What's your ?

> Air Conditioning
> Airport Transportation
> Allergies
> Atmosphere
> Bars & Clubs
> Bathrooms
> Bed Sizes in America
> Bicycles
> Blocking out Dates
> Cancellation Policy
> Cancellations
> Check-in time
> Check-out time
> Children
> CityPass
> Coffee & Tea
> Computers
> Confirmation
> Crib
> Curfew
> Discounts
> Electric Converters
> Elevators
> Email trouble
> Extra Guests
> Fang II - our dog
> Food
> Green stuff
> Groups
> Guest Phone Numbers
> Guesthouse
> Guide Books
> Hairdryer
> Handicap Access
> History
> Hours of Operation
> House Rules
> Internet Access
> Keys
> Laundry
> Luggage Storage
> (Our) Location
> Lost & Found
> Lost Luggage
> Long Term rates
> MetroCards
> Neighborhood
> Noise
> Parking
> Payment
> Pets
> Phone Chargers
> Public Transportation
> Rates
> Recycling
> Reservations
> Safe
> Safety & Security
> Smoking
> Subways
> Switching Rooms
> Telephones
> Things you should know about NYC that nobody will ever tell you
> Tipping in NYC
> Tourist Attractions
> Tour Groups
> Tours of EVB&C
> Towels
> Transportation
> Visitors
> Waiting List
> Weddings
> What's that thing in front of the building
> What is 'walking distance' in NYC
> Who Stays Here
> Who We Are
> Why doesn't EVB&C answer my phone call?

Air Conditioning

All bedrooms on the top and middle floors have in-room air conditioning. Air conditioning is not provided in the common areas of these two floors.

The bottom floor will have central air conditioning before summer 2008. This is a change from the massive air conditioning unit in the kitchen and individual room a/c's.

Fan units are available on request.

back to top

...................................................................................

Airport Transportation

EVB&C does not provide airport transportation from the airport. Click on the 'transportation info' page for a comprehensive and opinioned list of options and recommendations.

I do, however, assist with departure transportation* including SuperShuttle and private car services – in addition to giving more advice. It is VERY IMPORTANT that 'return' reservations be booked in advance due to availability.

*There is NO fixed rate with yellow taxis returning to JFK airport.

back to top

...................................................................................

Allergies

The top and middle floors are pet free*. The entire building is non-smoking and clean as a whistle. Non-feather/down pillows are available on request. Any other concerns regarding allergies should be emailed directly to Anne.

* NOTE: Munch - the dog - resides on the bottom floor and does not 'visit' upstairs.No pets have visited the upper floors since 1995.

back to top

...................................................................................

Atmosphere

East Village Bed & Coffee is first and foremost a home for Anne and her family and to guests from around the world.

If you are looking for a private, romantic rendezvous or to 'shack up' this is NOT the place. Please see the section on visitors.

back to top

...................................................................................

Bars & Clubs

Bars and Clubs close at 4am. After-hour clubs have permits to stay open longer. You will need to bring proper ID when entering a bar or club – especially on the weekends.

By law, alcohol cannot be served nor sold between the hours of 4 am and 12 noon on Sundays.

See also the section on tipping

back to top

...................................................................................

Bathrooms

All bathrooms* are shared at East Village Bed & Coffee. There is one bathroom per floor with a toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower. Soap and a hairdryer are provided. Useful items such as shaving cream, nail polish remover, sewing kits, electrical converters, and shampoo are also kept in the 'community' medicine cabinet -- behind the mirror above the sink.

Guests are welcome to use the bathroom on another floor at any time. Maximum (100%) occupancy per floor means 7 people using one bathroom. (The average NYC hotel occupancy rate was 74.80% in 2004)

* NOTE TO AMERICANS: It is customary outside America to close the bathroom door when not in use – though some forget to turn off the light. There is a fair chance that NOBODY is in the bathroom – so knock first.

back to top

...................................................................................

Bed Sizes in America

There are 4 standard and 3 additional - not-so-standard - bed sizes in America. What EVB&C has is listed in bold type.

