What's your ?

> Air Conditioning
> Air Mattress
> Airport Transportation
> Allergies
> Atmosphere
> Bars & Clubs
> Bathrooms
> Bed Sizes in America
> Bicycles
> Blocking out Dates
> Cancellation Policy
> Cancellations
> Charitable Donations
> Check-in time
> Check-out time
> Children
> CityPass
> Coffee & Tea
> Computers
> Confirmation
> Crib
> Curfew
> Discounts
> DOGGIES
> Electric Converters
> Elevators
> Email trouble
> Extra Guests
> Food
> Green stuff
> Groups
> Guest Phone Numbers
> Guesthouse
> Guide Books
> Hairdryer
> Handicap Access
> History
> Hours of Operation
> House Rules
> Internet Access
> Iron
> Keys
> Kitchens
> Laundry
> (Our) Location
> Lost & Found
> Lost Luggage
> Long Term rates
> Luggage Storage
> MetroCards
> Neighborhood
> Neighborhood Map
> Noise
> Parking
> Payment
> Pets
> Phone Chargers
> Public Transportation
> Rates
> Recycling
> Reservations
> Rollaway Bed
> Safe
> Safety & Security
> Smoking
> Stroller
> 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
> Wheelchairs
> Who Stays Here
> Who We Are
> Why doesn't EVB&C
answer my phone call?
> WiFi

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 has central air conditioning.

Fans are available on request.

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Air Mattress

I have very good, twin-size air mattresses available for an additional charge of $10 per night (+$10 for additional person per night if in excess of the maximum occupancy as listed on the Rooms & Rates page) for the following rooms: Treehouse, Observatory, Mexican, Afghani, Beach, Zen, Black & White.

The French room is the only room that can accommodate a rollaway bed.

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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.

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

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Atmosphere

East Village Bed & Coffee is first and foremost a home for Anne and her family and to guests from around the world with an open mind. At EVB&C you’ll have a unique opportunity to interact with other cultures, countries, and ideas that mirror the heart of the Big Apple and the people that make it so.

This is what makes EVB&C special for all of us.

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

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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 purchased, sold, or served between the hours of 4 am and 12 noon on Sundays.

See also the section on tipping

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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, shampoo, and the like are available for guests whose luggage was lost or forgot to bring something.

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.

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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.

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Bicycles

EVB&C provides bicycles** though the quantity and quality may vary. Locks, helmets, a portable air pump and even gloves are available upon request. A suggested donation of $10 helps to overcome the costs of maintenance, repair, and theft.*

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 .

** Bicycle rental in NYC runs $10-20 hour, $45-65 per day without a lock!
** Never lock bicycles to parking meters or nonpermanent fixtures such as building scaffolding. Always lock the bike through the frame and back wheel.

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Cancellation Policy

Cancellations* can be made via email to anne@bedandcoffee.com with ‘CANCELLATION’ as the subject heading. Please reference your reservation number. 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..

• Greater than 14 days: Full refund of deposit, no extra charges
• Between 14 and 7 days: 1 night deposit non-refundable
• Less than 7 days and before 72 hours of arrival: 25% of total booking or 1-night deposit – whichever is greater (maximum charge of $250)
• Less than 72 hours and before 24 hours of arrival: 50% of total booking – whichever is greater
• Less than 24 hours of arrival: 75% of total booking – whichever is greater
• No cancellation notice ('No show'): 100% of total booking charged
  
  * "Date of arrival" refers to 12am/00:01

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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 14days in advance to avoid cancellation fees. Please read the Cancellation Policy above.

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Charitable Donations

EVB&C wouldn't be around if it weren't for you.. I believe strongly in supporting the many people working to make a difference in our lives, and whom have stayed with me throughout the years. This includes the American Red Cross (They helped me during a disaster in 1989.), Doctors without Borders (too many guests to mention), Make it Right (Brad Pitt and Louisiana, dugh!), UNICEF (again too many to mention), Salvation Army (where all your lost clothing goes), National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Boston Marathoner friend and colleague), and of course public radio: WKCR and WBGO – the greatest jazz station on earth! That’s personal but it’s all good.

