Airbnb rentals offer a great alternative to hotels for travelers around the world. But nowhere is the apartment-sharing service more popular than in New York City, where hundreds of listings are vying for your attention. For travelers, Airbnb has been filling a need for the once-popular “swap” or the timeshare market by offering fully-owned, all-inclusive apartments that won’t make you pay an arm and a leg (unless, you know, you really want to).
By offering cool or luxurious apartments at a modest fee, Airbnb allows guests to find more comfortable digs at cheaper prices without having to sacrifice the New York experience by checking into impersonal chains like Howard Johnson’s or hip hotels owned by Ian Schrager with rooms the size of a shoebox (that’s right, we’re saying it). There may be pricier or cheaper hotels all over the city, but what Airbnb offers out-of-towners is truly living like New Yorker.
So read on for the ten coolest and unique New York housings, ranging in price from low to high. Some offer views of the Manhattan skyline, some have their own pool, and some have natural light coming into floor-to-ceiling windows.
NOTE: All these prices were pulled on March 9, 2016 and are subject to change.
The One Built Entirely Out of Recycled Shipping Containers
Cost: $149
We chose this quirky home because it was built entirely of recycled shipping containers. There’s a rooftop and community garden, as well as close proximity to Williamsburg and Bushwick’s restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries. While the home is notable for its sustainable living, guests don’t have access to the second and third floors because that’s where the tenants live, but do have access to a ground floor, fully-furnished “apartment” with a bedroom and a kitchenette. If you don’t mind that your hosts will be living above you, then check out this spot. And if you like to save, this apartment costs only $149 a day.
Here’s what it looks like on the outside:
And on the inside:
The One on the Rooftop with a Spacious Deck
Cost: $119
This Brooklyn studio might be small, and yet it brings so much to the table. First off, the apartment is in the heart of trendy Williamsburg, where you’ll find many restaurants, shops and bars. Second, the studio pretty much sells itself—it’s on a rooftop, and offers panoramic views of the city. Three, there are double French doors that lead to a beautiful spacious deck, where there’s a hammock and a picnic table. It’s hard to find a unique apartment like this, with a deck on a rooftop building that mimics penthouse living. And the price is perfect for budget-conscious visitors.
The One That Looks Like a Hotel
Cost: $600
This Gramercy apartment has so many views and natural light that we had to add it to our list. The open concept dining and living room space has floor-to-ceiling windows, making dining in a perfect occasion every night with its views of skyscrapers and other buildings. The two bedrooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows. The master bedroom includes a spa-like bath, while the new, all-white kitchen with lacquer shelves is both modern and inviting. The building also has a gym and a large rooftop that’s ideal for barbecues in warm weather. N.B. Gramercy is an exclusive area in Manhattan with quiet residential streets. But the seclusion is within walking to distance to Union Square, Madison Park, and the stores on Fifth Avenue that lead to NYU.
The One with a Backyard Koi Pond, a Roof Deck, and a Pool
Cost: $732
This Brooklyn brownstone welcomes us because it has a swimming pool. Yep, an actual pool in this brownstone! With over three floors, all rooms gets plenty of natural light, and the place has many water features, most notably at the front door where you have to access the home via a bridge over natural water, which sounds like a Simon & Garfunkel song. There’s a roof deck as well, and a glass deck overlooking an eco-garden and the pool. The building has five bedrooms, which can fit over five or six guests.
The One with a Building Pool and Bespoke Detailing
Cost: $950
This apartment is on our wish list because it has a building-owned lap pool. If you can’t find a house with a pool, or if you really need a pool, this is your best bet. The building also includes two gyms and a tennis court. The apartment itself has jaw-dropping eleven-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows in the common space and in the bedrooms. The kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances and all the furniture makes the place—if we do say so ourselves—quite stylish. There’s a sophisticated all-white and marble bathroom, and a second bathroom with a soaker tub. Conveniently located near Columbus Circle where there’s quick access to subway lines, this luxury apartment is a short walk to Central Park and Lincoln Center.
The One with 16-Foot Windows and a Private Balcony
Cost: $1,190
Imagine waking up to this: a bedroom with 16 foot floor-to-ceiling windows with views of buildings and the Manhattan skyline. And that’s just the second bedroom. The common space—the living and dining area—is also surrounded by the same 16 foot windows. The master holds its own with a large private balcony—often hard to find in New York—with views of lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower. This Lower East Side gem even has loft space that fits another bed, which is perfect for guests with parties of three and more. The overall number of guests who can fit in this spacious penthouse is seven. And, cool factor: the elevator leads you directly to the door.
The One a Light-Up Bathtub and Jacuzzi
Cost: $1198
This sprawling, modern two-bedroom penthouse and duplex in the West Village has many airy and available rooms, which makes it a great vacation place for traveling families with children. The duplex boasts a large balcony that wraps around the living room and a bedroom, offering unbeatable views of the Hudson River. Indeed, the large windows in the living room and the balcony feel like you are cruising on a luxury yacht due to the proximity to the West Side Highway. There are two full spa baths, a private sauna and Jacuzzi, and a walk-in steam shower.
The One That’s Both an Event Space and a Giant Private Loft
Cost: $1,500
Now this might be our quirkiest loft. The exposed-brick apartment is both a staycation and an event space. Up to 20 guests with 5 Queen-sized beds, 4 futons, and 2 large couches can be accommodated in this nice open area. The event space has hosted parties, runway shows, and art shows. Steps away from the Empire State Building, the floor has plenty of room to dance, and several seating areas. Unfortunately, though, they don’t do slumber parties—you have to book this space as either an event space or a place to stay, not both.
The One That Used to Be a Synagogue
Cost: $2,500
Formerly a synagogue, this completely renovated East Village townhouse has a lot to brag about. The building has three stylish bedrooms and three outdoor terraces. The dramatic living room has 22-foot cathedral ceilings., remnants of the synagogue. The kitchen is fit for a chef with its top-of-the-line appliances. On the fourth floor is the master suite with a working fireplace, a bathroom with an oversized jacuzzi tub, and a walk-in shower with steam unit, rain shower, and waterfall. A terrace off the master bedroom has a hot tub, and up glass stairs to the top floor is a lounge area with windows overlooking the terrace and hot tub.
The One That Has Its Own Floor for Kids and a Private Chef
Cost $2,620
Located between Park and Lexington Avenues, this mint-condition private townhouse is sprawling, with many areas to sit down while moving through each room. We like the billiard table on the first floor, and the in-house elevator that leads to all levels. There’s also a chef who can be summoned to make meals upon request (who lives on the ground floor.) If we’re already spending $2,620 a day, we might as just go all out and hire him, right? With 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and a fourth-floor kid’s play area, this is the perfect apartment not only for families with kids, but also for a group of friends.
The post 10 Utterly Spectacular Airbnbs in New York City appeared first on UpOut Blog.