Tag: nyc rentals
November 25, 2019
BLOG: Algin’s Guide to Holiday Shopping in NYC
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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.
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!
September 20, 2019
BLOG: Your Guide to Celebrating in Style in Midtown West
__ Read articleBLOG: Your Guide to Celebrating in Style in Midtown West
When New Yorkers celebrate, they’re often drawn to the classy bars and authentic restaurants found in Midtown West. The area, which encompasses classic neighborhoods, including Hell’s Kitchen, represents the very pinnacle of Manhattan living, and it’s no wonder that it’s a favorite for anniversaries and important milestones. Keep reading for a guide to taking that special someone out for an unforgettable evening.
At Algin Management, the family-owned business with half a century of experience matching prospective buyers with no-fee rental apartments in great NYC neighborhoods, we know how to help you have a sensational time as you navigate Midtown West.
It may seem quaint, but a bouquet of flowers or a box of bonbons is a surefire way to start your special evening right. Hell’s Kitchen staple Flowers by Richard is your one-stop shop for all your floral needs. From a classic dozen red roses to themed bouquets like the yellow Lemon Drop Roses and delicate Jade Green Roses, Flowers by Richard is sure to have the perfect arrangement. If your lover has a sweet tooth, stop by La Maison Du Chocolat by Columbus Circle and pick up a box of rich dark chocolate or creamy truffles.
Columbus Circle is also home to Robert, the unparalleled restaurant atop the Museum of Arts and Design. There’s no better spot in Midtown West to mark an occasion than this chic dining room, decorated with bright modern furniture and looking out on the green canopy of Central Park and the iconic skyline along the park’s western edge. Enjoy a round of signature cocktails before diving into the menu by Chef Gonzalo Colin, who has crafted a range of dishes that span the globe. Choice ingredients like Kobe beef and Maine lobster form the heart of these elegant meals, all backed up by a formidable wine list.
When the dessert plates are cleared and the night seems poised to end, head around the corner to The Aviary for one last glimpse at the skyline. This outpost of the famous Chicago venue features small plates and creative cocktails in a lively setting, making for an exciting nightcap sure to put a memorable aura on the intimate evening.
Learn more about Midtown West, New York’s crossroads of shopping, dining and culture, and Central Park, by viewing our current availabilities in this dynamic neighborhood today.
September 20, 2019
BLOG: A Renter’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials
__ Read articleBLOG: A Renter’s Guide to Kitchen Essentials
So, you’re a budding home chef looking to take your culinary pursuits to the next level. You yearn to craft Instagram-worthy dishes that not only please the palates of your guests but look like refined pieces of art. While perusing Algin Management’s available no-fee luxury rentals in NYC, you realize that the kitchen is perhaps the most important aspect of a residence for you.
Cooking is a pursuit that is dependent upon the tools of the chef. While there may be ways to get the best out of low-quality kitchenware, some essentials are incredibly important if you want to take your meals to the next level.
There may be no other piece of kitchenware more important than one’s pans. And again, as with the knives, the market is flooded with options. We highly recommend Tramontina’s Professional Restaurant Fry Pan. It is billed as a pan made for a professional kitchen and adapted to be used at home, and that’s what it feels like. Its cast stainless-steel handle and heavy gauge aluminum construction make it feel incredibly solid without weighing a ton. It can be used on all stovetops, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is truly nonstick, which makes clean-up easier.
Cooking nearly always involves cutting of some sort, so having a good set of knives is vital. There are many kitchen knife sets on the market, but we’re partial to the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Cutlery Set. The set includes a paring knife, a Santoku knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, and kitchen shears. They are all made from fully forged, high-carbon German steel. What truly makes this set extraordinary, however, are the built-in knife sharpeners. The knife block—which utilizes their patented SharpIN technology—has a sharpener for every blade. If you cook often, your knives will inevitably start to become dull. Having to take out a sharpener is another step in preparing your dish. With this set, the sharpener is right there. Run the knives in and out a few times, and they’re ready to go.