Standard:

Twin: single person ( 39" x 75" / 99 x 191cm )
Double: two persons or a couple, also called full-size ( 54" x 75" / 137 x 191 cm )
Queen: two persons who have grown or been together for a while and need a little more space ( 60" x 80" / 152 x 203cm )
King: two twin-size beds combined – sleeps a family in some areas of the country and almost nonexistent in NYC due to lack of space...we DON'T have this!

Not-so-standard:

Dorm Single: not really sure what this is but must be used in housing academia
Super Single: longer than standard twin-size and very hard to find sheets
California King: two twin-size beds combined and then some.

back to top

...................................................................................

Bicycles

EVB&C provides 'community' bicycles* free-of-charge though the quantity and quality may vary. Locks, helmets, a portable air pump and even gloves are available upon request. I only ask that damages be repaired at one of the many local bike shops at your expense and donations for eminence in the coffee can.

A recommended ride is the beautiful greenway along the Hudson river easily accessible from EVB&C. You can also join one of the many tours or the monthly Critical Mass ride you may have heard about during the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Watch your back and don't get 'doored' (by a car)! Don't wear headphones. Financially more important, bikers are subject to the law of drivers: no cutting red lights, etc. Bikers are subject to the same fine$ as automobiles.

Click here to download a 5 borough bike map of NYC .

* Never lock bicycles to parking meters or nonpermanent fixtures such as building scaffolding. Always lock the bike through the frame and back wheel.

back to top

...................................................................................

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations can be made up to one week prior to arrival at no charge by phone or via email with "cancellation" as the subject heading. Always reference your reservation # in all communication. If you do not receive a reply acknowledging your cancellation it has not been received and subject to charges.

Because of the uncertainty of re-booking a room on short notice:

No charge prior to 1 week of arrival date*
25% charge 1 week - 72 hours of arrival date
50% charge 72 - 24 hours of arrival date
100% charge within 24 hours of arrival date (not to exceed a maximum of $250)
100% charge of full amount for 'no show'

* "Date of arrival" refers to 12am (midnight).

back to top

...................................................................................

Cancellations

The likelihood of cancellations is, of course, impossible to predict. Your best option is to place your name on the waiting list.

Most cancellations are made more than 7 days in advance to avoid cancellation fees.

back to top

...................................................................................

Check-in Time

Guests may check-in anytime after 11am* - NO EXCEPTIONS.

It is IMPERATIVE that the arrival time be pre-arranged. Any requested time after 11am will be honored. Late night arrivals should call or sms my private cell phone number - provided in the re-confirmation email - upon arrival or when nearby rather than ring the super loud doorbell. If you do not provide a check-in time, you run the risk of nobody being here to let you in!

Rooms are generally not ready for occupancy until mid-afternoon. When possible I will show you your room, provide keys, a tour, and store your luggage in the meantime.

* Download my opinionated list of breakfast/brunch and coffee spots in the neighborhood.

Please, please, PLEASE do not enter the building unannounced - always ring the bottom buzzer or call if instructed and ask for Anne. Otherwise I will have NO IDEA you have arrived.

It is IMPORTANT– and very much appreciated – that you call or sms if your arrival time changes: cancelled flight, missed plane, bad weather, transit strike, traffic, etc.

back to top

...................................................................................

Check-out Time

Check-out time is 1pm at the latest and payment should be settled 2 days prior to departure or at check-in time for 1 and 2-night reservations.

You are welcome to 'hang out' as long as necessary and/or keep a front door key* until departure. Luggage can be stored as long as necessary** and I can assist you with airport transportation. (Shuttle and private car services should be booked one day in advance due to availability.)

Upon departure please leave your towels in the room and the room key in the door - no need to lock it. Check for items you may have left in the room. For consideration of others discard any perishable food and contribute non-perishable food to the community food pantry labeled 'free'. Usable Metrocards, phone cards, CityPass, and subway/bus maps are welcomed as well.

*There is a $50 charge for lost or non-returned keys.
**long-term on request

back to top

...................................................................................

Children and the Crib

Children are welcome at EVB&C on the middle and top floors provided they do not disturb other guests at night and especially morning. All bedrooms are childproofed to the best of our ability. Any concerns regarding childproofing are not only welcomed but encouraged.

