Tag: no-fee apartments
December 3, 2019
Featured Listing: The Penthouse at ARO
__ Read articleFeatured Listing: The Penthouse at ARO
Penthouses, by nature, offer the best views of any high-rise. In Penthouse 65A, atop ARO’s no-fee luxury apartment rentals in Manhattan, views of Midtown West, the Hudson River, and Central Park are certainly front and center, acting as a dramatic backdrop to world-class design. Curved glass walls, vaulted ceilings, oak floors, and a floor plan with a natural flow heighten the already sky-high views and make this luxury penthouse a rare find.
This penthouse apartment has not just one terrace, not two, not even three, but four private terraces—a fact that gets a lot of attention. The largest terrace, a long balcony just off the living and dining area, feels like a natural space for communal activities, such as brunching alfresco or watching the sunset over cocktails with friends. A more private terrace juts out from the corner of the master bedroom, offering views in both directions and providing a space for personal moments, like taking in the scale of the glittering city before you retire for the night or doing some morning stretches before you and the city are fully awake. On the upper level, two other terraces open up from the media room and bar, perfect for entertaining guests.
If the terraces are the shining stars of the penthouse, the unsung hero may be its thoughtful and highly livable floor plan. The kitchen, dining area, and living room flow together in an open, airy layout, leaving no corners untouched by the flood of natural light coming in through the windows. Even when you’re preparing an epic charcuterie board at the kitchen island and reaching for a bottle of wine from your private storage, you’re submerged in sky, water, and light. A long interior hall connects the four bedrooms so that each has its own view—and its own bathroom—and there’s no shortage of private space drenched in natural light. Even the grand staircase, which leads to the media room and bar, is wrapped in sweeping views.
These views, of course, include ARO’s neighborhood: Midtown West. The district is a hub of museums, concert halls, lush parks, fine dining, and, of course, shopping. The holidays are quickly approaching, which means people are seeking out the perfect gifts for their loved ones. For some, that means a long trek across the city, and for others, it’s easier to stay home and shop online. But residents of the no-fee NYC apartments at ARO are just a five-minute walk from an exciting new retail experience: the Nordstrom Flagship site on 57th and Broadway. The store, encased in a glittering, reflective glass facade, is seven stories of high-end clothing, shoes, accessories, and home and beauty products, along with a collection of cafes, bars, and restaurants ready to fuel your shopping spree. The best part? They’ll wrap your gifts for you, so you can spend more time celebrating with your loved ones, back at the penthouse.
Inquire today about this high-floor penthouse home at ARO by calling us at (212) 213-1727.
November 25, 2019
BLOG: Algin’s Guide to Holiday Shopping in NYC
__ Read articleBLOG: Algin’s Guide to Holiday Shopping in NYC
With so much of the holiday pop-up action positioned near Algin’s no-fee apartment rentals in NYC, you can find fun, cheer, and all the best gifts with ease. Follow us on a brief tour of some of our favorite shopping destinations this season. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of the most beautiful places for holiday shopping. The Grand Central Holiday Fair features exciting up-and-coming vendors from all the boroughs of New York City. And the Union Square Holiday Market offers a wide range of handmade gifts in an alfresco setting, full of warm cider and holiday energy!
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Internationally known, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market encompasses the full beauty and splendor of the holiday season. Situated at 59th Street and Central Park West, the market is set against the natural majesty of Central Park: a fitting frame for possibly the most elegant market of its kind in the entire city. Get lost in stall after stall along aisle after aisle of jewelry, unique art, scrumptious local food, and home goods of all types. The market runs from December 4th through the 24th and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. Stop by, and you’ll quickly realize that, in its 15th year, it’s still getting better and better.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Equally impressive in its presentation, though set in an utterly different environment, is the Grand Central Holiday Fair. One of the longest-running indoor holiday fairs in NYC, it spans more than half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central. For six weeks, fair-goers can snag unique clothing, toys, artwork, and much more from 40-plus vendors selling merchandise of all types and at all price points. However, what they all have in common is that there’s a focus on delivering American-made and handcrafted items. You’ll also find that many of the materials are locally sourced and that many of the businesses maintain a socially conscious model in their practices—the Holiday Fair Committee devotes the year to finding just this type of vendor. The fair runs from November 18th through December 24th, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 7 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. Shop for a friend or a family member, but don’t be surprised if you take home more than one special gift for yourself this holiday season.
