Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great for a group

Guest: MMGM (Akron, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

This is a great place for two families who want to enjoy NYC. It is close to the subways and the area has interesting little stores and ethnic food. There are two private bedrooms and the others have multiple beds so are great for kids. We had a great time over Thanksgiving and Mark was very helpful.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

All the way from Minnesota

Guest: Tony (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/05/11

Overall: Good, Was happy with the overall stay we had in this vacation home in New York Space: Excellent, The place was plenty of space for my family of 5. Bathroom: Average, Only one bathroom with one shower. Travel: Average, Was a distance from Manhattan which requires time on the subway, but for the price we could not complain, subway station was 3-4 blocks away Neighborhood: Good, Pretty quiet neighborhood occasional speeding cars down the narrow street, also grocery stores within walking distance to house Was pleased to work with landlord. Reasonable with price and easily contacted.

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

Nice and Quiet

Guest: Jeff (MONTEZUMA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

Great place to get a good night's sleep! Quiet neighborhood a short walk from the train. If you are not experienced with living in NY or taking the subway, be especially ware of service changes on the subway on weekends. Mark was easy to work with! NY prices are inflated, so don't expect as much for your money anywhere in this city as you would in the midwest. The unit was nice and clean. Thanks again, Mark!

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

Great time

Guest: KC Theatre Goer (Kansas City, MO)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

We found the house on this quiet street to have nice, clean rooms, plenty of space, and everything working properly. The instructions sent out ahead of time were clear and easy to follow. We were able to change the combination lock to our own easy-to-remember code, and not have to worry about losing a key. It's a short 2.5 block walk to the metro, 20 minutes to Manhattan, about 35-40 to Times Square. We felt safe the entire time, even walking home after midnight. We had 11 people in the house for several nights, no problems. I texted the owner a couple of times with questions, and he got right back to me. If I took a big group to NYC again, I'd stay here in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car

Very disappointed

Guest: Johanna (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 04/20/11 Review Submitted: 05/06/11

Rented first floor of this unit only - listed as a 2 bedroom. Owner takes only cash as payment and wants it upon arrival. The owner wants cash dropped off with a relative who lives nearby. Relative neither speaks English nor able to provide a receipt. Second payment option is to take cash to bank to deposit in owner’s account. Third option is to pay via Paypal, transaction fee at renter’s expense. Found condo smelling strongly of cleaning products and after that wore off it smelled strongly of urine. Unit is listed as a 2 bedroom but the only way to enter the master bedroom is through the second bedroom. No windows in the second bedroom and no privacy to main living area in it. The renter manual clearly warns against allowing inspectors into the unit without a warrant. This small unit had a sleeping capacity of 9, with a bed and sofa bed in the living room, the second bedroom (basically a hallway) having a full and a twin, and the master having a queen. Other reviews of this unit seem positive, but I would not recommend this rental to anyone.

Owner response:I'm very sorry that you had a bad experience Johanna. To address your comments: I've unfortunately accepted a bounced check in the past, and although the vast majority of people are honest, my policy is now no checks. Full terms of payment are very clearly stated on the reservation deposit invoice (which are to be made by credit-card or paypal) so all guests are aware of them prior to reserving, and full payment upon check-in is standard for most vacation rentals (as for hotels) I recall your unhappiness with the requirement for cash payment of the balance, although this was clearly stated up front. Even so, I also gave you the option for a full refund without penalty after you had already entered the property and looked at the place. As you decided to stay, I was quite surprised to see such a negative review here, especially as you had plenty of time to decide on whether to stay since I was unfortunately out of town and not there to meet you and collect the balance as I often do. I am very sorry if you experienced a smell of urine, and again, I am very surprised that you decided to stay in the apartment if you noticed such a smell, when you were given the before-mentioned option of a full refund without penalty after entering the apartment, and having plenty of time to inspect it and settle in if you wanted before making payment of the balance. I personally checked the unit after your departure and my return to NY, and found such no bad smells to be present. Finally, I advise against inspectors in the house because, in NYC, the Finance Dept has recently been sending them out to try and drum up money. I direct my guests that in the unlikely event that one comes to visit while they are there, they should just tell them to schedule an appointment with me, so I can deal with this as the owner of the property, rather than leave a guest to deal with this while on vacation. Again, I am very sorry you had such a bad experience.

Recommended for:

Ridgewood Apt.

Guest: Z (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/11/11

I was born and raised in Queens and I have not been home in 2 years. I was looking for a place to stay in Queens near family and friends and did not want a hotel in Manhattan nor by LGA. I have been in the travel business for 20 plus years and I have heard differing opinions about vacation rentals. Either hit or miss. My wife and I arrived at the apartment on a Sunday afternoon and a bit surprised that the place was not particularly in great shape. I immediatelty called Mark and explained the situation. The cleaning crew did not do there job. My wife and I had an event in Manhattan that night and Mark said he would take care of it while we were out. Upon our return to the apartment was spotless and the issues we had were tended to immediately. I spoke to him the next day and he apologised and said he and his wife came over to clean themselves. My wife has allergies and Mark brought over a humidifier and gave us our cleaning fee back. With that quick response alone insured me I will use Mark again and his apartments. We were pleased with the size of the apartment. If you are not familiar with the area please do not drive, parking is very difficult. Once again Thank you Mark.

