Reviews

Eddie L Wonderful place!  5* of 5 We just got home from a fabulous stay at this charming brownstone in Harlem. It was perfect for us-2 adults and 1 child. Tom and Janet were so helpful with all of our questions and we're always very quick to respond as well. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay again if we ever return to the Big Apple. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality. •  Submitted: Dec 16, 2015 Stayed: Dec 2015 Source: HomeAway     

Maurizio N.,  Comfort e comodità  5* of 5 Questo simpatico loft di Harlem è stato il centro operativo degli otto giorni che abbiamo trascorso a NYC durante le festività natalizie. Ci ha ospitato comodamente in tre. Mio figlio di 13 anni ne è rimasto affascinato. Il quartiere è vivace ma nello stesso tempo privo del caos della middle town; ci sono supermercati e ottimi locali nelle immediate vicinanze. Da non perdere la messa gospel della domenica mattina. I mezzi di trasporto, compresa la metropolitana, sono a due passi e con diverse linee. Janet è davvero professionale e presente in caso di qualsivoglia necessità. Ci ha dispensato consigli utilissimi e la sera del nostro arrivo, stanchi del viaggio e un pochino affamati, abbiamo avuto la piacevole sorpresa di trovare in frigo cibo, frutta e vino già preparati per noi. Se si ha voglia di consumare dei pasti in casa la cucina è attrezzata di tutto punto. Quando torneremo nella Grande Mela questa sarà sicuramente ancora la nostra casa. Un sentito grazie a Janet e Tom che ci hanno fatto sentire un po' come a casa.....ma una casa a New York!!!  Submitted: Jan 9, 2017 Stayed: Dec 2016 Source: HomeAway 

Joerg B. Super  5* of 5 Atmosphäre der Wohnung war persönlich und ansprechend. Gut erreichbar. Alles da, was wir brauchten.  Submitted: Oct 23, 2016 Stayed: Oct 2016 Source: Fewo Direkt, from HomeAway   

Nanny and Esther, The Hague, Holland. Great stay in Harlem  5* of 5 We had a wonderful time at Janet's place. The apartment was very complete; everything we needed was available. The fridge was filled with milk, cookies, wine, fruit and a breakfast for the next morning; a lot of books about New York. Harlem is a safe and nice place to stay. The subway connection to the center is very fast. After a noisy stay downtown it was a pleasure to be back at the apartment. Submitted: Oct 23, 2016 Stayed: Sep 2016 Source: HomeAway   

Eddy très bien  5* of 5 nous avons passé un très bon séjour l’appartement était très propre et bien agencé--les photos sont fidèles--- en famille avec 1 enfant cela nous convenait Janet a été très accueillante et arrangeante avec nos horaires d'arrivée et de départ je recommanded  Submitted: Nov 20, 2015 Stayed: Jul 2015 Source: HomeAway   

Jilla & Bernhard Exzellente Alternative zum Hotel  5* of 5 Wir waren fünf Nächte bei Janet - Eltern und zwei Jugendliche, 16 und 14 Jahre. Wir haben uns super wohl gefühlt! Die Wohnung ist genauso gemütlich und gut durchdacht wie auf den Fotos. Alles sehr sauber und im guten Zustand. Der Kühlschrank war bei Ankunft bestückt mit Milch, gutem O-Saft, Kornflakes, Brötchen und Butter, dazu eine Flasche Wein, frisches Obst und auf dem Tisch standen frische, super leckere Schokokekse. Das ist uns bei Ferienwohnungen in ganz Europa noch nicht passiert! Die Lage ist optimal, um mit Bus und U-Bahn alles in Mannhatten besichtigen zu können! Genau gegenüber ist ein Supermarkt und viele Restaurants und Geschäfte und trotzdem nicht laut. Das W-Lan gigantisch schnell was unsere Jungs sehr geschätzt haben um am Abend ohne Probleme die neusten Bilder nach Hause zu posten und den Tagesplan für den nächsten Tag organisieren zu können. Für uns war es auf jeden Fall eine günstigere Lösung zum Hotel und viel mehr Platz und Ruhe hatten wir auch. Janet und Ihr Mann waren sehr nett und zuvorkommend, haben sich bereit erklärt am letzten Tag das Gepäck bis zur Abreise sich zu nehmen, uns ein Taxi zum JFK bestellt und als ich in Deutschland merkte dass meine Stiefeln leider im Taxi liegen blieben, haben sie mir diese nach Bonn gesendet! Wo gibt es so was? Wir empfehlen die Wohnung im Tiefparterre eines typischen amerikanischen Reihenhaus in Harlem sehr! Die Straße, in einer sicheren Gegend fern weg von dem Touristentrubel in Mannhattan und trotzdem das Gefühl: mitten drin... Für uns eine unvergessliche Zeit und für die Hilfsbereitschaft gibt's ein extra Kompliment!  Submitted: Oct 20, 2015 Stayed: Oct 2015 Source: HomeAway   

