help make the three different personalities with different needs comfortable and happy, especially if one is recovering from a serious illness and one is elderly. I am glad however you liked the location and that you were able to see something positive during your trip to New York.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

New York Oasis

Guest: Jules (Brisbane, Australia)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/15/11

We recently stayed at Therese's centrally located apartment and immediately felt at home. While the rooms are elegantly furnished it is a very comfortable place with huge inviting couches and mattresses that are like sleeping on clouds. The kitchen is practical and it was a bonus after being on the road for four weeks prior to New York to have access to a washer and dryer. The location is amazing with a short walk to Central Park as well as easy access to the subway. Restaurants in the area are plentiful and there is also a supermarket close by. A fantastic place to holiday.

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

Highly recommendable Upper West Side 2+1 rooms 2-baths luxury condo steps to Central Park and Subway

Guest: Happy to feel New Yorker for a few days! (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 08/05/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

My experience at Therese's condo has been superb and I can undoubtedly recommend this incredibly spacious unit to anyone looking to rent a 2-bathroom 3-room condo (2 bedrooms + sofa bed in huge living room) in a fantastic location in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Staying here for a long week-end, I felt what's like to be a New Yorker. It feels good! The neighborhood has anything you may need at any price point, lots of shops and dining. It is safe, friendly, located steps from the J Onassis reservoir in Central Park where I enjoyed jogging with sublime views of the skyline. We were 4 people and had plenty of room. The deck is a plus! The condo is just as described, AC works great and it’s central, another plus. The unit was very clean and has lots of personal touches and decoration, including beautiful bronze statues. Communication with Therese was easy and she was very flexible with check-in and check-out times, thank you. I hope to come back!

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

Upper west side apartment

Guest: jane (lake wales florida)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

Our stay in New York was everything we wanted it to be. The apartment was clean, well maintained and well equipped with every thing you would need. The apartment how a airey open feel which we loved. We were there for one month (first time away from home that long) and loved every minute of it because of the quality and location of the apartment. Therese and her staff were friendly ,accomodating and very honest people. I can't say enough about the location. Everything you needed, wanted to do and more was right out side your door. We have recommended this apartment to our freinds and would stay there again. Wright family ,Lake Wales, Florida

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

Best location in NYC

Guest: Jack (Fresno, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/11

A perfect location for our NYC vacation, ideal for two couples. We loved the many wonderful restaurants within a short walking distance, Starbucks on the corner, subway station 2 minutes away. And our breakfast on the deck each morning started our days off right. Very quiet, ideal for walking in Central Park. Terese was pleasant to work with. We'll be back!

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

Guest: Steve Wilkins (Oklahoma, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 11/10/09

The apartment on W 86th was more than we could have imagined. It's proximity to Central Park made it perfect for marathon training and after the marathon it was a short walk from the finish line to home. There are a lot of very good dining choices nearby and a grocery in the next block if you want to eat in. Nice appliances in the kitchen made it easy to prepare the special dishes prior to the marathon. Our family of 6 was comfortable with two of us rotating to the sofa-bed every third night. We enjoyed the back patio with it's intimacy, being sheltered from the street. My favorite memories will be the long walks in central park both day and night. The neighborhood felt safe regardless of the hour. I will definitely stay here again when I visit the city. Thanks to Therese for a great home away from home.

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Guest: Rey Guillont (Jonesborough, TN)
Date of Stay: 10/27/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

Just got back from the most wonderful family vacation we've had in years. After living in NYC for many years we left to raise our kids in the mountains, hadn't been back to the city since our daughter was born 10 years ago. I wanted a comfortable,homey place from where we could show the kids our old neighborhood. I also wanted to be near the park and subway station. We had high expectations and I have to say that Therese's apartment did not disappoint. The location is excellent, the apartment is clean and beautiful (a little cluttered but it is New York). It was great to come back "home" every day after exploring the city. And the terrace was an added bonus. After a week our kids could not understand why we ever moved out of New York (we did it for them, or so we thought!). Will be back, hopefully real soon!

Recommended for:

Guest: Amanda 4 (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/30/08 Review Submitted: 12/29/08

My husband, my mother, and I rented this apartment for a week over Christmas. It is a lovely place to stay. It is roomy, well-appointed, and very comfortable. It's really a home and it feels like it. Therese, the owner/manager, is extremely accommodating and helpful. The location is fabulous. In one direction at the end of the block are the B and C lines; two blocks in the other direction you can pick up the 1, 2, and 3. There's a Starbucks on the corner, and a great little french restaurant on the next block. The street is a typical New York street -- somewhat noisy -- but the house is quiet and we were never disturbed by noise at night. The only drawbacks I experienced were very slow internet service, and the lack of a coffee maker. I've stayed in apartments all over the city, and I would definitely stay at this residence again.

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Guest: Giovanna & David (Paris,France)
Date of Stay: 11/05/08 Review Submitted: 11/05/08

Our family of four just spent a fantastic week in this lovely UWS apartment. We would definetely recommend it for: -its location (great part of the Upper west side, just steps from the park, good dining and shopping, conveninet public transportation,etc) - the lovely terrace which even on brisks days is very enjoyable (sunny southern exposure). - functional kitchen with good appliances - washer and dryer - 2 spacious bathrooms Therese is a wonderful and gracious host.

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Guest: Michelle Mesen (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/29/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

I recently stayed in this condo with a group a friends and was absolutely thrilled with the place and its wonderful location. The condo was big and got a lot of light. The balcony was heavenly (perfect for sipping coffee for breakfast, or a late night glass of wine). The owner, Therese, was incredibly nice and helpful and made us feel very welcome. I highly recommend this condo and look forward to staying there again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/29/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

We really enjoyed our five night stay in this great apartment at the beginning of October. The apartment is light and airy, is wonderfully located, and has everything you might need to enjoy a stay in New York. Therese, the owner, was wonderful and has already implemented our suggestions for improvement, so upcoming guests will find trundle beds and upgraded cable TV service. The only thing I might say is that the front bedroom is definitely not as quiet as the rear one, so if you are a light sleeper, take the rear bedroom.

Recommended for:

Guest: John89 (Idaho)
Date of Stay: 10/05/08 Review Submitted: 10/05/08

We were travelling with our family of 6 and stayed in this rental. It was a fabulous location to visit NYC. I went running in the mornings in Central Park, about 400 yds. away. We got metro passes and could hop on the crosstown bus on the corner to go over to 5th Ave. to shop, or we could walk 1/2 block one direction to get on the metro to Time Square, Natural History Museum, etc. A 2 block walk in the other direction you can catch the metro to the Lincoln Center area. All of these areas were just a couple stops away. The neighborhood was very nice and safe-- we were walking around at 11 PM at night many nights with young children and always felt very safe. There are nice neighborhood diners on the corners right there. The place was spacious (for NYC), with room for our 6 to sleep (the pull out sofa probably wouldn't work well for adults, but for kids it was fine). The kitchen seemed new, with a large fridge/freezer, and a spice rack to use if you wanted to ccok (we didn't want to use that time). Call and ask if the washing machine is fixed if that's important-- it was out of repair when we were there. Nice hardwood floors, with a delightful patio overlooking an inner courtyard (3rd floor unit). It was nice to sit out there and enjoy breakfast. Definitely a great location and place to stay. The owner, Therese, was very nice and helpful as well.

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Guest: Alexander Gowen (-)
Date of Stay: 10/05/08 Review Submitted: 10/05/08

This was a great stay. Therese was super helpful adn the accomodation was perfect. Could not choose a better location

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