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  5. Reviews of The Harlem Flophouse

Reviews of The Harlem Flophouse 2 stars

242 West 123rd Street Private residence, Harlem, New York, NY 10027, United States

#43 of 418 hotels in New York

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 74 hotel reviews

8.8

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.6

  • Location

    8.9

  • Facilities

    8.4

  • Staff

    9.0

  • Value for money

    9.1

  • Free WiFi

    9.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This was a magical place to stay. It has been beautifully renovated, the rooms are huge and have their own sinks which is fantastic when sharing a bathroom. There is a bathroom on both floors so you only have to share with one or two other rooms, and the bathroom itself is old fashioned but beautiful, the shower has great pressure. It's a bare bones service and when you're spending all day out and only really sleeping here it's perfect. There's a subway station a very short walk away so great access to the rest of Manhattan and doesn't take long. Walking distance to Central Park too!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    10
    Staying here is a full experience!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was like a time capsule and felt very homey! Everything was clean, comfortable and I felt very safe throughout my stay.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Nothing.

    A beautifully preserved property with lots of character and a friendly host. Really well located for travelling around NYC and exploring the city.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2023

    10
    Best hotel I’ve ever stayed at !!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was so clean, quiet, it felt like being home ! Super nice bathrooms, beautiful rooms and lobby.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 December 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 6 nights

    We had a very pleasant stay here, the house is one of a kind and the vibes were just perfect. René was very nice and accessible! would definitely stay here again and recommend it to my friends

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 November 2023

    10
    Clean, comfortable and full of character
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We really enjoyed our stay at the Harlem Flophouse. It had so much character, and was also incredibly comfortable and clean. It was very conveniently located (only a short walk from Central Park, and also close to some nice coffee shops and restaurants). The room was beautifully decorated and we loved arriving to some soft jazz being played on the radio as the afternoon sun poured through the windows. We attended one of the bi-weekly live music sessions, which was brilliant, and overall had a great stay. Would very much recommend it as a base for any trip to NYC.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 19 November 2023

    8.0
    Good choice for the price
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Smell of the towels and bed linen, lack of kettle, doors were not sound proof - you could really hear every step on the corridor

    Design, atmosphere of the old house, proximity to the metro station, good neighborhood

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 November 2023

    10
    Beautiful house in a cool and upcoming neighbourhood giving you the local and not tourist vibe feeling.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I absolutely loved the interior of the house. René did an amazing job with renovating it. I also loved that some bathrooms had a bathtub and others shower, so you can choose how you want to decompress after all day of walking in the NYC.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 October 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The mattress was too hard for my preference.

    I loved the historic touches -- antiques, music, high ceilings, location. It exceeded my expectations.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 15 September 2023

    10
    A home from home in the Big apple….
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    That I had to leave.

    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!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 August 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    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.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 July 2023

    10
    Harlem Flophouse is a unique, comfortable, clean and safe stay for travellers.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    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 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.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 June 2023

    9.0
    A really lovely place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Beautiful interior, very clean, and clear communication with our host.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 31 May 2023

    10
    Great place with an exceptional host for low maintenance folks!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amenities are lacking, but for the price still an exceptional value.

    The host was exceptional.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2023

    9.0
    Inspirational
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

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

    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.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2023

    10
    Beautiful, memorable, welcoming - with the occasional intimate jazz concert downstairs.
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    You’re staying inside a perfectly preserved work of art. An extraordinary experience.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    the only thing missing for me was facilities to make a coffe in the morning

    the building and interior, location. very quiet great atmosphere!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2023

    9.0
    Fantastic
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    What was there not to like? Nothing

    Loved our room, location and some really lovely touches prior to and when we arrived. I’d recommend this place. Despite sharing the bathroom facilities, we didn’t have to wait. Almost felt that we had it to ourselves. Really comfortable bed and gorgeous room.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2023

    10
    Harlem Flophouse Top Marks
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    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 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

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 December 2022

    10
    I felt I was home! the flop house is a special place! highly recommended ❤️❤️
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

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

    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

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: 2 November 2022

    8.0
    something special
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    in the entrance area and in my room the radio was playing subtle jazz music; the owner gave a blues concert on one of the nights in the reception area which I enjoyed

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: 6 October 2022

    10
    We stayed for a week and could happily stay for another week!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    The Harlem Flophouse is like staying in a magical museum. It was fantastic! The best part was sitting in the clawfoot bath at the end of a long day walking around New York, soaking and relaxing in the super cute bathroom. We loved staying here and will definitely come again!

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: 30 September 2022

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The room was quite loud as it overlooked a really busy street.

    The Harlem Flophouse is really charming, and very well decorated, and it is also very well located within Harlem!

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: 29 September 2022

    10
    It is very 19th century America. I like it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    These room are very beautiful!

    Stayed in September 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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