Union Square Holiday Market
Host to festivals and markets throughout the year, it’s no surprise that Union Square is the location for a Holiday Market by Urbanspace that is renowned as “a must-visit destination for unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists.” Millions of people will sojourn to the park not only for this market’s eclectic mix of goods for purchase but also for the range of experiences and activities. Come out for Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions. Visit the Warming Station and Lounge to regroup or take the little ones to the Kid’s Arts Studio. Add to that their live music, and you’ve quite possibly found the most innovative holiday market in the entire region. The market launches on November 21st and runs through December 24th. Swing by Monday through Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. If you think you’ve seen it all in the city, think again. This market is one-of-a-kind.
Holiday shopping can be exciting again—especially when it’s a bit off the beaten path and full of community spirit but still close to home. Convenient to Algin’s no-fee apartments in Manhattan, these three holiday market favorites also have convenient hours that let you drop by on the weekends or even after work to browse and explore at your leisure. Come by and celebrate the holidays anew.
November 18, 2019
BLOG: Hell’s Kitchen: A Neighborhood Guide
__ Read articleBLOG: Hell’s Kitchen: A Neighborhood Guide
Hell’s Kitchen, a tree-lined and restaurant-filled neighborhood, is an almost heavenly locale for its lucky locals, and although well-situated no-fee rental apartments in Manhattan are hard to come by, Algin Management offers several within the boundaries of this neighborhood. While it thrives on its proximity to the Theater District to its east, the Hudson River to its west, and Lincoln Square and Central Park to its north, Hell’s Kitchen is not defined by this proximity. As a happening neighborhood that encompasses parts of Hudson Yards and Hudson River Park—and is also a respite from many of the nearby crowds—it delivers its own brand of New York City magic.
Packed with some of the city’s best culture, cuisine, and couture, the area abounds with activities that will please everyone from the maverick millennials who love a short walk to their Midtown offices to the music and drama lovers who are literally down the street from some of the best live theater in the world. Amid the day-to-day and extraordinary urban moments, there are aspects of this neighborhood that will have you exploring for a lifetime. Let’s take a look around.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to find endless food options that will cause even your most epicurean of friends to roll up their sleeves and dig into gourmet delights from around the world. While the unofficial meal of Hell’s Kitchen has got to be brunch—you’ll see the neighborhood’s eclectic denizens gathering at seemingly every tasty spot during the weekend—there’s so much more to the area’s food scene, which, among other things, features Restaurant Row, a stretch of 29 fabulous restaurants on 46th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, with a mix of dining experiences you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. Marseille on Ninth Avenue is a particular local favorite that not only takes its name from the rustic French port city but its culinary influences too. Feast on a brunch of hearty fresh-from-the-ocean clams, lobster, and shrimp or stick to traditional items like veggie-filled omelets or a classic eggs Benedict.
Burn off those brunch calories with a walk to Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle, where fashionistas, makeup gurus, and general retail explorers can find almost anything they’re looking for in this shopping mecca on the Hell’s Kitchen border. Whether you’d like a simple blazer from J. Crew or a luxe cashmere statement sweater from Eileen Fisher, you’ll find it here. Stop by Time Warner Center’s Sephora to try on and buy your favorite fragrance or makeup. There’s no need to run around town when this shopping center has everything you need—not to mention a spectacular view of Central Park.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that Broadway plays are just a few streets away, but Hell’s Kitchen’s exciting off-Broadway theater scene—with venues as diverse as Pershing Square Signature Theater, Playwrights Horizons, New World Stages, and the Theatre at St. Clements (church), to name just a few—does not always get the attention it deserves. The Irish Arts Center is another gem that has a robust calendar of performances and events near the northwest corner of the neighborhood. And, of course, just a little further north of Hell’s Kitchen is a world cultural institution: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and almost 30 other institutions and facilities, both indoors and alfresco, as well as an iconic fountain whose daily displays have provided many an Instagram photo.
So, in Hell’s Kitchen style, reserve your dinner, buy your most fashionable outfit, get your tickets, take a stroll (and some pictures), and, by all means, find the time to finalize a lease for one of Algin’s no-fee rentals in this beautiful and ultraconvenient part of New York City.
September 25, 2019
BLOG: The Pearl of the Upper East Side
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Located on Manhattan’s historic Upper East Side, The Pearl’s no-fee rentals combine modern design elements with classic finishes to create a living space that celebrates New York City’s timeless chic. The 23-story tower, located between 1st Avenue and York Avenue on 66th Street, presents an elegant base with a sleek, glassy facade and invites residents into its stunning marble-clad lobby, where a 24-hour concierge is on-hand to help with whatever task residents need accomplished.
