The Harlem Flophouse

This place oozes charm. It must be one of the most characterful places that you could hope to stay in in NYC. With just four rooms, it feels very cozy. The location is great: away from the rush of downtown, but with downtown still within easy reach barely 10 minutes away by subway; Harlem, Morningside Heights, the north end of Central Park all within walking distance. The owner Rene, who lives on the garden-level, is very friendly and helpful, and the price extremely reasonable. We would certainly stay there again.

There are a few things to mention, not as criticism, but as factors that may influence certain travelers' decisions about whether to choose this place or not. All of these things are obvious when booking. First, the toilet/bathroom is shared with the other room on the same floor. We never experienced this as a problem. Second, there is no on-site catering, so you need to find hot drinks and breakfast elsewhere. There are suggested addresses provided, and Harlem is full of great places to go, so again not a problem. And third, there is no TV in the room - but why would you want one anyway, when you have NYC to explore?

We stayed in Harlem Flophouse for 3 nights (following a previous slightly longer stay). We got the same room (Thelonius Monk). Check in was super easy and our host was super responsive and informative. When we first booked, he told us about construction next door which was no problem at all during our stay since they only work on the neighbouring property during the day when you should be out and about anyway. The room was super clean and likewise the bathrooms. Honestly, if people claim otherwise, they must have brought their own bugs with them. Harlem Flophouse is so authentic: Think dark wood bannisters, the smell of wood polish, quirky and intriguing decor; "Thank you" notes forgotten in the desk in our room. There's something so unique about this place - it's like living in album artwork for a while. I stayed here with a child and we never felt unsafe either in Harlem Flophouse or the surrounding neighbourhood and I can contrast this with the experience of a friend who stayed in a modern hotel near Times Square at the same time. It was sweltering hot in New York, but the room has ample windows, bug screens, a strong fan - who needs aircon? Express subway (e.g. A-line) and busses (M3 etc.) that travel along central park are so nearby and makes The Big Apple your Oyster so to speak. The local amenities are also so much better than tourist hotspots: Lincoln Market (open until late) has everything you could possibly need grocery wise (Going to write them a review too!), with the friendliest staff; there's even a nearby Lidl if you're on a budget and some really amazing restaurants. I teased the host that I did not want to share this place with too many other people by writing a good review, but I just could not keep this with myself. I really won't be staying anywhere else when I next visit New York. This place is honestly a gem and should have a cult following, especially at the price.

There was nothing I did not like. My initial longing for things like a nespresso maker or kettle in the room soon vanished with all the great coffee in easy reach in the neighbourhood (I'd recommend coffee and pastries from Lincoln Market) if you're in need of a quick breakfast. This place does not pretend to be anything it is not and the descriptions etc. are accurate. Go ahead and get legionnaire's disease in some air-conditioned hell-hole if you like. This place was just perfect as it is. Thank God it doesn't have all the nonsense offered by chain hotels which lack such authenticity. It's like staying in a friend's home. It's the place for you if you're a traveller and not a tourist; a mensch and not a schmuck.

We had an amazing stay. The property was super clean. It had everything! Perfect for couples . Full of cute touches, loved and photographed every corner. loved the detailing and the art pieces. it’s a house from the movies! Rene is the super host, he helped us finding good cafes around! this house made my stay in nyc special! if you are booking Harlem flop house, I suggest you take some Victorian costume for a photoshoot you wouldn’t wana miss that :D

just an electric kettle could be a good addition, I wanted to have coffee or tea sometimes in the room.

The house was beautiful and in a perfect location just 2 blocks away from the subway. We felt at home in the house and loved the decor and atmosphere. The bed was very comfy and the neighbourhood so peaceful

Nothing of note however a nice idea could be to have hot drink facilities either in the room or the lobby - a kettle for hot water, milk and some tea/coffee. It would be a nice way to start the day!

The lovingly restored early 20th century vibe was a unique experience. The rooms were huge. Saw a great acoustic jazz performance. Super helpful host. Express subway means only 10 minutes to midtown. Good food in the neighborhood.

The antique shower took some skill to operate. But I dig that kind of stuff. The wifi was all 21st century though.

Stylish and atmospheric accommodation filled with character. Good value for those travelling on a mid range budget but looking to stay somewhere memorable. Lived up to the photos with large rooms. Lots to do in the neighbourhood. The facilities were good, with wifi and no tv.

It's not for everyone as the building is quite old with squeaking floorboards and old furniture. On the more basic side of NYC hotels.

In the heart of Harlem this ‘Flophouse’ conjures up visions of the past, it’s hard not to be lost in the history of the place. If only the walls could talk. Rene couldn’t have done more for my stay, organising my accommodation after multiple changes in my itinerary. A proper gent!

That I had to leave.

The location is very accessible to the subway and buses. I also walked a lot and used the CityBikes for getting around. My room was spacious, quiet and clean. It was a very unique space which I liked. And a funky neighbourhood.

It is far but then New York is a big city... everything is far! That's why the easy access to transit is a big help!

I was highly impressed with the decor and overall feel of the place. Really takes you back to another era. The house is amazing, well kept and clean. Central Park and subways is a stroll away along with local food food. The neighborhood was friendly and quit. There is no air conditioning but the air circulation was great. There is also no televisions but I found time to read books and listen to the radio so not a problem. Finally I must say you can’t beat the price and you can really stretch out your New York visit granted you have the time. If you want to see time square your a 15 minute subway ride away. Then you can escape the hustle and bustle in back at the Harlem Flophouse where you’ll find that peace and quit. Very cool place def will be back

I have no negatives

We‘ve had a really nice stay at The Harlem Flophouse. Our room was faced to the backyard and it was really quiet. We loved the design of our room, the bathrooms and the whole house. The size of the room was great. It‘s near the Metro and easy to find.