New York for Christmas 22

[Andrew2020]

Hi, we’re looking at going to New York for my 50th next Christmas, thinking of going 18-28 December, so spending all of Christmas there. Has anyone done this? I’m looking at Airbnb places, as we want to be able to cook Christmas lunch. Is this feasible? Does anyone know any other ways to book a 3 bedroom apartment? We’ve been twice before, so know the layout, and are happy to be in Queens/ Brooklyn or another area, if anyone can advise on a good base? TIA for any information

Hi, New Yorker here. Thanks for planning your trip to see us.

Most NY apartments have tiny kitchens, and one you rent may have limited supplies in terms of roasting pans, serving dishes, etc. Then there's all the shopping to contend with. So this may be doable with a simple meal, but recreating your normal Christmas dinner may be a challenge. You might be better off getting a place like this to cater it or eating there.

www.teaandsympathy.com/

Oooh yes. I had my 50th recently and still thinking what to do, it's all postponed for Covid... Week in NY sounds really good.

Sorry - no ideas but watching...

You should be aware that many short term rentals(i.e less than 30 days) are seen to be illegal in Manhattan and the five boroughs. The main issue is New York state’s strict Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL), which prohibits unhosted rentals of less than 30 days in “Class A Dwellings” (buildings with three or more units). Therefore trying to find an actual legal sublet is akin to finding a needle in a haystack so would urge you to reconsider.

@AttilaTheMeerkat

You should be aware that many short term rentals(i.e less than 30 days) are seen to be illegal in Manhattan and the five boroughs. The main issue is New York state’s strict Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL), which prohibits unhosted rentals of less than 30 days in “Class A Dwellings” (buildings with three or more units). Therefore trying to find an actual legal sublet is akin to finding a needle in a haystack so would urge you to reconsider.

Thanks for your answers so far. So, are you saying all Airbnb are illegal? I’ve sort of fallen in love with one and contacted the owner. It’s the bottom two floors of a brownstone house and the owners live at the top.

[quote MissConductUS]Hi, New Yorker here. Thanks for planning your trip to see us.

Most NY apartments have tiny kitchens, and one you rent may have limited supplies in terms of roasting pans, serving dishes, etc. Then there's all the shopping to contend with. So this may be doable with a simple meal, but recreating your normal Christmas dinner may be a challenge. You might be better off getting a place like this to cater it or eating there.

www.teaandsympathy.com/[/quote]
Well to be fair, I’m googling places to eat out on Christmas Day too, as I’d had that thought about little kitchens. Plus, I’m not the world’s most competent chef. We’re not too fussed on what we eat, as long as it’s nice!

@Andrew2020 Another New Yorker here! That AirBnB sounds borderline. More here: www.brickunderground.com/rent/airbnb-special-enforcement-violations-midtown-111218?amp

Technically you're only allowed to rent out a room if you're also in residence, so if it's a whole separate apartment it's probably not legal. Also renting 2 floors of a brownstone would be batshit expensive if it's legit. Where is it?!

Like PPs said, I'd just book Christmas dinner somewhere, or, if you do rent somewhere, order it in lock, stock and barrel from Whole Foods or Fresh Direct.

The house is in Brooklyn, in the Bed Stuy area. Thank you for the link, I’m reading it now 😐

Make sure you map it. Bed-Stuy is pretty gentrified (lots of coffee shops and wine bars), but some bits are still distinctly dodgy. The subway connections also aren't great, but that's not an issue if you plan to Uber everywhere.

This is great, thank you for all your input. There’s also a massive lovely house on Staten Island, which I managed to find on Street View, but am unsure about that now too!

Staten Island isn't dodgy, but it is the middle of nowhere and difficult to get around without a car. You're looking at about an hour to get into Manhattan - longer for most of the touristy stuff.

Your best best is Aparthotels - you can find them with kitchenettes.

allfurcoatnoknickers It was the distance was the problem with the Staten Island house. I thought it would take a long time to get anywhere. It’s a beautiful, typically American house though!

Hi, I’m still looking. What about a whole new build house in Sunnyside, Queens? Would that still be illegal as an Airbnb, for those of you who know, please? It seems to be within walking distance of Queens Blvd. We went to a great mall somewhere along there, in 2008.

The Beacon Hotel on the UWS has kitchenettes and spacious rooms, I could do a 10 night stay there happily. They do suites, not sure if they have 3 bedroom ones but you might be able to get rooms next to each other.

That would be an illegal listing too Andrew.

Hi, I looked the Beacon, but it was going to cost $14,000 for ten nights 😱 Anyway, someone mentioned staying in Hoboken or Weehawken instead. Can anyone advise on that idea, please?

@Andrew2020 Hoboken over Weehawken every time! Also take a look at Jersey City. It's a very quick trip into NYC on the Path train.

Who's actually going and do you need three bedrooms? You could get a really nice hotel suite with kitchen in Manhattan for about $400 a night that would sleep four (and probably less for lower spec). What's the budget?

Eg this place - really central, has a kitchen, offers free booze for an hour a day!

www.affinia.com/fifty-hotel-suites/?iid=fnyc_globalheader!checkavail_logolink_191016&_ga=2.98269983.1637066036.1643144065-1635404425.1643144065&_gac=1.254068156.1643144066.EAIaIQobChMI6uW5z-TN9QIVlWDmCh19hAwVEAAYASAAEgJwP_D_BwE

Thanks for the answers! There will be six of us, three couples. Myself, DH and grown up children and their partners. Am looking at Airbnb in Hoboken and on the edge of Jersey City now. I think I’ve found the perfect one, in fact!