Upstairs, these spacious homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows with exquisite East River and intimate skyline views as well as gorgeous finishes and top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, including baths clad in Crema Marfil marble and inspired by luxury spas. Residents also have access to The Pearl’s state-of-the-art fitness center, where they can follow their workout routines without stepping foot outside their building. Resting atop The Pearl is PHB, a three-bedroom penthouse that defines Upper East Side luxury. This duplex includes multiple private terraces and a spacious living area centered around the gourmet kitchen.
Living at The Pearl is about more than the building, though. The Upper East Side is a quiet slice of Manhattan, where tree-lined streets are cut by wide avenues lined with fine dining and comfort food. Just around the corner, residents will find the ever-popular Bagelworks, where lines will often snake out the front door, while just a few blocks south, Sushi Seki provides the best omakase meal around. Residents seeking something a little more casual will love Maya, the neighborhood taqueria that also offers the neighborhood’s best bottomless brunch. Foodies willing to head a little further afield will love the Upper East Side’s slate of classic eateries, including famous Italian spot Tony’s Di Napoli, a family-friendly UES staple since 1959, and Ravagh Persian Grill on 1st Avenue, which combines New York’s penchant for world-class Middle Eastern cuisine with a small plates philosophy that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, The Pearl is across the street from P.S. 183, a highly ranked school that embraces a community-focused educational philosophy; among other activities, it hosts a weekly flea market that has been a neighborhood staple for two decades. Nearby St. Catherine’s Park offers a shady spot to enjoy a coffee or spend some time with the family at the playground, while Central Park is just a few blocks west. Meanwhile, joggers will love how close their new home is to the East River Greenway along the FDR. Residents also have convenient access to the nearby F/Q/6 subway lines, all of which are central arteries that carry New Yorkers around Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to The Pearl’s website to see these amazing homes for yourself!
July 11, 2019
BLOG: The Air-Purifying Powers of Indoor Plants
__ Read articleBLOG: The Air-Purifying Powers of Indoor Plants
Clean air is a cause that most people can get behind, but for some, the idea of nurturing a living plant can be a little intimidating. But for those lacking a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance, virtually indestructible plants — the kind that can withstand whatever hardships you may inadvertently impose upon them. Aloe, for example, can tolerate being watered every two to three weeks, and the snake plant “thrives on being ignored,” according to HGTV. The hardy pothos plant is an excellent choice for first-timers. When it needs water, it will begin to visibly droop, basically telling you, “I’m thirsty!” Once drenched, it will perk back up again.
Different plants have different needs, based on the climate found in their native environment. Tropical plants will crave humidity and warmth, while desert plants prefer dry, arid conditions. The key to nurturing a plant is taking these conditions and applying them to the three major elements a plant depends upon for life: soil, light, and water. Make sure the soil you use is composed correctly — depending on your plant, you may need to add sand, peat, or perlite. For light, refer to the guidelines that came with your plant, or hop online and do a little research. But it is also important to be responsive to the signals your plant gives. If the leaves begin to look singed around the edges, your plant may be receiving too much direct sun. Try moving it to a location in your apartment that offers bright, indirect light, and see how it fares there. Water may be the trickiest component of all. Some plants will drown or rot in an abundance of water, while others will quickly wither without enough of it. Guidance from your local nursery can help you perfect your watering schedule.
It may take a little work to get your indoor garden going, but the innumerable benefits of indoor foliage are worth the effort. Before you know it, your no-fee apartments in Manhattan will feel like a verdant paradise.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 26, 2019
BLOG: Follow Your Passion and Discover the City
__ Read articleBLOG: Follow Your Passion and Discover the City
The key is to start with what you love. Are you an art buff, or someone who is thinking of becoming an art collector? New York is the art capital of the world — once you begin to tap into the network of artists and art institutions here, you will be astonished at how much there is to explore. Museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum have such a wealth of programming that they are like their own miniature art empires amidst the bustling streets.
If you have more specific interests, be sure to check out Meetup, offering groups to join with people who have similar interests. From photography workshops to avid hikers, the groups are endless. If you can’t find one that fits you, try starting your own!
Another great way to meet people and build a community in NYC is to join a gym, yoga studio, or run club. You’ll meet people from your neighborhood while getting in the best shape of your life. The Central Park Track Club is one of the foremost running clubs in the city, and their “track,” most of the time, is in Central Park (as you might have guessed). This is an ideal way to connect with nature in the city and to meet other serious runners. Another excellent place to get your double dose of friendly faces and an outstanding workout is Orangetheory Fitness, a fitness club whose entire ethos is based on building community and on recognizing the enormous benefit of having personal training coaches overseeing your entire workout plan. Or try CorePower Yoga for equal parts sweat-inducing workout and mindfulness. You’re going to need both with what will soon be your exhilarating and ever-expanding schedule.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
June 4, 2019
BLOG: Scenic and Convenient Escape NYC for the Weekend
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The Hamptons, Long Island, N.Y.