I'm also the treasurer for The Sam and Sadie Koenig Community Garden. Though we are not 501(c) not-for-profit organization, our mission is to give back to the community through the GreenThumb guidelines defined by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. see more

Mango and his sidekick give back too!

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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 or a neighborhood map.

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.

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Check-out Time

Check-out time is 12pm. Please confirm payment has been settled prior to departure.

You are welcome to 'hang out' as long as necessary and/or keep a front door key card* 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 (wet towels hanging up) 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 please 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 always welcomed.

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


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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. There is an additional charge or $5 per night for a crib.

Crib: I have the real deal, not the kind of 'crib' as seen on MTV or late night TV. Please note a crib will not work in the Dutch or Flight room.

Stroller: I have a small, foldable stroller perfect for public transportation and navigating the streets of New York.

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.

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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
The Intrepid has returned after necessary restoration and repairs though I don't know when it will make an appearance on the CityPass.
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.
or Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

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 & The Cloisters
Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
– Check out the new Greek and Roman Galleries

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Coffee & Tea

I offer 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!

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Computers & Internet Access

East Village Bed & Coffee provides free use of a MacBook on the top and middle floor common areas with high speed internet access and printers.

There is free WiFi throughout the building, so bring your laptop.

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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.

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Curfew

There is no curfew at East Village Bed & Coffee. You will have a room key and a front door key card. 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'.

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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.

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DOGGIES..

Meet Mango

He WILL get his own webpage one of these days. At the moment everybody is too busy enjoying him in person. Mango and I are also being trained to become a therapy team with The Good Dog Foundation.

Mango is a street dog from the beautiful island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. He is a friendly, happy 'sato', and loves life, kids, tennis balls, fake ducks and the like, and ironically snow. Check out his journey to JFK airport and beyond thanks to my friends at Palmetto Guesthouse who rescued him and the efforts of Animal Welfare of Culebra.

As the new concierge he will show you your room and give a tour of where those toys are plus the sofa. (Note: dogs are only allowed on the bottom floor.)



Mango and his side kick Blanquita are also winners!

Hugh Heffner and the Playboy Bunny won 4th place at the annual Tompkins Sq. Park Dog Halloween Parade in 2008. They were entry #360!

This year Mango and Blanquita panhandled for charity - entry #400 something and we were early.

They didn't win any prizes but received loads of dog treats. Both 'worked it' to raise money for Animal Welfare of Culebra Puerto Rico and won financial accolades for their effort.

Mango likes lounging in his smoking jacket and even enjoys wearing the toupée on occasion. Blanquita prefers to go au natural. They enjoy napping, deconstructing toys, and napping again. Mango is very talented at serenading Blanquita for a toy. He's quite the gentleman.

"Munch" (Fang Tres)

Munch* was adopted at approximately 3 1/2-years of age. As the 3rd owner (at best) of this German Shepherd/Husky mix things did not work out. Months of training and love did not help him overcome his anxiety. After searching far and wide for 'rescue' farms that cater to this type of animal to live out their natural life, and no interest, I had no choice but to put Munch down in August of 2008. This was an extremely difficult decision and one I hope never to choose again. For the safety of humanity it was absolutely necessary.

* Munch was originally named Rambo and renamed Soldier.

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.

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Electric Converters, Phone and iPod chargers

I have an assortment of electric converters located in a basket on my desk, 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.

Each room has an MP3/iPod/iPhone docking station and charger. The unit is also an alarm clock/radio.

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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. The building was built in 1901 before Elisha Graves Otis's invention of the elevator was commonly used. And let's face it.. walking 1 or 2 flights of stairs is good for your health. It's time for America to get off their ass.

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.

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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.

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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.) Note: only the French room can accommodate a rollaway bed.

Unexpected visitors are another story..

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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".

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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 bacteria from Microbe-Lift, environmentally 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.