Infants (24 months and under) are free-of-charge. 

Crib: I have the real deal, not the kind of 'crib' you see on MTV.

I do not offer babysitting services but can assist in making arrangements in advance.

There are 2 playgrounds located one block away in Tompkins Square Park.

Note: Munch – our dog residing on the bottom floor – is not accustomed to children.

back to top

...................................................................................

CityPass

What is CityPass? CityPass is an economical way to see many of the attractions of New York City (below) with the added benefit of NOT waiting in line. Tickets can also be purchased online or at the venues.

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
– Who can compete with a big blue whale, a dinosaur, or the universe for that matter? As seen in "Night at the Museum"

Guggenheim Museum
Fifth Avenue at 89th Street
– Worth it for Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture alone - the art is a bonus. Not the most child friendly museum.

The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53 Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
– MUST SEE . I love the new building and wanted to hate it! Lots and lots and even more lots of Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh plus some of my neighbor's work and child friendly.

Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
Closed October 1st, 2006 for necessary restoration and repairs.
Pier 86 in the Hudson River at West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
– The Concord you will never, EVER get to fly on is there!

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Pier 83 - Midtown - at West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue
– See for yourself why NYC is the melting pot of the world. This is a view that can only be experienced from the water.

Empire State Building Observatory
350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street
– This is truly an American building ....built by top-of-the-line skilled laborers with blood, sweat and tears during the Depression in only 9 MONTHS! The steel was so hot from the trucks that poured it in Pennsylvania the metal cooled on location. ...Oh, you're going for the view!?! I want to see another plane fly into this one.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
– Check out the new Greek and Roman Galleries

back to top

...................................................................................

Coffee & Tea

I’ve switched to fair trade coffee from an amazing company Counter Culture Coffee in North Carolina. This is the same coffee 9th Street Espresso uses and you should visit them. They are just up the street and do it much better than you or I can. You’ll also get a taste of the local flavor. Sometimes it’s just worth it to pay a professional!

back to top

...................................................................................

Computers & Internet Access

East Village Bed & Coffee provides free use of a Macintosh computer located in the common areas of each floor with high-speed internet access and free WiFi throughout the building, so bring your laptop.

back to top

...................................................................................

Confirmation of booking

Online reservations receive an auto-confirmation and removes the availability from the website. Bookings are re-confirmed* via email within 72 hours and subject to review. If you do not receive a re-confirmation email within 72 hours please contact me and be patient. Follow-up emails and telephone calls only delay all communication.

You are responsible for checking your confirmation for accuracy.

It is not necessary to show your confirmation upon arrival though it might be beneficial to have a copy when going through US Customs.

*To ensure you receive our email to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add the email address provided in your confirmation to your address book or safe sender list. Hotmail users please provide an alternate email address when booking.

back to top

...................................................................................

Curfew

There is no curfew at East Village Bed & Coffee. You will have a room key and a front door key. I do ask that you are quiet at night and in the morning. Keep in mind that guests are from all over the world with different 'clocks'.

back to top

...................................................................................

Discounts

East Village Bed & Coffee is a very, VERY, very small 1-person business. I do NOT offer discounts of any kind - including AAA members, students, or travel agents.

However, I do offer discounted rates in certain rooms for long-term stays of 15 days or longer. Inquiries about long-term stays should be emailed directly.

back to top

...................................................................................

Electric Converters & Phone Chargers

I have an assortment of electric converters located in the medicine cabinet of each bathroom, a drawer full of random phone chargers, a battery charger for AA and AAA batteries, Macintosh portable power adapters and batteries for laptops, and a universal electric adapter - tip(s) to fit your electronic device(s) can be purchased at numerous stores.

back to top

...................................................................................

Elevators

I have to laugh every time I hear this question. Remember New York City was once New Amsterdam. Have you ever been to Amsterdam? If so stop reading because you'll recognize the Dutch staircase when you arrive.

EVB&C has NO elevator/lift. Almost every building of this size and era does not – especially lower Manhattan if you know its history. Check out the Lower East Side Tenement Museum to learn more.

