Vacation Rentals by Owner

My Favorite Home-Away-From-Home

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 11/17/11

Every year since 2008 I've been visiting NYC and staying at this nice and comfortable apartment at least once a year. This time I came with a friend and stayed there for over two weeks and I must say everything was perfect, as usual, from the warm reception of Lesley and Richard to the newly renovated apartment not to mention the convenient location close to a subway station and all amenities.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Home in NYC

Guest: Stella (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

Thanks to Richard, Lesley and Sherlock! Our stay in your flat made our trip to New York so memorable. We felt so comfortable there. It was such a pleasure to have a proper place to retreat. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!

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

Guest: John and Margaret
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

Richard, Lesley and "Sherlock", The apartment is great. We have enjoyed our stay immensely and hope for a return trip later next year. Thanks for your hospitality and assistance with bags, restaurants, etc.

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Great experience

Guest: JNF (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our nearly week-long stay here, the place was nicer than I would have imagined and was a perfect home-base to spend a busy week in New York. I grew up there, so I know how bad some places can be in New York and I also know to usually expect less than is promised but this was a wonderful experience all around. The owner is a life-long New Yorker as well, so if you've never been there, he can help get you oriented so you can enjoy the city and all it has to offer. There are stairs to climb, so if that's a problem for you this may not be right for you, but we had no issue with the stairs ourselves and we're 50+.

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

Guest: John
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. It was definitely a home away from home for us. Hope to stay here again soon.

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Guest: Mark & Mary
Date of Stay: 03/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/27/11

Richard, Lesley and Elektra, We truly enjoyed out stay at your apartment. The time we spent in NY opened our eyes to all the hidden treasures the city has to offer. Thanks for your hospitality. Nisos was outstanding! Food was great and service was over the top.

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Guest: David and Kelly
Date of Stay: 01/17/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Richard and Lesley, Thank you so much for your hospitality. The apartment was fantastic. Such a great location and provided us with everything we needed to make our stay in New York extremely enjoyable.

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Guest: Stacey
Date of Stay: 01/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Had an awesome time in New York. This is the third time we've been to New York and by far your place is the nicest, cleanest and most homey place we stayed in. Great location, warm and cozy apartment - well kept and very good people. Thanks for making us feel at home! We definitely want to stay again

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Guest: Lynn and Don
Date of Stay: 12/29/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

We braved the great 2010 blizzard to reach NY from DC. It was worth it! The apartment was ideal - perfect location and perfect size. The Thornes are gracious hosts.

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Guest: Nick and Mary
Date of Stay: 12/26/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

A cozy home-away-from-home. We enjoyed seeing NYC through our London eyes. Thanks for everything.

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Guest: Lettie and Rich
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Richard, Lesley and Sherlock Holmes, Amazing city, amazing people, amazing apartment! Fabulous! For everything, thank you.

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Guest: Todd, Leigh Ann, Vickie and Gloria
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Wonderful place to come "home" to after a long day of NYC. Chistmastime in NYC is definitely wonderful!!! Thanks for a great place! Happy Holidays!

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Guest: Livia and friends from Brazil
Date of Stay: 11/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Richard, Thanks for everything! We had great days! Maybe next year we'll come back again!

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Thanks for giving.....

Guest: Rich (Chester, England)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

Our stay with Richard and Lesley was simply wonderful. The apartment is fantastic and great size. The bed is super comfy. Everything was immaculately clean and beautifully presented, it felt like a home away from home. The location is superb and is great neighborhood with every think you would need on your doorstep. Richard was great in giving advice and recommending places to see and eat. We would happily stay in this apartment again and hope to one day soon.

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

Guest: Peter & Kirk
Date of Stay: 10/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Dear Richard and Lesley, What a great apartment. Everything was what we hoped it would be - very comfortable. We had a terrific time in NYC and would like to come back again soon. All the best and thank you.

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Guest: Greg and Kathy
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

We had a wonderful time here in NY and it wouldn't have been this great if we were staying in a hotel. Your apartment is wonderful; so comfortable and homey! The best location we could have asked for. We hope to be back again! THANKS, THANKS, THANKS!

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Perfect location, perfect price, perfectly charming owners!