If you’re going to be braising, roasting, or making soups, stews, and casseroles—if you’re going to be slow cooking at all—you need a Dutch oven. But not all Dutch ovens are created equal—not by a long shot. Le Creuset’s Dutch Oven is one of the most well-known brands, and for good reason. Le Creuset has been making Dutch ovens for just under a century. They know what they’re doing. This cast-iron beauty can do it all. It distributes heat slowly and evenly, ensuring that everything inside the pot coalesces just the way it should.
Now that you have the proper tools for a future that is filled with good food, Algin Management can help you find a new home (and kitchen) where you can create and host many feasts to come.
November 14, 2018
BLOG: A Renter’s Guide to the Upper West Side
__ Read articleBLOG: A Renter’s Guide to the Upper West Side
Entertainment
Refined. What else is there to say about the Upper West Side’s marquee marquee, Lincoln Center? This iconic cultural institution, near the Sessanta apartments, is home to 11 performing arts organizations and covers more than 16 acres. Here, you’ll find the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic, as well as the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center. As New Yorkers, we adore the show tunes of Broadway and welcome plaintive blues played in the Bowery, but when our minds are set on virtuoso violinists or seeing that prima ballerina whose expressive grace makes us weep before the intermission, this is where you’ll find us.
Of course, not every night is right for tuxedos and evening gowns, and on those evenings, we head for the Beacon Theatre, just a few blocks north of 242 West 61st Street. The venue provides superior acoustics and drawing power for both performers and crowds. Over the years, this cultural landmark has been host to the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Allman Brothers Band, George Carlin, and Jerry Seinfeld, as well as world leaders, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and President Bill Clinton. FYI: Tickets for Seinfeld’s 2019 New York residency went on sale on Nov. 2.
Food
If you’re looking to simply “eat,” your choices are practically unlimited on the Upper West Side. If you’re looking for an experience, then book a reservation at Belle Harlem. With only 12 seats and an ever-evolving menu sourced primarily from fresh, local ingredients, the owner’s intention of offering guests the comfort of being attended to in someone’s kitchen is readily met. The menu of comfort foods — like chicken and waffles (the finest you’ll ever eat) and a hearty black sea bass, with sautéed yellow squash, almonds, fennel, asparagus, truffle oil, and lime — gives diners a truly memorable selection of dishes to savor.
Brunch enthusiasts will want to find their way to Flat Top: a cozy bistro whose twists on classic dishes foster contemplation of what you’ll try on your next visit. We’re partial to the blueberry buttermilk ricotta pancakes with lemon curd and the Irish ham Benedict with poached eggs, hollandaise, and spinach on homemade focaccia. However, these are simply two dishes that we favor from a menu filled with unique culinary delights. Excellent Stumptown coffee awaits to accompany your selection and your post-meal conversation with friends.
The Upper West Side boasts easy access to two cornerstones of NYC life: Central Park and fabulous deli food. When you reside at 461 Central Park West you are near to both — across the street from the North Woods and just up the avenue from one of the city’s most notable delicatessens, Barney Greengrass. A family business that dates back 100 years, Barney Greengrass is the go-to for a quick lox and bagel or a weekend brunch with friends. Sturgeon, whitefish, pastrami, gravlax, and sable, all of your favorites are here, along with soups, salads, desserts, appetizers, and even caviar.
Down the way is another luminary in the foodie realm: Zabar’s. Your home for gourmet coffees, seafood salads, and delicious rugelach and babka. Zabar’s carries an amazingly wide selection of specialty items, and offers consistently excellent meats and platters.
The Upper West Side competes heartily with any other neighborhood in the city when it comes to fine dining experiences. Put Red Farm at the top of your list and indulge in an Asian-fusion experience that is uniquely New York. By that, we mean dim sum offerings like BBQ “Black Foot” Berkshire pork belly with grilled jalapeño peppers or Katz’s pastrami egg rolls that sit easily next to 16 ounces of grilled prime Creekstone bone-in New York strip steak, dry aged for 40 days.