carlotta c. Fantastic apartment  5* of 5 We just returned from a wonderful holiday in New York . The apartment of Janet and Tom was perfect for our family ( two adults and two 15 year old twins ) . The owners are very friendly and not intrusive but very helpful in all our requests for information . The means of transport ( bus and metro ) are very close . The apartment is very cozy , clean and well equipped . Also they did find the fridge full of food and drinks (yummy cookies Janet ! ) . Thanks again for the great hospitality !  Submitted: Sep 23, 2015 Stayed: Sep 2015 Source: HomeAway   

Charlotta N. Danville, KY Perfect place in Harlem.  5* of 5 It was a perfect space for us - two adult sisters (in our 50s) and the two mature teenage children of one of us - when we met up in NYC for a week of vacation and sightseeing on a budget. Janes was a perfect host, always just a phone call away, yet never interfering with us unless we asked her for something.  Submitted: Jul 4, 2015 Stayed: Mar 2015 Source: HomeAway   

Nola P Harlem Happiness  5 of 5 Awesome little hideaway complete with everything we needed to enjoy our first trip to NYC. Janet and Tom thought of everything from kitchen staples (including fresh baked welcome cookies) to detailed maps and information about the area. Harlem was great. People were friendly, transportation was easy, restaurants were amazing - check out Dinosaur BBQ for drinks and some of the best BBQ I've had - we had a great time. I will be back to NYC and hope to stay here again when I do!  Submitted: Nov 10, 2014 Stayed: Nov 2014 Source: HomeAway   

JAB Oakland, California Fantastic Find  5* of 5 We had a very enjoyable 11 days at Janet & Tom’s Harlem flat for our celebratory visit to NYC for my daughter’s college graduation. The innkeepers are very helpful and the flat is centrally located – only a few blocks to the subway and access to anywhere in the city. It was a surprisingly short train ride to Radio City Music Hall or Lincoln Center or to Broadway to see a show. Transfer to a bus to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A trouble-free ride to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. We enjoyed walking around in this historic neighborhood with an international flavor - the famous Apollo Theater, Schomburg Center and Studio Museum Harlem are just a few blocks away. The lodgings were excellent- clean property, beautiful wood flooring, interesting art, air conditioner, washer & dryer on the premises. The listing description and photos were accurate. Some days we cooked our meals in the flat – other days we ate in one of the great restaurants nearby. Definitely my first choice to stay next time I visit New York. I am recommending Janet & Tom to all my family, friends and co-workers.  Submitted: Jun 10, 2013 Stayed: May 2013 Source: VRBO, from HomeAway   

S.P. Appartement confortable et accueil chaleureux  5* of 5 Malgré la tempête Sandy, nous avons passé une très bonne semaine à New York en famille (2 adolescents de 15 et 18 ans) et nous nous sommes félicités d'avoir choisi le quartier d'Harlem où il n'y a pas eu de coupure d'électricité ! Le quartier est calme et nous nous sommes sentis en sécurité. Janet et Tom, les propriétaires, habitent au-dessus et sont vraiment très accueillants, prévenants et attentifs. Grâce à leurs conseils, nous avons pu participer à une messe gospel dans une petite église du quartier sans trop de touristes ! L'appartement est vraiment très agréable et confortable, rien n'y manque (lave linge, sèche linge, internet gratuit, adaptateurs, parapluies, sèche cheveux...). Il se situe à proximité du métro et des bus et on est très rapidement dans le centre de Manhattan. Nous recommandons cet appartement. Merci à Janet et Tom ! •  Submitted: Nov 11, 2012 Stayed: Oct 2012 Source: HomeAway     

