Columbia, Stanford, La Sorbonne (un cours de français)
Recovering lawyer
I've studied, worked and lived in New York city for about 13 years. It's very important to me that my guests feel welcome and at home, and I make every effort to ensure that they have a great stay, however long it may be.
Je parle un peu de français.
The host canceled my reservation 22 days before arrival. We were really dissapointed as couldn't get anything half as decent still available through airbnb for a similar price.
May 2011We simply adored Dara's beautiful apartment and felt at home right from the start. To us it was the perfect New York accomodation, only a short walk away from the 125th street subway station with the express A and D trains taking you to midtown in no time. We would highly recommend it to anyone! David, Johanna and Julian from Sweden
This place is beautiful — nicer than my own apartment, even. Quiet, fully equipped with a washer/dryer, full kitchen, internet and TV. It's close to the subway, though the area itself is a bit far from the livelier areas of Manhattan. But if you're willing to spend some time on the B/C or 2/3 for a beautiful, well-priced apartment, it is definitely worth it.
Dara is a gracious and helpful host with a spotless, yet inviting, apartment. From the various amenities to the information booklets she created, you can tell that her guests' comfort is upmost in her mind. As for the neighborhood, Harlem is filled with unique treasures large and small. The apartment is a great base from which to explore upper Manhattan and its surroundings. What's more, transportation options are plentiful for adventures further afield. This wonderful urban retreat is... More »
Beautiful accomidations. My wife and I will be returning soon!!
The apartment was lovely and very well located. There was a grocery store at the corner and many restaurants within walking distance. I would highly recommend Dara's apartment to anyone looking for a home away from home.
I came to NY with my 21 year old daughter and we had a great time in Dara's flat - just perfect for the two of us to have our own space in complete comfort. Dara was friendly and helpful, the notes in the flat explained everything about the neighbourhood, and the flat itself was well appointed and decorated very tastefully and with great care. I am pleased we stayed in a proper local area rather than in the touristy parts of the city. Harlem isn't exactly the smartest area of town, but we... More »
We had a great time at Dara's place, it is perfect. She is a great host and the apartment is beautiful with everything you would want available. The area is friendly and it is very easy to get downtown. We would recommend it to anyone and love to stay again. Thanks Dara.
This apartment greatly exceeded our expectations. It is elegant, comfortable and convenient, and was immaculately clean. A true retreat after a long day out and about. It is close to transportation, and to many excellent destinations in the neighborhood. Dara was so helpful in providing information about the apartment and services in the area. I would stay here in preference to any hotel I have stayed in in New York, and recommend it highly.
Dara's Harlem Haven is truly that...a haven! My husband and I spent three nights here on our honeymoon and can't say enough good things about it! Of course we were on the go constantly and didn't spend much time in the apartment. But the time we did spend was wonderful! After exploring the city all day and well into the wee hours of the night on very hot, humid summer days, we couldn't wait until we arrived home each night for a short respite. It was an oasis! Not only is it tastefully... More »
I stayed here for 6 nights with my parents. Dara was incredibly accomodating and super nice! We couldn't have asked for a better host. She even helped us with our luggage and arranged our taxi when we left. The apartment was great, and we had everything we needed. We felt safe in the neighborhood(not to mention the regular police presence). All in all, we really enjoyed our time at this apartment, no complaints whatsoever! I would definitely recommend this apartment.
*****My family of 4 stayed at Dara's apartment for two fantastic weeks! As soon as we walked into the apartment I knew we were *REALLY LUCKY* to have such a beautiful, spacious and affordable place to stay in NYC, where significant square footage is a luxury. I'm very picky about where I stay--aesthetics and a peaceful, clean environment is very important to me. Also I hate staying in areas which are dominated by tourists; I want to stay somewhere that gives me the feeling of living in a... More »
We stayed at Dara's place for 4 nights, and we could not have asked for a better place or host! Dara made us feel right at home as soon as we got there. The apartment is even more beautiful in person than in pictures! Great location as well - easy access to 125th St and 135Sth subway stops, we could be anywhere quickly! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a place in NYC!
We just adored the apartment and Dara. Everything about it was so comfortable, clean, spacious, and so lovely. The neighborhood is quiet, so quiet we just wanted to lay in bed all day. It was so much better then any hotel. Being able to enjoy meals at the apartment saves a bunch of money. The Subway is close and accessible, and even though all our business was midtown, the ride back is rather quick and worth it for the comfortable feeling of home rather then a hotel. I would recommend this... More »
I stayed at Dara's lovely apartment for 10 nights and it was just a blissful experience. I've stayed at my share of hotels and B&B's and I have to say Dara's ranks high up there with the very best. It had all the taste, high-end touches and luxuries of a great hotel but with the homeyness and personality of a home-away-from-home. From the plush cozy sofa in the living room to the luxurious, super comfy bed, there was nothing lacking here (washer and dryer and a dishwasher were great... More »
I went to Harlem Haven in goods part because of reviews of others. Now I can join the list. Dara is a wonderful person . Her care for how people will feel staying there is reflected in the quality of appointments-bedding, art, objects, kitchen, etc.as well as her own warmth. I was not familiar with the area and taxis found it dificult to find, because of a non through street. It is special in New York to have a full apartment to oneslef that is affordable with so much class.I loved... More »
Fabulous! We stayed in Dara's gorgeous apartment for 8 days and had an all around positive experience. The unit has everything you could need and more, with a nice balance of comfort and style! She was immensely helpful with everything from advice on transportation to technology! We will absolutely stay again. Thank you so much Dara!
What a great place AND a great hostess. The place is wonderful, comfortable and feels like home. It's easy to say that good things about the place and Dara - she's appointed things like a luxury hotel. I would recommend Harlem Haven to anyone - and hope it's available the next time I come to New York.
Great spot! spacious, clean, recently renovated & very nicely furnished. Neighborhood was quiet, bed was especially comfortable. Wi-fi access, flatscreen tv's, full kitchen w/ dishwasher, all a big plus for us. Ease to LGA via M60 also a perk for this location. Dara was a great host, knowledgeable about the area and ready to recommend the nearest or best whatever-you're-looking-for. We will look here first next time we are in town for a short stay.
Dara was a gracious host. Harlem Haven was the perfect place to stay during the transition from SF to NY. For someone making such a big move, this place felt like home. Fully furnished, with a washer and dryer to use (a luxury in NYC) full kitchen with utensils and amenities, and TV's in bedroom and living area- it was perfect. The decor was also very welcoming and made you comfortable in the chaos of the city. She was completely flexible with our plans (which ended up being... More »
We stayed at Harlem Haven for 5 nights in October and couldn't ask for a nicer place. The location is just a couple of blocks to the express A and D trains and even closer to some local stops, so it is very convenient. We even took the A train to and from JFK which was much faster and cheaper than a taxi. But the real value is the actual apartment. Dara, the helpful and charming host, has decorated it in tasteful and luxurious style and it feels very homey. The bedding was best quality... More »
Dara was my "landlord" for two years, yet calling her a landlord seems wrong. She was a friend and a wonderful one at that. We had many a warm, summer afternoons sitting on the stoop talking about life and all its exciting complexities, while enjoying a cool beverage. I am sure that if you stay with Dara in her absolutely beautiful brownstone than you will have memories as wonderful as mine. The stoop alone is worth the entire stay.
October 2009