Tessa, Mediterranean to its heart, is a complex amalgam of southern French and Italian cuisines twisted into a Spanish tavern. The result is divine with small plates of duck pastrami sliders and
octopus a la Plancha saddled next to hearty mains like grilled branzino with broccoli rabe, fingerling potato, fennel puree, and pimento coulis. Show up hungry, let the sommelier select your wines (you won’t go wrong), and stay for not one but two desserts, such as the bombolino with raspberry jam and vanilla glaze and a decadent chocolate chip bread pudding with bourbon ice cream.
Culture
The American Museum of Natural History brings you one of the finest collections of wonders from the natural world ever assembled under one roof. Start your adventure in the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing before diving into the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Or tour the Milky Way with a show at the Hayden Planetarium. In the warmer months, The Butterfly Conservatory brings hoards of these delicate insects together, while year-round you can explore more exotic creatures from across the sea in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals.
While the American Museum of Natural History is by far the largest museum on the Upper West Side, it is certainly not the only one. Right across the street is the New-York Historical Society, housing 400 years of New York history. The American Folk Art Museum, near to Lincoln Center, hosts an exploration of art “by the self-taught” with more than 7,000 artworks dating from the 18th century to the present, revealing human nature and its expression of self in profound and engaging mediums and forms. And don’t forget the Children’s Museum of Manhattan: fun for all ages with five floors of magic and mystery.
A bit further uptown you’ll be happy to find the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum seeks to preserve and promote this quintessentially American musical genre. The current space is designed to give its visitors “an immersive jazz experience” through exhibits that bring jazz into the present age. In addition, the museum offers the public more than 80 free performances every year. And no visit is complete without an exploration of the Savory Collection: “more than 100 hours of live recordings of jazz legends made from New York City radio broadcasts aired between 1935 and 1941.”
For those seeking fresh air and open space, iconic Central Park is quite literally right in your backyard. With 843 acres of fields, wooded glens, and pathways, the park is the fifth largest in the NYC park system, but certainly its most famous. A National Historic Landmark, the park offers activities and attractions in all seasons, including sporting opportunities at a variety of fields and courts, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Carousel, and Lasker Rink ice skating, just to name a few. Whatever your outdoor or cultural passion — from bicycling to cross-country skiing; from rock concerts to Shakespeare in the Park — you’ll find an opportunity to indulge it in Central Park.
Explore availabilities for Algin Management’s Upper West Side buildings and find your next home in classic New York.
October 2, 2018
BLOG: Introducing ARO
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ARO will offer no-fee Midtown West apartment rentals that range from studio to three- bedroom layouts, featuring condo-level finishes and stainless steel appliances. ARO will also offer a stunning four-bedroom duplex penthouse residence. Each apartment exudes a simple and clean aesthetic, thanks to its warm, organic materials, 10-foot ceilings, and natural lighting via its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Designed by renowned architecture firm CetraRuddy, ARO’s modern, elegant, and “futuristic” design sets it apart from its neighbors. Slender lines intersect with the undulating curvature of its steel construction. These organic yet dynamic bends aren’t just for show; they are completely functional—the metallic outcroppings allow for many apartments to enjoy private terraces, though every home will feature stunning views of the city. CetraRuddy’s vision has not gone unnoticed; in fact, ARO has received several prestigious architectural awards, including the American Architecture Prize, the SARA National Award, and the Architecture Podium International award. It was also recently featured in Architectural Digest.
ARO is situated right on 53rd Street, where the legendary Roseland Ballroom once stood. The New York Times recently revealed some of the ways in which ARO will pay tribute to that renowned venue; for example, “photographs taken during performances — including of the Rolling Stones, Metallica and Dave Grohl — will be hung” in the building’s common spaces.