The Hamptons is one of the quintessential New York seaside getaways, especially during the warmer seasons. Worth a visit for endless components – there are the long stretches of pristine white sand, the hulking dunes, and the uninterrupted views of the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean, for starters. If you want to stray from the beaten path, check out Two Mile Hollow Beach, a low-key, picturesque spot with vibes that tend toward the bohemian.
Asbury Park, N.J.
If your favorite part of going to the beach is strolling the boardwalk, perusing the seaside shops, and enjoying fresh seafood, Asbury Park might just be the place for you. The promenade has a distinctive, old-school feel; it’s one of the few remaining beach towns still full of arcades, theaters, vintage clothing boutiques, and infamous venues like The Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen played in his early days. Travel & Leisure recently declared Asbury Park “the coolest place on the Jersey shore,” but we’ll let you decide for yourself.
Shelter Island, Long Island, N.Y.
Nature lovers will find much to love at Shelter Island, the bucolic Long Island oasis. While Shelter Island has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, it remains a natural and quiet getaway, thanks to Mashomack Preserve. The preserve, a swath of land making up about a third of the island, covers “2,039 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, and freshwater marshes,” according to The Nature Conservancy. To explore it, take a stroll on one of the loops of the nine-mile-long Mashomack Preserve Trail, where you’ll see plenty of fascinating flora and fauna and get a healing dose of salt air.
Phoenicia, N.Y.
Perhaps your getaway inclinations pull you upward, toward the mountains. In that case, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mountain escape with as many recreational opportunities as Phoenicia, N.Y. Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is surrounded on all sides by natural playgrounds. You can head down Esopus Creek on an inner tube, hike to the dramatic, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls, or take in miles of fall foliage from Giant Ledge. Afterward, stroll historic downtown Phoenicia, where you can shop for antiques or try the pan-fried trout alongside the locals at the famous Phoenicia Diner.
As your summer getaways come to an end, you can look forward to coming home to your homey apartment in the city. Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
May 6, 2019
BLOG: Algin’s Guide to Renting in NYC
__ Read articleBLOG: Algin’s Guide to Renting in NYC
Start Your Search Early (But Not Too Early)
This is always tricky in New York. You certainly don’t want to start too late, because the pressure of hurrying the process could cause you to make a rash decision — landing you in a less-than-ideal situation. Most NYC apartments are listed 30 days in advance, and some are 60, but it’s rare to find time frames longer than that. So, you can start two months before your moving date, but make sure to only search for apartments that are available for rent two months out. The last thing you want is to find a wonderful place and then discover that it’s up for rent in a month. Paying rent twice is far from ideal. We’d recommend starting anywhere from 30 to 50 days out. That way, you can get a good feel for the market and are more likely find something you really want.
Go in With a Plan
This is a must. Whether moving on your own, or with a partner or friend, make sure you know what you want in a residence. Sit down and make a wish list, and then decide which things on your list you can live without — and which things you can’t. When you search, aim high, but don’t be unwilling to compromise. If you’re looking for a two-bedroom with a roof deck, an eat-in kitchen, a parking space, natural light, and an in-unit washer/dryer, and you find a place that has everything but the roof deck, it might be time to pounce. Go in knowing which aspects of your future home are negotiable and which are carved in stone — it will make the whole experience far less stressful.
Understand Your Credit Score
Many listings will post a credit score or range that is needed to rent a residence. It’s important to know where you stand in this particular area to avoid surprises. Sites like Credit Karma offer free credit checks, and since they’re soft inquiries, checking the score will not impact your credit. If you find your credit score is too low for many apartments you desire, you may be able to have a guarantor co-sign for you. Not all buildings allow guarantors, but many do.
Be Ready to Act
Speaking of pouncing, being ready to act when your ideal place pops up is vitally important. You may only have a window of 30 minutes to lock down an apartment before it’s gone. Go in ready to rent, primed to get the ball rolling, or you might be left in the dust.
One way you can easily find a new NYC no-fee apartment is by exploring our availabilities today to jump on your new home in classic New York.
April 18, 2019
BLOG: A Guide to a Heavenly Home Office
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Find a Space
The first thing to consider is where you are going to set up your workspace. You don’t need a lot of space for a home office, but you don’t want to be crushed into a closet, either. There are many no-fee apartments in Manhattan that offer layouts with half-bedrooms. Those layouts work quite well for a home office. Remember that it’s a good idea for your work area to be separate from the main living area of your home. Keep your living space for living and your working space for working — the separation will help you maintain regular hours and enhance productivity.
