Second Home on Second Avenue

06/21/2008 Posted by billymac101

An oasis on Second Avenue! This has by far been the most pleasant place I have found in all my years of traveling to the city! immaculate clean rooms, 20 foot ceilings, beautiful skylight ceiling at the top of the stairs, very discreet, (there is no sign outside), all with reasonable prices!, host Billy macagnone brings all of his years growing up in the restaurant business with his family to running this hotel, you will get discount meals at any one of his dads 3 famous Italian restaurants! Also his knowledge of growing up in Manhattan will astound you if you need any information on getting anywhere or what to do, just ask him!! for sure you will get a gracious answer, this place is usually fully booked, but with only 8 rooms it never feel full, I would reserve as much in advance as you can, I cant wait to go back! eddy kaufman

Pros: great deal!

10/06/2007 Posted by tbrown333

The last review prior to this one was in 6/07 and things have definitely changed. We found the service unfriendly, the management unaccommodating, and the room uncomfortable (noisy). Very disappointing.

Pros: Location

Cons: Service, Noise, Management, Accounting

06/29/2005 Posted by lyoder

I live in Manhattan and found this place for my parents on their first visit, and now they stay there on every visit - it is extremely affordable for the value. Keep in mind that it's not for the resort/spa types. It's a classic European-style bed and breakfast without the breakfast :) The proprietor is very friendly and respectful - the accommodations are very clean and simple - the rooms and other hotel guests are quiet. I can't offer too much praise!

Pros: Inexpensive, Clean, Quiet

Cons: Not Full Service

06/17/2003 Posted by Keriokeeee

This is a hidden delight! Behind the red door is classic old New York with all the comforts of home! 2nd Home is always our 1st choice for our frequent trips to the city. The beds are comfortable, and most rooms are EXTRA large by New York standards! We bring the children often and have never had a problem. It is safe and comfortable, truly a 2nd Home!!!

Pros: Inexpensive, Quiet, Spacious

12/26/2002 Posted by ttomi

I am from Mexico and I went to NY on december and stayed at Second Home. I had my doubts it would be a good place to stay, but it was very nice! Clean and I felt at home. Good prices compared to other hotels in New York and Carlos is a very helpful person.

Pros: shared bathroom

Cons: near subway, good price, Carlos speak spanish

12/25/2002 Posted by emmafrisco

Having just got back from my second visit to "Second Home" I wanted to say how perfect the accomodation made our stay in NY. If it's authentic city living you want in a spacious, clean, modern apartment in a Bo-Ho area then look no further. Carlos was helpful and friendly, the rooms and bathrooms were spotless and furnished beautifully with solid wood floors, modern art-work and great TV/sound systems. Yeah, the modern Suite was a little noisy on some nights but if you want a quiet, relaxing break.... don't stay in NY!!!! This place reflects everything I love about the Big Apple, my only worry is that it will get too popular to get a room when I want one!

12/20/2002 Posted by shabby_chic

I have stayed at the Secondhome Guest House twice this year and i'm already planning my next couple of visits for next year! This is a fantastic apartment. Secondhome has a great location with loads of great bars and restaurants around. The rooms are very clean and tidy, and cheap for what you get. Carlos is always very friendly and makes you feel very welcome. I wouldn't choose to stay anywhere else in New York! I would highly recommend secondhome to anyone who plans to visit New York within the future :-)

Pros: great location, inexpensive, beautiful rooms

12/16/2002 Posted by freienstein

I have stayed numerous times at Carlos´ place over the past years. The second home it neatly maintained, clean and the place is simply vibrating with the good spirit, Carlos is spreading and he will help you out whenever you need something in the city. Contrary to some other ratings for this place there ARE quiet rooms. Whoever wrote that has no idea of what NYC city is like. This is not Montana, baby! Of course, this is not the Hilton, but for this price, it´s simply the best deal in town! Jörg

Pros: price, location, spirit

11/19/2002 Posted by 666

I've stayed with Carlos on at least ten occasions over the past three years. You can't beat the price. And if you're a late-nighter like me, you can't beat the location. Just a short walk to all the nightlife of the East Village and Lower East Side. Cons? Over the years, I'm noticing that the paint is starting to flake. The sinks are starting to drip. And the amenities aren't there anymore (no special soaps, etc). But even as other hotels continue to raise their prices, Carlos keeps his the same. A steal!!!

11/10/2002 Posted by lucyatlas

The major complaint is that they conveniently fail to inform that this guesthouse is directly above a club that stays open until about 3:30 AM. The bass boom boom booms all through the night. It can be quite unbearable. For 75.00 you get a room that only fits a bed, nothing else, a TV up in the closet that goes out periodically, a bathroom down the hall, and the full noise of the club.

Cons: noise from club below