COMPOST
I won’t ask you to do it but feel free to. All compost is given to my local community garden: Sam & Sadie Koenig Garden at 237 E. 7th Street. The chef from Arcane – across the street and a good one! – saves for me as well.

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.

BED BUGS
We don't have any and please don't bring any. We use Clean Rest® allergen barrier/anti-bug mattress and box spring covers. Great customer service by the way.

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 at EVB&C, plus 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, capital improvement/tax benefits and even frequent flyer miles or the option to help pay down your child's student loan simply by changing your heating system, air conditioning, recycling appliances, and ironically even changing your choice of utility provider to an ESCO - a company that provides alternatively generated power, such as wind or solar. Check with your local provider.

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

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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.

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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'.

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Guide Books

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

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Hairdryer

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

See what else is in the bathroom!

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Handicap Access

Unfortunately, EVB&C is not ADA compliant as this building is over 110 years old. We've had many requests and recommend suitable accommodation for the 'wheelchair divas/drivers'! Note: ALL rooms require the use of stairs.

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History

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

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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.

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House Rules

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

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Iron

There is an iron and ironing board on each floor. We also have a professional garment steamer available on request.

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Keys

Every room has a set of keys: one for the room and a key card 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.

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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.

There are newly renovated kitchens on the middle and top floors.(I haven't figured out what I want to do with the bottom floor kitchen.) All are fully equipped with plenty of room for storing food and necessities including a coffee maker, tea kettle, 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.

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

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Laundry

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

Most likely you will find me at the laundromat located on the corner of Avenue C and 5th Street, open 24-hours including drop-off service. There is also a laundromat on the corner of Avenue C and 8th Street – drop-off service only.

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

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Location, location, location
>>download a neighborhood map

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.

Check out Hilary Duff in front of our door!

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?

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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.

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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 is delivered between 3 and 4 am by a private service, not the airlines.

Please DO NOT give my private cell phone number or my 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. (Our doorbell is super loud!)

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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 card until then.

You may also request long term storage.

Luggage Storage Options in Midtown
Luggage storage was banned everywhere after 9/11 but there are now 2 options:

Penn Station
Purchase the cheapest Amtrak ticket and you can store your luggage at a cost of $4.50 per piece. Checked baggage is available from 5:15am – 9:45pm.

Schwartz Travel Services
Daily, weekly, and monthly storage available. $6-10 per bag for 24 hours.

355 W. 36th Street
between 8th & 9th Avenue
Open 8am – 11pm

48 West 46th Street
between 5th & 6th Avenue
Open 8am – 8pmin't

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MetroCards

Also see Public Transportation and Walking Distance in NYC

The fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2.25. There is a free transfer (valid for 2 hours) between the bus and subway, and bus to bus. 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 $8.25
7-Day Pass $27
14-Day Pass $51.50
Monthly Pass $89

Per ride pass:
Put $8 or more on your card and receive a 15% bonus. For example, a $20 purchase gives you $23, 10 trips for the price of 9, with $0.50 balance. Refill your card to use the balance. 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

* 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 or it's lost or stolen.

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Neighborhood

Hum, nothin' (written) yet... check in the Location section and download my new neighborhood map.

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Noise

GOOD NEWS, sound-proof windows have been installed in all rooms facing the street manufactured by the best - City Quiet. Though you won't get to hear the trucks and bars we love to hate, you can say "Night Night"' when you do leave them in the City that never sleeps*.

Earplugs are available for extra sensitive ears as well as ambient 'white' noise machines when requested -- sounds like a fan and helps balance out all noise.

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.

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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, and events going on in the City. 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 regarding 'Alternate Side of the Street Parking Rules' for street cleaning. effective Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 11 am and 12:30pm. You may double park during this time but your car must be moved accordingly to avoid getting a ticket.

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Payment

A valid credit card is needed to secure a booking. A 1-night deposit is taken at this time. The balance due must be settled upon arrival.

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

Wire transfer can be arranged for long-term stays.

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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.

