This building was new to the Hospitality Company, and they furnished it in their typical stylish, comfortable way. There was a 15% discount on the property because it was new, and I felt, after reasearching hotels, that it was a steal at $1000 for the week. Bear in mind, if you're planning a NYC stay, the tax and hotel charges are 13-17% on top of what you are quoted. Adds up fast!There is no tax if you book for a 7 day stay in an apartment.

The Hospitality company has a great website with photos and was very thorough and professional. Many of the apartment share companies play a lot of games with pricing, so I appreciated the upfront style of this one. The cancellation policy is also very liberal and when I had to shift my reservation ahead a few days, they responded nicely with a quick faxed reconfirmation.

The apartment was in a pre-war building, with a nice old (unairconditioned) lobby, with a doorman. Not the kind in a uniform or anything, but a nice guy who is there 24 hrs a day for security. The elevator took us to a 6th floor unit with beautiful hardwood floors and (suprise!) a REALLY BIG living room and bedroom, furnished with a newer couch, loveseat, and chair, and a fully stocked entertainment center. The kitchen is small and older but functional. The bedroom had a nice sleigh bed (Queen), and lots of drawer space. Plenty of closets, too. I was ready to move in for good and start renovating!

A word about that: the only negative was the bathroom. It really needed remodeling: tile grout, ceiling moisture, bad caulk, etc. Since I am in the midst of remodleing an older house, I was ok, seeing that it had been well cleaned before we arrived. I was also traveling with husband and our 6 year old, both of whom can trash a bathroom in seconds anyway.

I will certainly call this company again for a Manhattan stay.

The website A Hospitality Company gives precise pricing information for daily and weekly rates and multiple photos and virtual tours of the apartments. Some companies make you email them for rates, but Hospitality is upfront and gives low rates to everyone. I was impressed with the quality of the apartments and the reasonable prices.

I reserved a studio apartment in the East Village, on East 3rd Street and Second Avenue. David, in reservations, was professional and nice. The price was $135 per night, plus 8.25% sales tax (less than hotel tax.) I made a full payment with my credit card over the phone.

One inconvenience-if you reserve less than a week on weekend days, they will not take a reservation until the week before. The company holds apartments for potential extended stay customers. There is a $35 penalty if you cancel 5 days or more in advance, or a two-night fee if you cancel within 5 days of arrival.

I picked up the keys at the office on West 35th Street. You can also arrange to pick up keys at the doorman of your apartment or a nearby property with a doorman if your apartment is a walk-up. The apartment was in a good neighborhood and close to many restaurants, bars, shops and subway and bus lines. Several restaurants in my Eating Well in New York journal are nearby.

The apartment was in immaculate condition, very spacious for a studio in New York. (Apt 3B, facing the rear.) A hallway with space for hanging coats and shelves with extra sheets and blankets, ample closet space with iron and ironing board, extremely clean bathroom with hairdryer and extra towels, well-stocked kitchen with plates, pots, dish towels, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and microwave. There is a dining room set, a queen size bed, and a futon sofa, TV with video and cable, as well as phone and answering machine. Tourist information was laid out on a side table. With brick walls on each side, tasteful prints hang from the walls and many windows give good circulation. Air conditioning is included, as well as a mailbox. Overall, very cosy, modern and extremely well-kept.

There are larger, more luxurious apartments for those with bigger budgets. However, for $135 or less per night, this is an excellent deal for 2 or 3 friends. There is a current promotion for 25% off prices for November and December 2001.