Booking tickets to NYC was a very spontaneous move. Being a compulsive shopper, I had been shopping endlessly since January focusing on being consistent with my fashion posts. This resulted in a limited budget for the trip. I had to save somewhere. I can say that with this new adventure, I had to get a taste of many new things. Such as an Air BnB as against a hotel. Conveniently located in the middle of Manhattan, north of Central Park and close to Columbia University, this neighbourhood called Harlem has its own charm to offer. I made the bookings two months in advance for a private room with a shared bath. Taking a few tips from friends who had experienced Air BnB before, I had opted for a place listed by a ‘superhost’. I am a neatness maniac and that was a top priority. Happy to say that I got much more than that.
Nestled at 154 West and 119th Street, I am staying in a typical four-storeyed New York brownstone, over 100 years old, in a historic block of this locality. A soulful, trendy, very mixed and a New York flavoured neighbourhood that boasts of many interesting landmarks. Surrounded by cute restaurants, a three blocks short walk to the subway, I knew I had made the right choice. The old house was very well maintained with loads of natural light. I couldn’t help but notice the intricate carvings on the outside, wooden front-doors and stoops for flower pots. The interiors on the other hand accentuated gorgeous hardwood flooring, decorative fireplaces, wooden windows, some of which were untouched for over a century! One can only imagine the sustainability of the architecture in those times.
The house was well equipped with contemporary elements with all basic amenities intact and a separate entrance that I could use to come and go as I please. The kitchen and the bathroom were carefully modernised making them absolutely functional for current needs. Above all, my host was warm, friendly, helpful and very accommodating. Look at the neatness. I could not ask for more. Air BnB is truly a home away from home. Totally worth it.
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