Guest: Amanda (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/01/10

Thank you Richard and Lesley for allowing us to rent your wonderful apartment for 3 weeks in September 2010. It was equipped with everything we could have wanted and more. I'd also like to make special mention of how efficient and helpful you were pre-departure. My 101 ridiculous questions about the smallest things were also answered quickly and happily. We were a little worried about staying with our 20 month old son in a small apartment but were pleasantly surprised at how large it felt on arrival (and you sending the floor plan was above and beyond gracious). We have also told all and sundry how accommodating you were and how you loaned us your grandchildren's port-a-cot, which made for much lighter luggage on our part. The location was fantastic so close to everything and you New Yorkers are definitely spoilt with such amazing transport right at your doorstep. Having the two of you only 2 floors below was a godsend when we locked ourselves out of the apartment ;) The street was exactly the way it looked in the photos and I'm so glad we chose Chelsea instead of the Times Square area, as we really felt like we were living the Manhattan lifestyle. All in all it was one of the best holidays we've ever had and it wouldn't have been anywhere near as good if your place was not as clean and well-equipped as it was, it was always a joy to come home to. Gavin is telling me not to write too good a review because next time we visit it may not be available due to the apartment's popularity!!! Thanks you once again and we hope your future guests were a little quieter than our noisy boy who wanted to say hello to the dog and every door we passed in the hallway every morning and evening. Regards Amanda, Gavin and Eli Sydney, Australia

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

Guest: Brenda and William
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Thanks so much for the lovely NY stay. Great vacation; great "service". Merci for the croissants

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Guest: Malika, Valery & Laura
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Nice and comfortable apartment. Great location. Second time in NYC and we hope we'll come back again.

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Exactly as advertized.

Guest: traci (Alexandria, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

My husband and I stayed at this apartment during a recent stay in New York City. The apartment is exactly as advertized and the pictures reflect what it looks like. I was a little concerned about renting off of Vrbo in NYC because everyone says that you will arrive and there will be no apartment. We had no reason to fear. I did tell the owner that I would submit this review myself because I think that people are fearful when they see only reviews submitted by owners from their guestbook. The owner was very good about contacting us and supplying any information we requested. The apartment itself was in a charming neighborhood with plenty of eating and transit opportunities nearby. We came in on the train and we were able to walk to the apartment with our luggage. I would not try this, however, if I was loaded down with luggage or had trouble walking. The apartment is on the third floor (two Flights up) of a brownstone type building with the owners on the first two floors. There appeared to be another apartment or two, but we never saw or heard anybody else. Everything seemed very secure and the neigborhood seemed very safe. The locale had a nice vibe to it with lots of little restaurants with out door seating. If I had to say somthing negative, it would be that the bedroom was small with a smaller bed. It was however confortable and met our needs. It was nice to be able to relax and cook if we wanted. Renting this apartment was a far superior choice than staying in one of the tiny New York hotel rooms in a dreary section of the city. The value for the price probably can not be beat. I hope to be back and back and back.......

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

Guest: Bethany and Erica (Texas & California)
Date of Stay: 08/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Erica and I had the time of our lives in NYC this August - in large part due to the FANTASTIC accommodations and friendly, kind and interesting landlords! And thank you so much for the use of your stoop - I loved sitting out there before bed, meeting the neighbors walking their dogs - felt like part of the neighborhood. So wonderful. Thank you for everything - we will be back!! Say goodbye to Sherlock.

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Guest: Souad and Lina - Doha, Qatar
Date of Stay: 08/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

Thank you for the fabulous stay! Your advice, everything you helped us with. It was great to stay in the apartment rather than a hotel. Remember that if you ever want to go to Morocco, calll us! Cheers!

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Guest: Becky, Don and Avril
Date of Stay: 07/20/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

Thank you for such a "homey" and comfortable apartment. We felt relaxed and hapy here and hope to come back! You furnished and maintained your apartment so well that it inspired me to clean up as much as possible. Best wishes.

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Guest: Kellie and Hanna (Charleston, West Virginia)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

Thank you for a wonderful week in your apartment. Great location, clean and neat. Nice to meet you and thanks for your hospitality. We will definitely come back and stay here again. Best wishes.

