A Cosy Gem With a Million-Dollar View
JHEE
just outside Philadelphia in beautiful New Jersey
Review Submitted: October 24, 2007
Date of Stay: October 2007
We travel to New York frequently, and decided this time we'd venture away from our usual haunts and explore some more economical and adventurous places to stay.
We'd never been to Staten Island and, frankly, our friends thought we were nuts to stay there, but we had a wonderful stay at this immaculate, warm, safe and inviting house. We thought it was even nicer than the pictures had indicated, and everything you'll need to make yourselves at home is provided. Parking is free - and right in front of the house. The owner, Robin, was friendly and helpful, and clearly cared about everything being "just so" for her guests.
Although some of the surrounding area is a little down-at-the-heels, this home is spruced up and has a wonderful location. From the front deck, you'll have broad clear views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. We enjoyed watching the trusty little tugboats shepherd giant barges in and out of the harbor as intrepid little sailboats tacked their way through the bustle.
Across the street from the house is a harbor-side esplanade where you can stroll (or jog, if you're so inclined.) Just down the street is a donut shop where you can grab a quick croissant or have a full eggs-and-bacon breakfast.
The ferry terminal is a pleasant, three block walk from the house, taking you past a moving memorial to the Staten Islanders who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a nice little baseball stadium that's home to the minor-league Staten Island Yankees.
The FREE 24-hour-service passengers-only ferry is clean and reliable and both the Staten Island and Battery Park terminals appeared very shiny and new. The 25-minute ferry ride will take you right by the Statue of Liberty (the ferry does not stop there) and it was a refreshing and pleasant way to arrive in Manhattan. At the Battery Park ferry terminal you can easily hop on a subway uptown, grab a cab, climb on a tour bus, or just start exploring.
A short drive from this house is Snug Harbor (founded in 1833 for "aged, decrepit and worn-out sailors") where you can have a nice brunch outside under the trees, or explore the gardens and restored Victorian cottages and Greek Revival buildings.
If we had one small complaint about our stay, and it's a subjective one, we found the mattresses too firm. They might benefit from the addition of a latex or featherbed topper to soothe the sleep of those of us with older bones. Or maybe we're just wimps.
We have already recommended this place to friends, and would happily stay there again. Thank you, Robin, for a very positive introduction to Staten Island life.
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Helpful votes: 12/16