Let There Be Light
The lighting in your home office is vital. It’s pretty simple really: If your lighting is off, you will constantly be straining your eyes to see your work. This leads to a lack of focus. Also, inadequate lighting can zap the energy right out of you, and good lighting can do just the opposite. It’s wise to avoid harsh overhead lights and go with a floor lamp accented by a nice desk lamp. And always utilize natural light as much as possible. Some people say you shouldn’t have your desk facing a window, but we disagree — we’re all for it. Natural light is invigorating. Use it.
The Desk — The Epicenter of the Home Office
In most home offices, the desk is the centerpiece and the most important furniture purchase you’ll make when designing your workspace. If there’s any place to splurge a bit, this is it. Your desk needs to be functional and aesthetically pleasing or you won’t want to work there. Think of it this way: You will be spending a significant amount of time at this desk — you should love it. Moreover, we recommend purchasing a model that converts to a standing desk. Sitting all day is bad for your back, and having the option to stand and work helps break up the monotony. If you need fresh air, be sure to get out and enjoy a serene walk around your neighborhood, no matter where you live – whether it be Gramercy, Murray Hill, or the Upper East or West Side – a clear mind gets the job done.
The Importance of Comfort
This part is simple: Buy a nice chair. Along with the desk, this is the place to spend your money. Even if you purchase a convertible, standing desk, you will still spend hours seated, and you’re going to want to be comfortable. The last thing you need is for your home office to be an uncomfortable, unwelcoming place that makes you feel miserable.
Distractions and Design
Don’t put a television in your home office. Just don’t do it. It’s tempting, but remember: This is a work space. Having a television in your home office will only serve to distract you from your work. And again — we can’t stress this enough — the key to being productive when working from home is to create an office space that is separated from living space, both physically and in terms of what you do there. It’s also wise to keep the design cohesive. If you’re going modern, stick with that the whole way through. If you’re going traditional, the same goes. Cohesion will help the space feel like a separate, distinct entity. This is your chance to build everything to your exact specifications. So, shoot for the moon.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.
April 2, 2019
BLOG: A Stroll Through Historic Gramercy Park
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Samuel B. Ruggles: The Man Who Made Gramercy Park
They say that one million horse carts of earth were shifted when developer Samuel B. Ruggles oversaw the transformation of Gramercy Square in the early 1830s. Perhaps he’d gotten the idea to create an urban haven from observing the model of Hudson Square — it’s the only private square in New York City older than Gramercy Park. At any rate, 66 moneyed New Yorkers were lucky enough to purchase a parcel of the reclaimed land. And so, the area’s prestige was born. Since then, of course, new streets, churches, apartments, hotels, and bars have sprung up, burgeoning into the wider area of the current Gramercy Park neighborhood. But be sure to visit the flagstone at the west of the original gated park, which quietly remembers this area’s savvy founder.
Famous Gramercy Park Residents
As you might imagine, a neighborhood as appealing as Gramercy Park boasts its fair share of celebrity locals. Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth presides over Gramercy Park in statue form — perhaps keeping an eye on The Players, the club he founded in 1888. A young Preston Sturges — the man who would go on to become one of the great filmmakers of his time — stayed at The Hotel Irving. (His mother stayed uptown at the Ritz-Carlton!) Among the contemporary residents of the area are “Kill Bill” lead Uma Thurman, “The Tonight Show” host and funnyman Jimmy Fallon, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and one of Hollywood’s true superstars, Julia Roberts. Have a no-fee apartment here, and, rest assured, you’ll be in good company.
Explore Historical Gramercy
Today’s Gramercy Park throbs with all the vibrancy of modern-day NYC — and has all the modern conveniences, to boot. Yet, throughout the neighborhood, you can still sense the history. Stroll the leafy streets, and find 19th century brownstones rubbing shoulders with former carriage houses. Marvel at the Gothic Revival Calvary Church, known for its charitable work in the community. Catch a show at Gramercy Theatre, a former cinema turned decadent music and comedy venue. When you’ve tired yourself out, call in at Pete’s Tavern — one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city — for a cold beer. The celebrated watering hole has been featured in everything from “Seinfeld” to “Sex and the City.” Of course, if you require some more upmarket refreshment, you can always order a whiskey at The Players. Provided they accept you as a member, of course.
Explore our availabilities today and find your next home in classic New York.