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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

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Rates

Rates include all applicable taxes: combined NY State and City sales tax (8.875%), Hotel Room Occupancy tax (5.875%), plus $2 per-night NYC room charge.

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

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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 (non-food container plastic). Please separately save all plastic bags for re-use or recycling but not in the bin. Don't worry, I won't force you to compost!

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Reservations

A valid credit card is required to book through my secure sever. A 1-night deposit is charged. The balance can be made with another form of payment. There is a 2-night minimum to reserve, 3-night minimum on weekends - any nights between Thursday and Monday. (Any 2 days remaining and shown available on weekends can be reserved online.) 1-night reservations are only accepted by phone AFTER checking availability and WITHIN 2 weeks of arrival.

Long-term inquires (15 days or longer) should email directly, with "Long Term" as the subject heading.

I accept reservations up to one year in advance and taken in the order of receipt. Please use our secure Online Booking. There is an option to be placed on our waiting list. If you have any difficulties or no access to a computer phone during office hours or fax.

If you are looking for a particular room please book as far in advance as possible. EVB&C typically fills up 3-8 months in advance.

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Safe

I have it, but it's not in your room and I'm not telling you where it is.

You are more than welcome to relinquish your valuables to me for security.

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Safety & Security

25,000+ guests over nearly 12 years and NEVER a theft! Well, that is not entirely true: milk from the refrigerator and some food.

There is also an NYPD Precinct on the corner!!!

See also the location

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Smoking

This is a NON-SMOKING building.

Smokers may use our garden – weather permitting and without disturbance to other guests.

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES - including bars and restaurants - within New York City. It's the law!

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Switching Rooms

No problem. You have the option to book an additional room(s) through the online booking system. You may also request to switch rooms for a single night through the 'comments' area of the booking system.

I will provide you with the new room key one day prior to the switch and move your luggage after the room is vacated and cleaned, and lock the door.

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Telephones

Each floor has a telephone* and answering machine with free local and regional service. A phone card is required to call long-distance and easily purchased. To dial within New York City dial 1 + area code + 7 digit numb er... even if you are calling within the building.

Please give your friends and family the following telephone number(s) if you wish to receive phone calls here.

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

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

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

The international dialing code from the US is 011 then the country code. Numbers dialed within the US and NYC must first dial '1' then the 3-digit area code.

* NOTE: 212-533-4175 is for general information ONLY and not answered. The reservation number 917-816-0071 is in use during office hours.

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Things you should know about NYC that NOBODY will ever tell you..

Houston Street is pronouced 'HOW-stan' not HUE-stan'. The Street is named for William Houstoun not the City in Texas.

The words 'Original' and 'Official' are often interchanged and used in reference to a business or website and meaningless!

Alcohol and Wine in NYC are only sold in liquor or wine stores. Wine sold in groceries is not true wine but rather a low (American beer) level of alcohol. Liquor stores were recently allowed to open on Sundays. No alcohol may be sold or bought anywhere between the hours of 4am and 12noon on Sundays. Bars are not permitted to sell wine or liquor for takeaway.

Americans & Bathrooms: Outside the United States, it is customary to close the bathroom door when not in use – though some forget to turn off the light. There is a more than fair chance that NOBODY is in the bathroom – so knock first.

Drivers: There is no right turn on red in New York City! (I learned the hard way.) Double parking or parking in a bus stop will get you a ticket faster than anything. However there is an 'unofficial' double parking tolerance policy in this neighborhood regarding Alternate Side of the Street Parking Rules... More advice!

DVDs are coded by region. DVDs purchased in the USA are coded for USA players (region 1). If you wish to view American DVDs in your country a multi-region DVD player is required.

Macy's and Bloomingdale's Department stores offer an 11% discount to foreigners on EVERYTHING. Simply present your passport to receive a discount card.

Subway and Bus Click here for more information. Note the scale of the subway map is completely out-of-proportion especially in regards to our neighborhood.

The Dallas / Ft. Worth airport is larger than the island of Manhattan.

