There was no better way to experience the REAL New York than staying six nights in the El Greco Apartment at West Eleventh.

The location alone is worth the "price of admission". Near more places to eat and drink than you could visit in a month but set back far enough that you don't feel as if you are sleeping above a nightclub. A great place to start your walk or cab ride up or down town. It was the perfect home base for excursions all around Manhattan.

The El Greco is even more lovely than the photos on the web site. The main room is enormous with plenty of space for the king bed, night stands, armour, dresser, flat panel tv and two comfortable club chairs. The decorative fireplace made you feel like you were in an elegant old private home. You never feel like you are tripping over your roommate. The bed is firm but very comfortable and close enough to the window that you can sleep with it open and not be too hot or cold. Waking up to the sight of our little street's trees and the homes across the way will always be one of my favorite memories. The bathroom is much bigger than the photos with double sinks and a giant spa shower that has degree markings for the temperature controls. There are also two shower heads and plenty of hot water. The room was perfectly cleaned at the same time every day. We never had to ask for more of anything or for something to be corrected. It would have been nice for a ceiling fan in the main room and not just the second bedroom but that was the only thing I would have changed and only because my traveling companion likes to sleep with the fan on. The second bedroom is big enough to give you the sense that you have a little space to spread out. It also has a nice window and a large mirror.

Checking in and out was simple and personal. We were very apologetic to Jon when we called from Orlando to say our plane would be late. He couldn't have put us more at ease and when we finally arrive in NY, he gave us accurate times that it would take from the airport. He was waiting for us when our cab pulled up, helped with my bag, showed us the door keys and led us straight up to our room. The "rules" everyone talks about are far less intrusive or pushy than many high end hotels I've stayed in. Basically don't let anyone in and don't loose your keys. We never felt unsafe in or outside of the house. When it was time to leave, there was no trouble picking up our bags at the designated time.

Take the advice they give on places to eat around the area. We stumbled on a few not on the list and were both thrilled and disappointed. Tartine is a heart attack (rich, rich, rich) waiting to happen....and you will be glad it did! Go for breakfast. Our favorite place to eat was around two corners on 8th Avenue called dell' anima. We went there three times- twice for dinner and once for dessert. Their pasta and homemade sorbets were wonderful.

If you are going to NY and don't want to be stuck in a cramped hotel room in the middle of a sea of neon, stay here. If you want to know what it's like to be a neighborhood dweller and live like a local, stay here. If you want to get away and have a real break from reality while being steeped in the best part of it, stay here.