The Harlem Flophouse is a historic guest house located at 242 West 123rd Street, New York, NY 10027. Originally built in the 1890s, it offers an old-world charm with four individually decorated rooms, shared bathrooms, and a distinctive vintage ambiance. This guest house is situated in Harlem, just north of Central Park, making it a quieter alternative to the bustling midtown Manhattan hotels.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Expedia: N/A
Booking: 8.8/10
Highlights: Vintage decor, Room Spacious, Quiet environment
Official Website: The Harlem Flophouse: NYC Hotels
"This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual location."
Main Positive Reviews:
Charming Atmosphere: Many guests appreciated the vintage decor and history of the building, describing it as stepping back in time to early 20th century Harlem.
Quiet Location: Located in a peaceful area of Harlem, guests enjoyed the calm and quiet environment, away from the noise of midtown Manhattan.
Friendly Host: The host, Rene, was frequently praised for being warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the local area.
Cleanliness: Several reviews noted the rooms and shared bathrooms as being very clean, despite their age.
Unique Experience: Guests loved the fact that this is not a standard hotel but more of a boutique guest house with a lot of personality and history.
Spacious Rooms: Rooms were often described as larger than typical New York hotels, with ample space for relaxation.
Good Value: Many guests felt that for the price, the Harlem Flophouse provided excellent value, especially compared to the high prices of other NYC accommodations.
Local Culture: Being in Harlem, guests loved the proximity to jazz clubs, local restaurants, and cultural landmarks like the Apollo Theater.
Historical Restoration: Reviewers appreciated the care that had gone into restoring the building, with its antique furnishings and original woodwork.
Comfortable Stay: Despite being a guest house with shared bathrooms, many guests commented on the overall comfort and homely feel of the space.
Main Negative Reviews:
Not Suitable for Everyone: Some visitors felt that the guest house’s vintage charm wasn’t for them, preferring more modern accommodations with contemporary conveniences.
Old Building & Cleaning Issues: A few guests reported issues like creaky floorboards, drafty windows, and outdated plumbing as well as some hygiene issues in the rooms.
No Air Conditioning: Some visitors mentioned that the rooms can get very warm during the summer months due to the lack of air conditioning.
Rude/Unfriendly Services: Some visitors mentioned that the owner never showed up and not unfriendly enough.
Limited Room Availability: With only four rooms, some guests had difficulty booking a stay, leading to disappointment when the guest house was fully booked.
Overall Analysis
Cost: USD Around $120 - $150 per night (based on average rates from various booking platforms).
The Harlem Flophouse offers a unique and memorable stay for those looking to experience the charm of old Harlem in a peaceful, vintage setting. Its location near Central Park and Harlem’s cultural landmarks is a highlight, and the host’s personal touch adds to the experience. However, the shared bathrooms, lack of air conditioning, and minimal amenities might be off-putting for travelers seeking a more conventional hotel experience.
For those who appreciate history and boutique accommodations, the Harlem Flophouse offers great value and a distinctive stay. If you're comfortable with shared facilities and enjoy the charm of a bygone era, this is a fantastic option. However, if modern amenities are a priority, you may want to look elsewhere.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Worth staying if you're open to a unique, vintage experience. If your priority is convenience and modern comforts, it might not be the best choice.
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