Our building is 3 stories. In NYC real estate terms this means that the 1st floor is actually street level, the 2nd floor is one flight of stairs, and the (top) 3rd floor is two flights of stairs.

However, the '1st floor' - originally a Kosher deli - is double height and each room does have a flight of internal stairs.

back to top

...................................................................................

E-mail Trouble

To ensure that you receive our email to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add the email address provided in your confirmation to your address book or safe sender list.

back to top

...................................................................................

Extra Guests

If you made a reservation for single occupancy and happen to show up as a double that is fine. You will be charged an additional $10 per night for the extra person. HOWEVER, most rooms cannot accommodate extra people beyond the occupancy on the Rooms & Rates page.

If you need an air mattress the additional rate will be $20 ($10 for the extra person and $10 for the air mattress.) Only the French room can accommodate a rollaway bed.

Unexpected visitors are another story..

back to top

...................................................................................

Fang II passed away on Halloween 2006

She was a lovely dog rescued from hell in Brooklyn and lived the good life all domesticated dogs should live.

Meet "Munch" (Fang Tres)...

Munch is a 3 1/2-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix. I'm not sure. He was rescued through the same agency, Mighty Mutts, where I adopted Fang II and ironically came to me through the same volunteer 12 years ago. I think this is a good sign.

Munch is also living up to his name. I ask that you cooperate with our training effort and respect the following:

• Do not show your hand in front of his face to smell, he will smell you
• Do not show unwarranted affection
• Keep your hand away from his toys if they are close to his mouth
• Do not feed him and hide your food from (dog) eyesight
• Basically keep your hands away from his mouth!

As our 3rd 'rescued' dog, his 3rd owner at best*, and based on experience, you never know what abuse the animal(s) suffered with their previous owners and the behavior that lies beneath.

* Munch was originally named Rambo and renamed Soldier.

Munch is also a SUPERSTAR!

Click here to see our writeup in the 'Happy Homes' section of the Mighty Mutts newsletter under the name Soldier.

Even better is MAGMO The Destroyer's 'Puppy Mill Warriors' series as seen on YouTube.

back to top

...................................................................................

Food

There is an overpriced Associated Supermarket located across the street open 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week. A cheaper, less gourmet Fine Fare grocery is located 3 blocks south on the corner of Avenue C and 4th Street. There are numerous organic/health food stores in the neighborhood.

I provide an opinionated, comprehensive, and frequently updated list of restaurants - mainly in the East Village - in addition to a file of take-away menus and breakfast/brunch recommendations for your convenience. (Almost anything can be delivered 24/7 in NYC – including ice cream from the deli, dry cleaning, even dog food. It's great!!!)

When departing please discard any food in the kitchen that cannot be attributed to the 'cause'. If you have worthy, perishable food such as milk label the container "free".

back to top

...................................................................................

Eco-friendly
Travel Destinations - check out the Brita, cream cheese and peanut butter!!
Travel + Leisure/Fox 2008

Green Stuff

My favorite color has been spoiled by overuse but for a good reason.  Check us out in the new Greenopia guide for New York City.

Here are some green practices you'll find at EVB&C:

AGUA
Tap water in New York City is reputedly the best in the United States and our block has several testing/tasting stations; however, I still provide BRITA filtered water in each refrigerator. Please refill your plastic water bottles rather than purchase new. Don’t forget to recycle containers when you discard them.

EVB&C also uses low-flow toilets by TOTO and low-flow showerheads.

THE SWIMMING POOL
Not really, but my koi pond only uses natural bacterica from Microbe-Lift, environmentaly safe mosquito control for all, and no chemicals.

PLANT SOME BULBS
CFL light bulbs seemingly last forever and even dim in a ‘black out’. These heavy yet energy efficient light bulbs just keep getting better and better. All appliances at EVB&C are Energy Star rated. New energy efficient boilers have been recently installed to help reduce water consumption.

HARD vs. SOFT (SOAP)
Hard soap is better for the environment and there’s no waste except a cardboard box at most. You'll find other hotels' shampoo bottles, etc. for use in the community cabient of each bathroom.

