I have stayed in the Cosy Inn for 5 nights end of September 2016. I had a friendly welcome and everything was explained properly. The room was cosy and clean and the small kitchen was well equipped. The only negatives on the room are not being able to open a window and a very small shower. The location is safe and close to the metro station. However there are several reasons why I would not go back to the Cosy Inn.||1. Having to pay cash for the whole stay and the security deposit at arrival. This is very inconvenient for foreigners. 2. Paying for leaving your luggage. We left our luggage for 2 hours, paying 10 dollars for 2 small bags. Even when it's family run. It's called customer service. The argument that somebody has to especially be there to watch it, as there is no special space for it, is ridiculous. Just put it behind a locked door. When I told them it was quite outrageous to ask money for it. I was considered rude! I knew these 'RULES' beforehand. But they will stop me coming back. 3. You get the feeling as a guest that you are not trusted the moment you walk in the door. Maybe they had some bad experiences but that's the nature of the business. I travel the world and this is quite exceptional, having to pay everything cash and paying to leave your luggage. All the other rules also put me off. No suitcases on the bed. Have at least something to put the suitcases on. This is just one of the rules....the list goes on. It's a shame as the inn itself is quite nice. Will definitely go back and stay in Harlem,...
Read moreMy son and I stayed in a bright, pretty room at the Cozy Inn over Spring Break in March, 2017. It is somewhat confusing to book at the Cozy Inn. They prefer cash via PayPal, but will accept a credit card if you are persistent. Like one of the other guests mentioned, I was surprised to be asked for a cash deposit for damages, but you can also have your Passport held for ransom in lieu of the cash. My son and I stayed on the top floor (a bit of a hike, so be prepared) in a room with a private bath and kitchenette. It was quaint and warm, and above all, quiet! The sink in the bathroom and a mirror in the kitchenette were cracked (no biggie, but it did diminish the decorative charm), but the main problem for me was at 5', 4" tall, I was too short to comfortably reach the microwave or the shelves. The bathroom is also quite small, BUT there was plenty of hot water for showers and the water pressure was good! I loved Harlem! It felt safe, even when walking at night, and everyone we met was very friendly from the person at the corner store to Babacar, the cab driver. We ate at Sylvia's just a block away with divine soul food, and the Red Rooster which boasted impeccable service. The energy in the neighborhood was upbeat. Ira, Michelle and Ramona were simply lovely, very helpful and informative. It was a fun stay, and allowed us as visitors from California to have a glimpse of the wonderful people and...
Read moreWe stayed here for 5 nights. First impressions were cozy but tight. A brownstone converted into a hotel. We were looking at spending upwards of 400 per night, but were fortunate to find this place. Because we were trying to save money on accommodations, it meant having to share a bathroom here. It wasn't all that bad. ||||The bed was just ok and small, while the pillows were just too big. The ac malfunctioned, but that was quickly remedied by Michelle, the person taking care of the place. Maybe she's the proprietor. IDK. The shower drain was backed up. ||||As for location, bear in mind that Manhattan in general has a lot of crime and Harlem where we were at is among the highest. You can check the data. That being said, there are shady characters everywhere in NYC, just keep your wits about you. Harlem was fine.||||Having the metro within a minute or two from the hotel was a big plus. Also, plenty of restaurants, coffee shops nearby as well as a new Whole Foods/Starbucks/Pharmacy. Central Park was also within walking distance. Big plus.||||Fast and free wifi. We barely turned on the TV, but when we did, we found limited channels.||||I'd recommend staying here with the caveat of having to potentially...
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