Broadway is reputedly the longest street in North America: spanning lower Manhattan to the Albany, New York - the capital of New York State.

See also Tipping and Walking Distance

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Tipping in New York City

Some will tell you tipping is optional*, yet customary. I will tell you the truth!

Taxi drivers, waiters, and bartenders make almost their entire income from tips! These occupations are the few that are paid below the legal minimum wage. Tipping is NOT optional if you want good service.

The standard good service tip is 15-20% of the total. (Of course, if the service is sub par that would be a different story.)

* NOTE: In the USA gratuity is NOT included to the final cost of a taxi ride or restaurant check. The exception may be for a large group of people. A large group of people may receive a bill with gratuity included according to their policy noted on the menu. A quick rule of thumb to figure out gratuity is to double the amount of tax. The other exception is in a restaurant. The general rule is to exclude tip from the cost of wine bottles - no liquor - unless there is a corkage fee.

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Tourist Attractions

Attractions are located all over the City. I can advise on the best form of transportation to your destination. (see below for approximate times)

The double decker bus tours are an excellent way to see the city without having to damage your feet – the link is to one of the many companies offering tours.

CityPass is an economical way to visit attractions and skip the wait in line.

Also check the section on our location.

Approximate travel times from EVB&C:

via public transportation..

Central Park 35 minutes
Empire State Building 25 minutes
The Gugg 45 minutes
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts 45 minutes
Metropolitan Museum of Art 35 minutes
Museum of Modern Art 30 minutes
P.S.1
Rockefeller Center 25 minutes
Staten Island Ferry 40 minutes
Statue of Liberty 45 minutes
Times Square 30 minutes
World Trade Center 40 minutes

and walking to neighborhoods:

Chelsea 40 minutes
Chinatown 30 minutes
Little Italy 25 minutes
Lower East Side 10 minutes
Nolita 20 minutes
SoHo 25 minutes
Tribeca 45 minutes

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Tours of EVB&C

Please do not 'stop by' unexpectedly and expect a tour. The day has been preplanned for weeks and always busy. You may call during office hours to arrange an appointment. Mid-afternoon is the ideal time for a tour when most guests are out and about.

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Towels

EVB&C provides towels, wash cloths and linens of course. Save the space in your luggage for shopping. Extra towels/new towels are available on request.

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Visitors

Visitors are welcome as long as they don't disturb or interfere with the peace and freedom of other guests and leave at a reasonable hour.

Unauthorized overnight visitors are STRICTLY PROHIBITED without prior acceptance and will be charged and/or asked to leave the premises.

Also see the the section on extra guests.

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Waiting List

If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the ‘availability’ page click on ‘put your name on the waiting list'. You will be automatically notified of a cancellation via email.

I cannot, however, edit or delete dates on your behalf nor can you specify a room or occupancy preference. This is just a courtesy of advance notice.

Please DO NOT reply to the notification if you have made other arrangements and DISREGARD any further notices.

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Weddings, Groups, and Group Tours

BLOCKING OUT DATES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. I am far too small a business to manage 100% turnover on any given day – a logistical nightmare. Hosting large groups is also incredibly disruptive to the other guests and to my family.  As a policy, a maximum of three rooms can be booked under the same name for the same dates.  If the same group books several rooms under different names, the bookings will be cancelled. 

It is important that guests note both the smoking and cancellation policies and other relevant information found in the FAQs.  Most importantly, it is paramount that all guests respect the privacy of others while staying at East Village Bed and Coffee.  

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What's that thing in front of the building?

A bus shelter. We're lucky to have one. Most bus stops in NYC don't - also good for staying dry when you're trying to hail a cab in the rain.

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What is 'walking distance' in NYC?

NEW YORKERS WALK.. A LOT*, which is why you will see shoe stores and massage joints everywhere.

A city block is bounded by avenues and streets. Avenues run north/south and streets east/west. As a general rule the distance between avenues is 3 times the distance between streets - completing a square if-you-will. However, somebody twisted the grid in the West Village and in parts of Lower Manhattan! We'll just blame it on the Dutch for now.