LAUNDRY
EVB&C does its best in color management. First, to reduce water waste, sheets and towels are NOT changed daily unless requested. I use Persil laundry products, which are environmentally safe with biodegradable packaging.

CLEANING
Seventh Generation cleaning products are employed, unless chemicals such as chlorine are absolutely required for a specific use.

RECYCLE AND REUSE
There’s no excuse not to, plus it’s mandatory in NYC. One improperly separated item is a $100 fine.

Bins for paper, plastic, metal, glass, and batteries are provided on each floor.
EVB&C also provides re-usable shopping bags for guests to shop till they drop or just go to the market. EVB&C also recycles CFL light bulbs.

PAPERLESS, WIRELESS, and UTILITY FREE?
Sanitary and towel products are made locally by Marcal from 100% recycled paper.

EVB&C provides free wireless throughout the building, neighbors often share, and nearly all NYC public parks provide free wireless.

Who knows, solar panels may appear on the roof in the next few years.

TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation is encouraged, bicycles available free of charge, and Band-Aids for your feet when you become a true New Yorker.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF…

STOP THE CATALOG MADNESS
Opt out of catalogs by choice and keep the ones you want:
CatalogChoice.org

ANNOYING PHONE CALLS
Now stop the telemarketing madness:
DoNotCall.gov

STOP BARKING
and save a tree... read a daily newspaper online.

ENERGY
Most utility companies offer rebates, coupons, or capital improvement benefits for changing your HVAC, recycling appliances, and ironically even changing your choice of utility provider to a more energy-conscious company. Check with your local provider.

WHAT IS FAIR TRADE?
Helping humanity and have your coffee at the same time

back to top

...............................................................................

Guest Phone Numbers*

Please give your friends and family the following telephone numbers if you wish to receive phone calls. All telephones have answering machines.

Top Floor
(Black & White, Zen, Flight and Beach Room)
212-533-3057

Middle Floor
(French, Afghani, Mexican and Dutch Room)
212-505-3203

Bottom Floor
(Chalet, Treehouse, Observatory and Empty Nest)
212-982-8244

* NOTE: The general information number 212-533-4175 forwards to an automated voice messaging service. Messages are NOT checked nor returned.

The reservation number 917-816-0071 is available during office hours.

Current guests are emailed a private contact number in the re-confirmation email.

back to top

...................................................................................

Guesthouse

What is a European-style guesthouse? In a nutshell, a home with rooms-to-let and shared bathroom facilities, similar to where you may have stayed in Europe. Also called a pensione in Italy or casas de huéspedes in Mexico. But I like to think of it as a bed & breakfast without the breakfast and 'guesthouse' is just easier to say than 'a bed & breakfast without the breakfast'.

back to top

...................................................................................

Guide Books

A large selection of guide books are located on each floor, from Mandarin to Vegan.

back to top

...................................................................................

Hairdryer

There is a decent hairdryer in each bathroom and one extra - available on request - for your room.

See what else is in the bathroom!

back to top

...................................................................................

Handicap Access

Unfortunately, EVB&C is not ADA compliant as this building is over 100 years old. We've had many requests and recommend suitable accommodation for the 'wheelchair divas/drivers'! ALL rooms require the use of stairs.

back to top

...................................................................................

History

Just too long to write about. Maybe refer to the location section for now.

back to top

...................................................................................

Hours of Operation

Office (telephone) hours are Monday through Saturday except Thursday 11am - 5pm EST: 917-816-0071

East Village Bed & Coffee is not open to the general public, only to guests - numero uno, the big enchiladas. ¿Comprende? Stopping by without prior notice is greatly frowned upon. This is disruptive to all.

Tours are given by appointment only and preferably mid-afternoon when guests are out and the disruption is minimal.

back to top

...................................................................................

House Rules

Still working on that one. Refer to other sections for specific questions.

back to top

...................................................................................

Keys

Every room has a set of keys: one for the room and one for the self-locking building entrance door. You will have 24/7 access.

There is a $50 charge for a lost or non-returned entrance key.

Extra sets are available on request.

back to top

...................................................................................