Owner response:Hi Z, I'm very glad you enjoyed your stay. I have since changed the cleaning service I use between guest stays. I also put them on notice of the experience of a non-thorough cleaning with the prior service as the reason for the change, so hopefully this type of issue will not recur. You're most welcome back anytime.

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

Great for larger groups visiting NY for work

Guest: Almut (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

We had a 10-member team of adults staying at the house for two weeks, to attend a conference at the UN. I don't think you could find a better deal for such a large group anywhere in New York; plus, with plenty of space for socializing, cooking, eating and working, it is perfect for groups who are in town for professional purposes. The house was clean, comfortable and everything was in working order. When a temporary problem with the heating system surfaced, the landlord was there within hours and called a technician to have it fixed that same evening. The only downside is that it is quite far from Manhattan, requiring at least one change on the subway and no less than 45 minutes commuting time. Even so, I would definitely recommend this house to friends and colleagues.

Owner response:I am very glad that you enjoyed your stay and you are all welcome back any time! I would just like to clarify to our readers that for many popular Manhattan destinations no train change is needed... The very nearby subway - M train - takes you directly to the Lower East side, Washington Square, Herald Square, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, without a change. The train ride to the Lower East side is 10 stops and takes 20 minutes. You can check the NYC subway map online to verify the M train route. Transit to the United Nations does require transfers, and can take 45 minutes. The U.N. was the required destination for this particular group. Thanks again!

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

Great place for me and my family. Thanks so much

Guest: Gui (London)
Date of Stay: 12/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/25/10

This is the first time I have rented a vacation flat, so was a bit hesitant to arrange everything all the way from London. However Mark replied to all my queries immediately an provided the comfort for me to book. We were 5 in total (three adults, a 3 year old, and a 3 month old) and the place was just right for us. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Thanks so much and if we are in NY again and need a vacation home for my family we will definitely stay there. Highly recommended.

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

like it

Guest: Binbin (boston,MA,US)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/03/10

house is clean, close to the train, and it's quiet around there. we have a good time .Like it !

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

Safe, Comfortable and Convenient

Guest: Reggie (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/10/10 Review Submitted: 11/16/10

We had 8 people stay in this Brownstone. We felt very safe in the neighborhood. We saw families out for walks and kids playing the in street. The very short walk to the Subway station was perfect for us. The house itself was very comfortable and had plenty of space for all us and our luggage. Mark was available and accommodating when we had questions or concerns. Overall, it was a great experience and we’d stay here again!!

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

recommendation from Dutch marathon runners (2010)

Guest: Hans (Dordrecht, the Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 11/28/10

We have been staying in this property in the period around the New-York marathon with a group of 11 people. As a foreign (Dutch) group it gave us the opportunity to stay in New York for a prolonged period for a reasonable price, and also to taste the New York life outside of Manhattan. Restaurants, subway station and supermarkets all within 5-10 minutes walking distance. The neighbourhood is quiet, it is safe to walk around, also in the evenings, returning from the city. The public transport to Manhattan takes about 20 minutes. The house itself is clean, spacious to our standards, cooking and bathing facilities are good, furniture is simple, bedsheets and towels are supplied, we were quite sattisfied. For runners there are some routes not too far from the house also around an enormous cemetry, and some forested parts with nice running lanes a little to the north.

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

Great space for large families!

Guest: Becky (Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/23/10

We had 12 family members stay for 3-4 nights. There was plenty of room as we were split among the two units. It was definitely nice to be in a house together instead of tiny hotel rooms! We were close to a corner market to pick up milk. The neighborhood is very quiet. Parking can be a tiny bit challenging but we mostly got around via subway which is only a few blocks from the house. There were three laptops along for the trip and they (and their users!) enjoyed the wireless internet. The first floor oven doesn't work, but there is a toaster oven that should take care of any needs you might have. This is really the only glitch we noticed. We were very happy with the space and would rent again.

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

Guest: Carlos M, Guatemala (-)
Date of Stay: 11/30/09 Review Submitted: 11/30/09

Nice and quiet place. We were 8 relatives in this visit and were very comfortable. A lot of stores, laundry, food and many things in one block around. Metro at two - three blocks, Parking not the best thing, but always found a place near (is good to say that does not need a car being here). Owner very respectfull and available in special needs. Was a great experience and enjoyed NY very much. Of course, would rent again for sure.

Recommended for:

Guest: Elizabeth84 (OC, California)
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/25/09

I stayed at this house for a week in November with my husband and children. We were very happy with the living space, and were glad to have a nice and well-equipped kitchen so we could cook when we wanted. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. It was great to be so close to the train and in such a nice neighborhood. We'd like to thank Mark for his helpfulness... We will definitely tell our friends about this place and will stay here again on our next visit.

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael 12 (Woodbridge, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

This was perfect for visiting our family who lived in the neighborhood. It was a nice, quiet street with great corner markets two blocks away. The kitchen was surprisingly well stocked with pots, pans, plates, etc., and includes a dishwasher, quite a rarity in NYC. The only (small) downside was that the oven part of the stove was out of order. The rooms were very nicely decorated, and we were impressed with the availability of wireless internet. We plan on staying there again.

Recommended for: