2
Most NYC Airbnb rentals are illegal unless the apartment owner stays with you, in the same apartment. This is because all short-term (under 30 days) apartment rentals are illegal in NYC.Please specify in USD (U.S. $) what you consider "reasonable" as NYC can have breathtakingly high rates for lodging.
3
Less than $200 per night for a single person. It is interesting that several owners of brownstones in Chelsea and the West Side have advertised rooms. Yet, no one responds to phone messages or emails. I guess they do not need the business.4
Usually, the Chelsea Hotel, which is closed right now, but check out the Jane Hotel. I haven't stayed there, but I've seen it featured in a few articles. It's $135-$150 and in area. Probably the lowest priced hotel in that area. Looks cute on the website.5
Yet, no one responds to phone messages or emails. I guess they do not need the business.
No, they don't respond because they're scams.
here
6
If they don't respond to room requests in a timely manner, they clearly are not running a legitimate lodging operation. If they do respond, but they refuse to accept credit cards, they are again trying to operate illegal lodging. Neither money orders nor cash give the unwary buyer much legal protection.This site has more information on illegal and/or scam rentals in New York City. Read the advice and take it to heart. A traveler's success with short-term apartment rentals in Paris, Sydney, or even another U.S. city are irrelevant.
9
It is bewildering that some of these B & Bs are highly recommended on Tripadvisor.
Just about anybody can post a review on Tripadvisor, even if it's completely fictitious. This is an area in which old-fashioned guidebooks are somewhat more reliable, because both the author and the publishing company have a reputation to lose if they lie.
11
Some of the B&Bs on Tripadvisor have their own websites, so look there as well. If there is not a link on the TA page then google the name to see if you can find them.Alternatively try Flipkey
We booked a place through Flipkey for a few days next March, but it is a place (in Harlem) for which we have a personal recommendation - ie a friend of a rellie has stayed there. If you PM me I can pass on some info.
13
I have used Air BnB, both as a renter and also offering rentals. I dont take money in advance on my rentals for Air BnB or even Craigslist, usually a few conversations on the phone can square away everything, I may take a deposit depending if its more than a week.I have used Flip Key twice this year, the new player that is an alternative to VRBO.com, I rented a home in UP Michigan and also a nice cabin in Montana,I just sent a check after speaking to the owners of the property for one, the other I paid once I saw the place.
Be careful, there are a lot of scams out there. Usually people that have a room to rent on their home are willing to wait to meet you and let you inspect the place, and then they can inspect you to, as I dont want a slob in my place either.