Kitchens

I don't cook for you, but you can. (Even better, you can cook for me!) I do provide excellent coffee, a large selection of tea, and filtered drinking water.

You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself and leaving the kitchen in order.

Each floor has a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of room for storing food. Necessities including coffee maker, tea kettle, filtered drinking water, refrigerator, gas stove, and 'community food pantry' of non-perishable items left by departing guests.

Additional appliances vary by floor including: espresso maker, microwave, popcorn popper. Refrigerators are stocked full of condiments such as mustard, peanut butter, and jam.

back to top

...................................................................................

Laundry

The laundry facilities on premises are for business use only and do not suffice even for us. 

Most likely you will find me at the 24-hour laundromat* located on the corner of Avenue C and 5th Street. Skip the laundromat on the corner of Avenue C and 8th Street.

In order to help reduce water waste, sheets and towels are NOT changed daily unless requested.

* recommended laundry facility

back to top

...................................................................................

Location, location, location

The latest shooting of interest is the 3rd episode of "Kidnapped" on NBC. Guests can see first hand how a studio can rip your place apart and make it unrecognizable.The show was so successful it was cancelled, but continued online.

The feature film "Happy End" with Audrey Tautou was filmed here in 2003.

Law & Order Criminal Intent Death Roe episode with Chris Penn unappetizingly features our backyard in the opening scene as a the back of an Italian restaurant in 2005.

East Village Bed and Coffee is located in the East (Greenwich) Village of downtown Manhattan in an area called Alphabet City. If your guidebook says to 'keep away' from the Alphabet City, you need to buy a new guidebook! The East Village is one of - if not the most - vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods in NYC, not to mention safe and drug free these days. For you TV buffs, our 9th precinct would be the "NYPD Blue" and "Kojak" precinct. Not to worry, the cops are still here. The new precinct building on our corner was under construction on 9/11 and opened that day out of necessity.

A visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a fantastic introduction to the history of this area.

If you want to stay near a major tourist attraction like Times Square, you will have the company of other tourists. If you want to experience the real New York, the East Village is an ideal neighborhood to explore. Check out our neighborhood directory www.east-village.com.

Also visit our neighborhood radio station East Village Radio. Does your neighborhood have a radio station? How cool is that?

back to top

...................................................................................

Lost & Found

You have a 2-week 'window of opportunity' to claim lost items before they are donated to charity. Your credit card will be charged for any shipping costs exceeding $5.

Most likely, EVB&C will contact you if anything is found.

back to top

...................................................................................

Lost Luggage

You are responsible for waiting and receiving your luggage as you must sign for it.

Luggage is typically delivered in the middle of the night. Most likely the airlines will tell you a different time but I will tell you 90 - 95% of lost luggage deliveries are between 3 and 4 am delivered by a private service, not the airlines.

Please DO NOT give Anne's private cell phone number or reservation number to the airlines. If you do not have a cell phone provide the phone number for your floor - listed in your re-confirmation email. They will call prior to delivery or just show up and ring the bell repeatedly until someone answers. Try to avoid this and keep your fellow flatmates happy.

back to top

...................................................................................

Luggage Storage

Ain't no problem! You can store your luggage on the bottom floor after check-out time. If you have a late departure generally you can keep the front door key until then.

You may also request long term storage.

back to top

...................................................................................

MetroCards

Also see Public Transportation and Walking Distance in NYC

The fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2. There is a free transfer (valid for 2 hours) between the bus and subway, bus to bus, and subway to subway, available with the MetroCard. Exact fare in coins* or MetroCard is required for buses. Subways only take MetroCard. If you qualify for Reduced Fare, you can travel for half fare. Up to three children 44 inches tall and under ride for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.

Cost:
1 Day Fun Pass $7.50
7-Day Pass $25– B E S T   D E A L  !!!
14-Day Pass $47
Monthly Pass $81

Cards can be 'refilled' for any amount

Where to buy:
Subway stations from the token booth clerk or vending machines and some neighborhood merchants displaying the MetroCard gold icon.

Where to get maps:
Subway station token booth clerks for both subway and bus maps, buses for bus maps.