ARO offers easy access to all of Manhattan’s must-visit destinations, whether for business or pleasure. A trip to Wall Street just takes 15 minutes via the plentiful train options, and an Uber down the West Side Highway might be even quicker. Also close to this exemplary no-fee apartment building in Manhattan is the business hub of Midtown East, which is a quick 10-minute walk away. You’ll be minutes from Thomas Keller’s world-famous Per Se restaurant at the Time Warner Center, which also encompasses a shopping center with luxury shops, lounges and restaurants, and even a Whole Foods. Of course, residents of ARO will find plenty to do right at home – with over 40,000 square feet of amenities, it’s safe to say that there is something at ARO for every lifestyle.
Take a look for yourself! And be sure to follow ARO on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on what the New York Post calls one of “New York’s best new buildings”.
September 21, 2018
BLOG: Your New York City Rental Guide
__ Read articleBLOG: Your New York City Rental Guide
Moving here is a dream shared by many, which is partially why finding a no-fee rental in New York City can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, finding your perfect home in NYC is far more manageable than it seems! There is no smoother way to make that transition or to live well and live to the fullest in this city than to find your new no-fee Manhattan apartment through Algin Management.
Whether you’re already a local and looking for your next apartment, or seeking your very first apartment here, read on to learn more about finding no-fee rentals in New York City.
Pick the Perfect Neighborhood!
It’s no secret that NYC is massive, and the sheer variety of neighborhoods can seem intimidating to locals and newcomers alike. While every neighborhood has great food, and something exciting going on at all times (it’s New York City, after all!) it pays to be practical when you’re trying to narrow things down. Many find that Manhattan’s more residential neighborhoods make for shorter commutes, without sacrificing access to services and conveniences that make city living so appealing.
If you’re commuting within the city, you’ll want to consider how far you are from the subway (and which lines you can access). You’ll also want to weigh whether you want to be close to green spaces, the water, or if you know you’ll thrive in a denser and more urban locale. Check out our Neighborhood Guide to learn more about what it’s like to live in popular neighborhoods like Murray Hill, Greenwich Village, Midtown, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, and others!
Avoid Broker Fees!
Most apartment listings are managed by real estate brokers, who have arrangements with management companies that allow them to collect fees from tenants when they sign a lease. This can run as high as 15% of one year’s rent!
Fortunately, Algin Management has been matching New Yorkers with their perfect apartment for more than 50 years, and as a family-run business, we know there’s a better way to rent in New York City. As such, we strive to offer apartments that are “no-fee”, meaning you don’t need to worry about paying a broker for showing you an apartment.
Check out our available apartment rentals and avoid the hassle of broker fees entirely!
Find A Great Management Company!
Once you’ve found the right no-fee NYC rental, you’ll want to make sure that your building (and apartment) will be managed proactively and professionally. When you live in an apartment that’s well-managed, you will enjoy a sense of calm and peace of mind that will allow you to focus on enjoying life in New York City.
Because Algin Management owns and manages our properties, we know the ins and outs of each building and apartment in our portfolio, and go above and beyond to keep our apartments in pristine condition for each new tenant that signs a lease with us. From doormen to maintenance team members, our on-site staff is friendly and helpful, and a cut above what you may find in other apartment buildings. Check out our properties to see for yourself.
Opt for Amenities
Depending on your lifestyle, you may appreciate having certain amenities on-site, rather than a few blocks away – for example, if you work out often, it might be nice to have a fitness center in your building, rather than a few blocks away. Perhaps you may want laundry on-site, rather than sending it to a wash-and-fold, which can get expensive. And if you’re wondering how you can keep your car in the city, many of Algin Management’s buildings have on-site parking garages.
On-site amenities are a difference-maker, and so while you can opt for a no-frills rental and piece together the services and amenities you need on your own, there is a better way. Algin Management has plenty of available apartments in buildings with amazing amenities, like Hilary Gardens’ rooftop swimming pool, or Sessanta’s outdoor, fully-lit tennis court. Find the building that suits your lifestyle, and you’ll find yourself with extra time (and funds) that can be put to better use elsewhere.
If you’re ready to start your search for a new no-fee rental apartment (or ready to finish it), contact us today – we’ve been helping people find the perfect rental for over 50 years. Algin Management is perfectly equipped and more than ready to introduce you to the quintessential New York experience and make you feel utterly at home in it.