Jan Pieter - Amersfoort, Holland Great location, great apartment!  5* of 5 I stayed with my kids (16, 21 and 23) in this apartment to explore Manhattan. Although we did not know what to expect in Harlem, I have to say: This was great!!! The apartment is really large and furnished in a proper way. You could see that Janet wants her guests to enjoy the stay. Well, she succeeded. Shops close by for food and drinks, the kitchen is really ok, the beds were nice and the laundry machine did its work. All the luxury you have in you own house. Harlem is really nice and safe. Within a ten minutes walk you get on the A-line to Manhattan. We all liked our stay very much, we wish we could have stayed longer. At least we have a good reason to come back, and enjoy the Harlem Jazz music!  Submitted: Sep 17, 2012 Stayed: Jul 2012 Source: HomeAway   

Andy N. Perfect set up and neighborhood setting  5* of 5 My wife and I stayed at Janet and Tom's apartment for 4 nights and really enjoyed the apartment and the neighborhood. Cookies were waiting for us on the kitchen table and the fridge was stocked with cereal, OJ, milk, English muffins, soda, and even a bottle of wine a Coke! There was also a working coffee machine and coffee which was very important for this coffee addict! Iron, hair dryer, ample closet space, free WiFi, cable TV, and an in-unit washer and dryer were all included and much appreciated. The neighborhood is nice and much less hectic than it is downtown. We felt safe and even accepted in the neighborhood while walking to and from both the 125 St. and 135 St. subway stations. We nearly always came back home after 1am (latest was 3am) and had no troubles. Definitely read up on Tom and Janet's Harlem suggestions and check out this historical area of NYC. I highly recommend a visit to Hats by Bunn for some great hats and an experience with a true New Yorker in Mr. Bunn. What a character! For anyone that may be interested, I'm listing the things we did while in NYC: Friday: Hats by Bunn (bought 4 hats); dinner at Melba's in Harlem, swing dance at a studio near Herald Square, late night food (New Wonjo) in Koreatown Saturday: Brunch/lunch at Eataly, Young Designers Market, dinner at Sacred Chow in the Village, swing dance near Herald Square, late night eats again in Koreatown (Koryodang and Woorijip) Sunday: Brunch (homemade southern Indian!) at friends' apartment on UES, Metropolitan Museum of Art (checked out the special exhibit of the Sterns' art collection while they lived in Paris in the early 1900s and the permanent Islamic art collection), dinner at Takashi in the Village, gelato tasting (Cones and Grom) in the Village, live jazz at Epistrophy and the Ear Inn in SoHo. Monday: Lunch at Felidia in Midtown (many highend restaurants have lunch specials on weekdays so take advantage and eat somewhere that may be too expensive for dinner), shopping for vintage-inspired fashions at DL Cerney in the East Village, dinner at Turkish Cuisine in Hell's Kitchen/Clinton, live jazz and dancing at Sofia's in the Edison Hotel to Vince Giordano's band, he the winner of a Grammy for his work on the Boardwalk Empire soundtrack. He also plays there on Tuesday nights.. I also second the previous rec to purchase the unlimited week subway pass. Only $30 and it completely paid for itself and thensome in the 4 days we were there. •  Submitted: May 21, 2012 Stayed: May 2012 Source: VRBO, from HomeAway   

Jeff D. Sandusky, OH Treated like family  5* of 5 Janet and Tom treated us like we were family members. The apartment was nice and clean. We arrived early before check in time and they took time out of their Saturday to talk with us and let us store our items till check in time. Waiting for us was a bottle of wine, fresh fruit and snacks. Janet sent us to an awesome bakery Lee Lee’s Baked Goods stop in and get the fresh rugelach. The rooms were nicer and cheaper than any others I have stayed at in New York City. Short walk to subway stations and to Central Park. If you want to experience New York living at its finest this is the place!!!! One last thing Tom work on one of my favorite TV shows and was kind enough to get the lead actor to autograph a photo and send it to me after my stay, has any hotel ever done that for you probably not. Will definitely coming back to Harlem and Janet and Tom's Brownstone in the future.  Submitted: Oct 5, 2011 Stayed: Sep 2011 Source: VRBO, from HomeAway   