* Tokens are no longer in service - though old ones can be purchased from the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn or Grand Central Terminal. For some strange reason, buses can not accept all dimes! If you pay for a MetroCard with a Credit or Debit card you can receive a credit if there is a problem with the card!

back to top

...................................................................................

Neighborhood

Hum, nothin' (written) yet... EXCEPT in the Location section.

back to top

...................................................................................

Noise

New York City IS noisy and there is little that can be done to change that*. As you might imagine I am one of the leading activists in the community to help reduce nuisance noise and have been waiting for those 'No Horn Honking $350 penalty' signs for about 5 years now!

In the meantime, I provide earplugs and ambient 'white' noise machines when requested -- sounds like a fan and helps balance out street noise. New windows have also been installed.

The French, Black & White, Flight, Dutch and Observatory rooms all face the street.

*Construction producing noise is regulated by time of day and starts quite early. Horn honking is illegal across the board unless an emergency. I'm convinced, however, this question is not on the exam for taxi drivers. Car alarms must cease after 30 seconds. Check the license plates of those cars – most likely they are not from NYC. Oh, and there is no ‘right on red’ either in all 5 boroughs unless a sign is posted. We all learn that the hard way. At the end of the day it's survival of the fittest.

back to top

...................................................................................

Parking

Click here for more information on public and private parking facilities. Rates vary by garage, owner of garage, hour of day, day of week, week of month, month of year. In general, a true New Yorker can't even figure that one out! I can tell you street parking in our neighborhood is free but mind the signs.

back to top

...................................................................................

Payment

A valid credit card is needed to secure a booking and your card is NOT charged at this time. Payment is settled 2 days prior to departure or at check-in time for 1 and 2-night reservations.

EVB&C accepts MasterCard, VISA, Discover, AmEx, Diner's Club, traveler's cheques, and cash.

Wire transfer can be arranged for long-term stays.

back to top

...................................................................................

Pets

East Village Bed & Coffee does not allow pets – though I love them and have my own. The volume of guests with allergies far out number the requests for pets.

Click here for information on our own pet and for allergy information.

back to top

...................................................................................

Public Transportation

Public transportation in NYC is invaluable if you want to save your feet and taxi money – though bicycling has proven to be the fastest mode of transportation.

Click here to download a Manhattan bus map and link to other boroughs.

Bus drivers are quite friendly*. Don't hesitate to tell the driver where you want to get off and they will do their best to let you know. However, please don't engage the driver in a conversation while he/she is driving.

* If you find yourself short of money, drivers often let you ride for free... you didn't hear that from me! Obviously, don't get on the bus knowingly short of change.

Click here to view the NYC subway map

Don't fear riding the subway. Safety is not the issue; the trickiest part is getting your bearings when you are above ground. DO NOT attempt to NOT PAY by jumping the turnstile. The underground is famous for undercover cops and surveillance cameras. YOU WILL GET CAUGHT!

Click here for MetroCard information

back to top

...................................................................................

Rates

Rates include all applicable taxes: NY State sales tax (4%), NY City sales tax (8.375%), HROT (Hotel Room Occupancy Tax - 5% of base rate), a $2 per night NYC room charge, and additional $1.50 per night NYC room charge for the expansion of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Rates vary according to room size.

A single rate means the total cost for one person occupying one room. A double rate means the total cost for two persons occupying one room.

Please refer to the Room & Rates page for more information and pictures.

back to top

...................................................................................

Recycling

Recycling is mandatory in NYC as it should be everywhere. I am the queen of recycling!

Required is the separation of rubbish from recyclables. There is a bin for garbage, a bin for paper, one for batteries, and another for glass-metal-plastic. Don't worry, I won't force you to compost!

back to top

...................................................................................

Reservations

There is a (two) 2-night minimum to reserve, (three) 3-night minimum on weekends (any three days between Thursday and Monday) unless only 2-nights are shown available.

(One) 1-night reservations can be made via telephone ONLY within 2 weeks of arrival and subject to availability. Please check the availability online prior to calling. 1-night reservations cannot be made if consecutive nights are still available.

A valid credit card is needed to secure a booking. Your credit card will NOT be charged. Payment must be settled 2 days prior to