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Guest: Missy, Scott, Samuel and Harrison
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/22/10

We so enjoyed staying in your apartment and calling it home for two nights in NYC. Thank you for being so helpful and for finding us a parking spot on your street. Many thanks.

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Guest: Duncan (U.K.)
Date of Stay: 06/30/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Richard and Lesley - Thanks for all your help. Lovely location and accommodation.

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Guest: Matt and Kristin (El Dorado Hills, California)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Dinners for 1 week in NYC - $1,300; cab ride through Times Square, then hopping a second cab when ours had to run to the police - $10; taking the subway all the way to Coney Island for a hot dog - $25; having this apartment to call home for a week - priceless. Thank you Richard and Lesley. (Look for my twin, Christopher, in the future.)

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Guest: Patti and Melissa (Laguna Niguel, Calilfornia)
Date of Stay: 06/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

We feel grataeful to have found you and your adorable apartment. It's been nice to call it "home" while in NY. We hope to be back and stay here again. Thank you.

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Guest: Jane and Brian (Perth, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

What an amazing city. We did everything possible in the short time we had here. And this apartment was ideal, comfortable, cozy and convenient. One exception: the fire truck at 1:00 am certainly made itself heard! Great restaurants all around.

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Great Place to Stay

Guest: Alabama203 (Madison, Alabama)
Date of Stay: 06/04/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

Good location, great value, Clean. Management was helpful and friendly. Close to subway. Would definitely stay again. Would be nice to have ESPN on a little larger TV!!!

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

Guest: Steve and Isabelle (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Many thanks for letting us use your fabulous apartment. Our week here was fabulous. Great location and NYC is AMAZING. We saw so many things that will remain with us forever. Your directions and advice were invaluable. Hope to stay again someday. Thanks again. xoxox

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Guest: Steve and Carly
Date of Stay: 05/05/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

Thank you so much, Richard and Lesley. We had such an amazing time in your beautiful city and already cannot wait to come back. The apartment was great and made us feel like more than just tourists; it made us feel like we belonged here.

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Guest: Abi
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

Thank you for allowing us to stay in this lovely apartment. We had an amazing week here in Chelsea. The apartment was conveniently located and made exploring the city that much easier. Thank you for making the apartment comfortable. It was great being able to call this place "home" for a week. We hope to visit and stay here again soon. Thank you! Abi, Jaime, Johanna & Helena, Los Angeles, CA.

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Guest: Martine from France
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/10

Marathon, but spectacular stay. Americans are very helpful and the apartment quiet. An unforgettable stay. Perhaps we can return. "An enchanted Frenchwoman".

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Guest: Carolyn & Dick
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 03/17/10

March 12, 2010 - from our own guestbook: It was wonderful to spend out time in New York and come home in the evening to the attractive, clean apartment. I hope we will be coming back again soon. Carolyn and Dick, Minneapolis, MN.

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Guest: Danielle, Andrew, Cindy & Smoky
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 03/17/10

January 15, 2010 - entered from our own guestbook: Fantastic place to come home to. We had a fabulous time! Thank you for being such great hosts. Danielle & Andrew; Cindy & Smoky

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Guest: Raul
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 03/17/10

February 8, 2010 - Entered from our own guestbook: Great apartment in the best location. Hope we come back again and not just for three days. Best, Raul, Barcelona, Spain

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Guest: Joel, Shelley & family
Date of Stay: 03/18/10 Review Submitted: 03/17/10

March 16, 2010 - entered from our own guestbook: Shelley, Emma, Olivia and I are collectively pleased with our stay in this apartment. We are grateful and deeply appreciative of your parking arrangements for us on Saturday and Sunday. The apartment was like a home away from home! We certainly look forward to returning and exploring more of what NYC has to offer. Joel, Shelley, Emma and Olivia, Ottawa, Canada

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Guest: Asa and Johnny
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 02/04/10

Comment from our own guestbook - January 31, 2010 Dear Richard and Lesley, Thank you! It's been five wonderful weeks. A great apartment, fantastic hospitality. We will be back. Asa and Johnny

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Guest: The Moreiras & Mesas
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 02/04/10

From our own guestbook - December 21, 2009 Hey, Richard and Lesley, Nice apartment! It's small, but very comfortable. We had a pleasant stay. This apartment has everything anyone can need. Thanks, the Moreiras and Mesas xoxo (written by the 15-year old daughter)

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Guest: Tannis and Rich
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Lesley and Richard: We thoroughly enjoyed staying in your very comfortable apartment. It's very well situated for local stores and walking destinations. The bed and sofa were both very good to sleep on - and the kitchen and bathroom are both well set up and appointed. Thanks very much for your hospitality and I hope the new year will be good for you and Sherlock. We hope to come back sometime!