Kari, North Vancouver , B.C. Canada Exceptional hostess and host and a charming, comfortable flat!  5* of 5 My husband and our two young children stayed in this apartment recently and we will definitely be back! We arrived in NYC feeling very tired after a high energy week of socializing with family members in Toronto and an early morning flight. Janet cheerfully greeted us even though we arrived before check in time and interupted her in the midst of tidying up. We settled in after touring some gorgeous historic streets and shopping at nearby grocery stores Janet recommended. Then we sipped the complimentary bottle of wine Janet and Tom had left in the fridge. The vino was one of the many thoughtful perks we discovered in the flat along with delicious cookies, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, spices, milk, basic cooking supplies and breakfast goodies, tourism guides, laundry soap, a well chosen book library and DVD collection etc..etc.. We are from North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. We were a bit apprehensive about visiting Harlem with our young family as we had never been to New York and this area of NYC has had negative "rap" in the past. All of our family members loved Harlem though. We found Harlem to be a very vibrant, close knit and safe community. We miss stepping out to the sounds of the groovy street music and lively conversation of the very friendly Harlem residents. Janet and Tom were terrific to deal with. The apartment was exceptionally clean, quiet and cool in the blistering heat also. We only have raves to post about this great apartment! •  Submitted: Jul 20, 2011 Stayed: Jul 2011 Source: VRBO, from HomeAway   

Thosanko S, Rome, Italy, Lazio Soggiorno a NYC  5* of 5 La descrizione dell'annuncio pubblicato rispecchia fedelmente la realtà. non abbiamo trovato problemi e l'appartamento era abbastanza pulito. Ci siamo trovati benissimo, i proprietari dell'immobile sono due persone molto cordiali e disponibili. Se volete fare un soggiorno a NYC ma non avete dei punti di riferimento, loro possono aiutarvi! La casa è molto bella, piccolina, monolocale, ma accogliente e con parquet. L'appartamento è dotato di tutti i comfort: cucina (frigo, forno a micro onde, forno normale, fornetto elettrico, lavatrice e asciugatrice, tostapane, macchina per caffè americano), aria condizionata internet con wi-fii ecc... Potete scegliere tra due tipi di letto: un materasso ad aria (gonfiabile elettricamente a seconda delle vostre comodità) ed un divano letto (secondo noi piu' comodo!) Harlem non è cosi' brutta come la descrivono, anzi, è molto caratteristica e tipica. L'appartamento è collegato con la metropolitana a 2 passi Siamo contenti di aver incontrato Tom e Janet e speriamo un giorno di rivederli. P.s.: Janet an Tom amano l'Italia, Janet ha scritto diversi articoli sull'Abruzzo P.s.2: PORTATEVI la moka per il caffè...ed anche il vostro caffè preferito! :)  Submitted: Sep 27, 2010 Stayed: Sep 2010 Source: VRBO, from

  Neighborhood Highlights   

Restaurants   

Celebrity Haunt  Red Rooster. (Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson) 310 Lenox Ave. Between 125-126 (212) 792-9001. redroosterharlem.com Trendy soul food. 

Harlem Classic  Charles Pan-Fried Kitchen. 2461 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 132nd street. Phone: (212) 281 1800. This Harlem classic has just reopened right across the street. Greaseless fried chicken, fall-off-the-bone barbecued ribs, meaty oxtails, pork chops smothered in peppery brown gravy. Prices are extraordinarily low: one fried chicken dinner priced at less than $12. ---which includes two side dishes like collard greets and mac and cheese, plus corn bread --- was enough for two. Hours: Monday through Saturday 11am to 2am, Sunday noon – 10pm. 

Architecture 

Striver’s Row: 138th and 139th Streets, a five minute walk from our flat, are two of New York’s most ravishing brownstone blocks. Many of these century- old homes were built by the renowned architects McKim, Mead & White, the firm that designed the Harvard Club, the first Madison Square Garden and the arch in Washington Square Park. Convent Avenue south of 145th Street. This broad avenue north of the City College campus (on the other side of St. Nicholas Park) has large mansion like Georgian and Queen Anne style homes. The area receives its name of Hamilton Heights as it was once a farm belonging to founding father Alexander Hamilton. 

