Brooklyn adventure

I'm a writer who came to New York to try to find representation for a book I'm working on. Though I didn't secure an agent on this visit, I did find a writer's retreat in this restored Brooklyn brownstone that I hope to return to again and again. I chose the property in part because of the gorgeous pictures, which don't really do it justice. It is even cozier and more aesthetically pleasing in person with beautiful wood floors, artistic touches, and comfortable furnishings. I also chose it because the owners were so prompt and thorough in answering all my questions over email and so welcoming. In person, they were even more so! I arrived at 6:30 am on a red-eye flight, and though my unit wasn't yet ready to check into, they made arrangements so I could leave my luggage, rest, shower, and get ready for a meeting on another floor of this four-level brownstone. It was so amazing for them to extend that kind of hospitality. Once settled, I found cute cafes for breakfast within walking distance and an easy stroll to the A line Metro, which whisked me into Manhattan. The neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant is one in flux. 10 years ago it was considered dangerous, but gentrification is clearly underway. I felt safe as a female traveler alone, even when coming home at night after midnight. The weather was stormy while I was there, but luckily I felt cozy and comfortable in this brownstone retreat. I bought groceries (Super Foodtown, in walking distance, stocks many organic products) and took advantage of the spacious, gourmet kitchen in the unit to cook meals. I hooked into the provided internet connection and did work on my laptop. I curled up in the soft brown leather chair in the living area and read a novel. Though official check-out time is at 10 a.m., the owners again accommodated me on my day of departure by letting me stay in the unit until I headed out for the airport at 3:30 p.m. at no extra charge. They helped me find a driver who could take me. These are truly wonderful individuals, whose love for Brooklyn and for their home is reflected in all the caring details of their property. The only drawback to the unit I found was that, due to its location on the bottom floor, the footsteps of people in the unit above were quite loud. I was trying to sleep in after a late Friday night and was awakened early by the rapping of their feet on the hardwood floors. Other than this, however, the unit and the neighborhood was very quiet. 5 stars!

We stayed with Jacqui and David at this fabulous place for one week in Oct. 09. A home away from home, with an easy ride to Manhatten, as the express subway is just around the corner.
The whole place was so well set up, with interesting art work all through the apartment, a comfortable bed, great kitchen and very clean throughout. The surroundings are very diverse and cosmopolitan, full of life and safe day and night.
The walk around Brooklyn Heights with a view onto Manhattan was my favourite!
Walking over the Brooklyn bridge is also not to be missed..
Jacqui and David were always there to greet us. We even went to a fabulous restaurant with them one night. They are great company and judging by the reviews everyone wants to go back to see them and Brooklyn . We certainly do!

We had a fantastic stay in the apartment. It was spacious and really comfortable- perfect for relaxing in after a long day sightseeing! The kitchen was well equipped with everything you could need and there were several grocery stores in the neighbourhood. The place was also spotlessly clean with a helpful subway map shower curtain so you can plan your route while you shower in the morning!

Manhattan was a short train ride away on the A or C train from the Nostrand Avenue station a 2 minute walk from the apartment. I would definitely recommend getting a weekly subway ticket ($27) if you are there a few days like we were. These are also valid on the buses which were a great way of seeing the sights of the city without having to walk for miles. The A train also goes to Howard Beach station from where you can get the Air Train to JFK airport.

The owners were really friendly and helpful- we had a great stay there and would definitely book the apartment for future visits to this great city, especially as we would love to explore Brooklyn some more.

I have to say that this was the perfect base for our explorations of the big Apple. With a two year old in tow we thought that an apartment would be a better choice that a small hotel room in Manhattan for our week in NY and what a perfect choice this apartment was!. Jacqui and David were the perfect hosts and they really have provided a home from home, the love and attention they have put into this apartment really shows: from the cupboard full of toys, the washer and dryer (no laundry to come home to!) the yard out the back (complete with grill, tables and bikes) and a kitchen with everything you need. We spent most of our time in the very large kitchen, a drink around its big table was the pefect place to relax after a hard day shopping and sightseeing! with the subway at the end of the road, you were right on the main line, just hop of the 8th Avenue express and in 20 minutes you were in the heart of the city. Its not in the most affluent area of Brooklyn, but you do feel safe (even coming home late) We didnt find any nice bars or resturants within walking distance (I'm sure there are!) but we really felt like we had a taste of what it was really like to live in New York. I recommend to anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle at least at night time and as my little girl still says now "are we going back to Jacqui's house?" I would easily go back there anytime! I just hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did....

Without doing a lot of research before planning a trip to NYC, we got VERY lucky with Dave & Jacqui. What great hosts, tour guides, and just very friendly folks. A very nice apartment set-up: plenty of space, clean, has everything you could need and we felt very comfortable.
We were able to get around very quickly in the city with the subway station being so close, and a few markets for food are right around the corner. The neighbors were also friendly and helpful on several occasions.
We already planned to bring some friends to stay again in the Fall!

I booked this apartment on the strength of the reviews so think it is fair that I add my thoughts. This apartment was a great find and I cannot recommend it enough. Jacqui and David were welcoming and helpful throughout. They arranged a car to collect us from JFK which, as it was a Hummer, pleased my kids no end! The apartment was lovely, really cared for and full of quirks. It was big enough for a family of five for a week, especially with the garden to use. The full kitchen was brilliant and we were able to eat in some nights. The location was ideal with a 3 minute walk to the express A train to all the sights. Bed Stuy is an interesting place to experience and a million times better than staying in an anonymous hotel in Central New York. The area outside Hancock St felt a bit daunting at first but the reality was that everyone I met was friendly and falling over themselves to help. Please, please do not be put off by previous reputation or preconceptions as, if you are, you will be missing a treat. Highlights of my Brooklyn experience were: Coney Island on a sunny day, S train 5 minutes walk away; Tom's Restaurant for breakfast on Jacqui's recommendation, one stop on the S train; the Manhattan skyline at dusk from under Brooklyn Bridge, a few stops on the A train; Chinese take away from Yummy's round the corner and best of all a cold beer in the garden after a hot day in Manhattan! Thank you Jacqui and David for a great holiday in your house I would not consider staying anywhere else in New York.

Although the neighborhood at first seem a little threatening for us country folk from the UK, we soon found it to be OK, safe and interesting. Our short stay with David and Jacqui was one where we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable. The apartment was great, with all we could need and within easy access on the tube to Manhattan. We will return.

We stayed here for one week in February 2009. Do not hesitate with the opportunity to stay with Jacqui and David. Committing to booking accommodation from the other side of the globe can be a bit daunting, especially with rumours about scam sites, etc. All our fears instantly dissipated upon arrival. What a neat home (more than just an apartment) - you are staying in a family home but totally private as well. The rooms are exceptionally well appointed with everything you could want. A large central kitchen table was really neat as was the barbers chair! Our hosts made us so welcome and were particularly helpful at all times. The location was really convenient with plenty of local amenities. You could not ask for more - believe me! If you want assurance that this is a genuine review, email Jacqui in the first instance who I gladly give permission to to pass on my contact details.