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Guest: Dawn
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 11/09/09

From our own guestbook: Richard and Lesley, Thank you for a marvelous stay in Chelsea. Your apartment is so well located - within walking distance to the village and midtown, and within easy public transport distance to everything else. I appreciated the thoughtful "extras" - all the amenities in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as the very comfortable beds and linens. Even the sofabed was comfortable! And thanks, too, for the recommendation to check out La Bergamote - scrumptious! Aloha, Dawn PS - And I forgot to note how much I enjoy the decor - very classy, yet comforting.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/02/09 Review Submitted: 11/02/09

This has been my second time in the warm and cozy apartment of Richard and Lesley. I must say I love it. Not to mention their hospitality! They are kind and helpful, which make me feel comfortable as when I'm home. I would definitely recommend it! ....and I will certainly stay there whenever I decide to visit NYC. Thanks Lesley, thanks Richard!

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Guest: Jim and Jan
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

From our own Guest Book: We came east to visit our daugher and son-in-law. Perfect time! Walks, shows, sights, food and pubs ... so many pubs. Thank you for a great place and warm hospitality. Jan and I are headed back to CA and the quiet life (?) We'll be swapping NY stories 'til our next go around in 2010. Jim PS Thank you, Richard, for not mentioning the Yankees once! Thank you for a wonderful week. We'll surely come again. Jan

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Guest: Pete and Amy
Date of Stay: 10/06/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

Entry from our own guestbook on October 4, 2009: Thank you so much for such a "Wicked" time. Your hospitality was fantastic and we loved the apartment. Thanks and cheers, Pete and Amy

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Guest: Paul & Annie Sanford (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/28/09 Review Submitted: 09/28/09

Visiting NYC for the first time in many years, we could not have chosen a better apt or two nicer people to share our time in the big city with than Richard and Lesley. From the incredibly reasonable price to the location to the building's resident ham, Sherlock the basset hound, everything was perfect. I only wish we could have stayed longer. We are already looking forward to returning to the city for the U.S. Open next year. To the best hosts in NYC!!! Lots of love from Annie and Paul!

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Guest: Mary Kerrigan (Ireland)
Date of Stay: 09/15/09 Review Submitted: 09/15/09

Lesley and Richard. What a wonderful gym you have to offer. The perfect area with lots of Restaurants to choose from. Easy access to Shops and Subway. Tania and I where very happy their and felt very relaxed and at home. You thought of everything all the extras such as tea, coffee, shampoo , etc., etc and lots of clothes hangers. Thanks for the thoughtfulness. We will be back. Mary and Tania.

Owner response:Not to confuse potential visitors, I think (and hope) Mary meant "gem", not "gym"! There are gyms nearby if you are so inspired, but we are a small residential building and don't have one on-site other than 2 flights of stairs!

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Guest: Millicent and Kelly
Date of Stay: 09/14/09 Review Submitted: 09/13/09

From our own guest book: Your hospitality was over the top!!! Great central location; will recommend to all. If you need wine, give us a call. Two Winery Girls from Ohio - Millicent and Kelly

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Guest: Kelly and Gary (Sandusky, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/21/09 Review Submitted: 08/21/09

This was a great place to stay! The apartment was clean and nicely equipped. The building was cute and in a great location on a quiet street. The owners were genuinely concerned about our stay, they had great recomendations for restaurants and sight-seeing and were very accomadating. If you stay here, you must have dinner at Niso's on the corner, that was our final meal in the city and it was fabulous from appetizers and wine all the way through dessert and espresso! We would definately choose this apartment again!

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Guest: Mark and Jeff
Date of Stay: 08/07/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/09

From our guest book - August 3, 2009: Many thanks - a wonderful apartment and location. Chelsea is the place to stay and will want to return here. Much appreciation for the space and cleanliness.

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