Museums/Galleries
 Studio 

Museum of Harlem. 144 West 125th St. 212-864-4500. www.studiomuseum.org 

Origin of the Broadway Musical. Hamilton Grange. 5 minutes walk. Newly reopened. www.nps.gov/hagr/index.htm In Saint Nicholas Park, 414 West 141st Street, between Convent Avenue and St.Nicholas Avenue. A Founding Father’s Harlem estate. From humble beginnings as an orphan in the Caribbean island of Nevis, Alexander Hamilton became George Washington's right hand man. The Grange has stood in three locations in its 200+ year history. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday year round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. The visitor center (bookstore, exhibits, restrooms) open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation to the historically furnished floor is limited to a maximum of 15 people at a time. Visitors have two options for visiting the historically furnished rooms: A Ranger-guided tour and talk scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 am., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The second is a relatively self- guided experience where visitors can view the rooms at their own pace with a Park Ranger nearby to answer questions. Scheduled for two 1-hour periods, 12-1:00:p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Free 

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. 515 Malcolm X Boulevard. (212) 491-2200. Park of New York Public Library. www.nypl.org/research/sc/sc.html 

Museum for African Art www.africanart.org/ 1280 Fifth Ave., at 110th St.; 718-784-7700 75,000 square foot space in a new Robert A.M. Stern–designed luxury residential tower on Fifth Avenue. The 75,000-square-foot space  El 

Museo del Barrio. www.elmuseo.org 1230 5th Avenue New York, NY 10029 (212) 831-7272. Beyond the ravishing art collection you’ll find one of the hippest crowds in New York. Artisan jewelry in the gift shop 

Music/Jazz 

Harlem Nights. 2361 7th Avenue at 138th Street. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 4pm – 2am, Friday and Saturday 4pm – 4am. One of the buzziest new openings in Harlem, this stylish bar/lounge has live music six nights a week, 8pm – 11pm, no cover charge. Each night has a specialty. Right now the lineup includes: Tuesday – acoustic; Wednesday Latin; Thursday – modern jazz, Friday – pop cover band; Sunday – classical jazz, Monday – open mike, poetry. Saturday there’s a DJ. Just like our home, this space has been artistically restored, stripped down to its original brick walls and tile floors, smartly repurposing elegant piping as banisters and hanging antique shutters on the walls for character. Happy Hour 4pm – 8pm brings discounts on a superb selection of craft beers and imaginative cocktails like the Harlem Sizzle: tequila, fresh lime, jalapeno, infused with agave syrup. The homey but light menu Lunazul includes personal pies like the Buffalo Soldier with roasted free range chicken and blue cheese sauce $8, and hardwood smoked wings $6 www.harlemnights.com
 

Apollo Theatre. 243 West 125th Street. 212-531-5305. www.apollotheater.org 

American Legion Hall. 248 West 132nd St. (Halfway down the block on the same side of the street as our house.) Musicians jam on the ground floor Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from around 7 – 10 pm. Other nights, DJ. No cover, soul food buffet and inexpensive drinks. Some jazz aficionados say it’s the best place in the city. 

Ginny’s Supper Club. (Downstairs at Red Rooster) www.ginnyssupperclub.com 310 Lenox Ave Manhattan, NY 10027 (212) 421-3821. Soignée Old Harlem style cabaret. 

Shrine. 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd nr. 134th St. shrinenyc.com 4pm to 4 am 212-690- 7807 Afro-beat, calypso, and roots-reggae as well as traditional jazz and American funk staples with an occasional dip into newer, rockier waters. A back kitchen offers Mediterranean platters, chicken kebabs, and Jerusalem Toast (toast with olive paste, feta cheese, tomato, and zaatar) 

Churches 

Many Harlem churches have Sunday morning gospel services open to the public. 

Abyssinian Baptist. 132-142 West 138th St. Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell www.abyssinian.org Go on Wednesday night for a more intimate and authentic experience. 

Mother A.M.E. Zion. 140–148 West 137th St. Its former downtown location was part of the Underground Railroad. 

First Corinthian Baptist Church. 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (116th street) Housed in a 1913 building that was once the Regent Theater. Welcomes international visitors. http://www.fcbcnyc.org/im-new-here/international-visitors http://www.fcbcnyc.org/ 

Mount Olivet Baptist. 201 Lenox Ave. Built as a synagogue in 1907 for the neighborhood’s founding German-Jews. www.mtolivetbaptist-oh.org 

Cathedral of St. John the Divine. World’s largest Gothic cathedral on Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street. Tel: 212 316-7490 Tours: 212 932-7347 www.stjohndivine.org 

Nearby Greater Zion Hill Baptist. Homey Sunday morning gospel service. 2365 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 127th St. Tel: 212 864-5744.