I remember the first time I watched The Holiday. Seeing Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet trade lives and submerge themselves in each other’s homes seemed like the ultimate vacationers fantasy. We’re always so curious about how other people live and imagine what it’s like to walk in their shoes. Celebrity or not, this curiosity is finally being cured by one amazing idea that breaks down the barrier between fantasy and reality. One Fine Stay, the self-titled “unhotel” service, coordinates traveler’s stays in private homes while the owners are out of town (yup – awesome). Think you’d rather play it safe at a friend’s place instead? Think again – these aren’t your average apartments.
Based in the UK, One Fine Stay’s unique draw doesn’t stop there. Each home is easy to book and serviced like a normal hotel: spick-and-span upon arrival, decked out with fancy toiletries, with an optional maid service (if you so desire) and even a personal suggestion of local activities from the homeowners themselves. It gives you the chance to experience their world, and create your own memories.
And with an exclusive collection of private homes in NYC, your choice of Uptown, Downtown or Brooklyn are not the only options at your fingertips. How many bedrooms would you like? Would you prefer an elevator? Garden? Tumble dryer? Private cinema? A place for kids? Iron included? Check out a map of the local area, peek at features of the home and flip through availability all in one place. Amenity choices are easily searchable and the list of unique properties is constantly stretching to accommodate more fabulous “unhotel” options. If it were up to me – this is how I’d like to travel!
Have you picked out your next NYC stop yet? (Here’s mine)!
1 East 8th Street, East Village
2 3rd Street, Carroll Gardens
3 York Avenue, Upper East Side
4 West 28th Street, Chelsea
5 Judge Street, Williamsburg
6 The Bowery, NoHo
7 East 95th Street, Upper East Side
8 Hudson Park, Tribeca