• 20 north-south blocks equals 1 mile.
• Fifth Avenue divides the streets into East and West.
• Sixth Avenue is also referred to as Avenue of the Americas
• East 8th Street is also called St. Marks west of Tompkins Square Park to Astor Place.
• Broadway is actually the longest street in America - running from lower Manhattan to the capital of New York State - Albany.

* NOTE: The NYC Subway map is completely out of scale. My neighborhood map IS to scale. It took 12 years to complete and it's yours to download. I would be working for the MTA right now, but they wouldn't hire me in the map department. If they get wind of this map they will be calling me back! It's our secret.

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Wheelchairs

Though EVB&C is not ADA compliant because of the age of the building you are welcome to leave a wheelchair on the bottom floor in our workshop.

There is a pharmacy up the street that rents wheelchairs. The last time we rented one (Oct. 2009) it was $20 per day with a refundable $200 deposit. If necessary we would be happy to reserve one for you.

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Who Stays Here

Lots of people, young and old: mostly people whom concentrate on living and not complaining. Neighbor’s relatives, heaps in the culture arts: from musicians to oncologists; visual artists to scholars; faculty; families; film producers, directors, and DP’s; friends and florists. You name it.

The bottom line is many become and remain friends. Some have even met here, married, and had kids. Others have become engaged or married at City Hall with moi as the witness. If you’re a repeat guest please provide some keywords so I can Google my brain.

Here are a few others:
Sean Aiken, the oneweekjob guy, frequent guests including author Sonja Nagl

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Who We Are

Anne

We are a 'she'. That would be me - Anne Edris. East Village Bed & Coffee is my home. I answer the phone, the door, your questions, etc. I have an MFA in painting from the Maryland Institute, College of Art. Mostly I re-paint rooms now -- all because I love this place. (more about me) And after doing everything myself for over a decade I decided I needed help...

Harrison Hertzman became my assistant in 2008. We met in Culebra, Puerto Rico. He has a business degree from Bucknell University and experience in the hospitality industry. When he asked me if I needed assistance and could he bring his dog Blanquita to work the answer was a definitive ‘YES’. Harrison even drove me to JFK airport to pick up my adopted dog Mango from Puerto Rico. Though sometimes I wonder if he only sticks around because our dogs have become such good pals.

We have a lot in common, which makes for a good team: love of music, culture, canines, hockey, and the City.

The Rest of the Crew..

Billye – ‘The Bull with a Vacuum’ has cleaned for me off-and-on for over 4 years. He holds a special place in my heart. After moving back to NYC from Seattle for a 2nd time, he asked for his old job back. No questions asked. This guy can clean like you can’t even do for yourself and don't ask for his phone number. I'm not letting him leave again. Billye is also a barista and aspiring graffiti artist. Check out his artwork.

Coletta – She’s been with me the longest. I hired here because the‘Craigslist’ posting said she was from the beautiful island of Saint Lucia. Well, so is my better half of 10 years; and knowing him, I knew Coletta must be good. She’s a talented photographer. Many of her pics are on my website and she’s for hire!

Lupe – We met through a mutual friend from Italy. She is THE CLEANING DYNOMO. She sometimes brings her two lovely daughters on days off from school. They make origami out of MetroCards and often shred paper for me for a little extra ‘allowance’.

Then there is Henry. He's the brains behind the website and indispensable: my database guru, the architect completing PCI compliance, security port scans and all those other programming acronyms that elude me. Without Henry EVB&C would still be in the 20th century.

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Why don't you answer my phone call?

Keep in mind EST (Eastern Standard Time), then the bathroom, the dog, the subway, errands, the daughter that only visits me on her time, cell-free zones in NYC, late arrivals due to flight delays, yadda, yadda, ya.

You've heard it a million times, but it's true. Your phone call IS important. I will be happy to return your call if a room is available for your requested dates. Look at the bright side it will be my nickel!

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