Photography & Finance
We are Heather & Fernando, a well traveled, honest couple with a good sense of humor.
We JUST had a baby, September 7th 2011...Valentina Isabella-Mar! So we have been very busy and trying to get sleep! We apologize if we are a bit busy these days...
We have a 4 floor family owned "Alma Victoria" Guest House (Posada, Auberge, Pension)
inside a 1899 Brooklyn Merchants House that we are slowly renovating.
6 Private hotel style studio rooms (2 per floor can be joined to form larger 2 bedroom apartments)
1 fully private studio apartment on ground floor with private entrance.
Located in a artistic, bohemian creative fun area of Fort Greene/Clinton HIll Brooklyn, NYC-about 8-10 minutes from Manhattan, and a short hop or walk to all the BEST sites in Brooklyn, like the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn waterfront/Dumbo areas.
We live directly next door in another 4 floor house and are on the property daily for all your needs.
Our love of travel has lead us to running a guest house.
Originally from Colombia, Fernando spent 5 years living in London, before coming to New York City to work for a fashion company. Fernando is a former European Handball player for the national team of Colombia, and now nurtures a healthy obsession with indi British Rock.
Heather is a professional photographer/producer. She is the 1st born in the USA, her family is half English, half American (of Italian, French, Scottish, Egyptian decent). Heather has lived between the UK, Colorado, Oregon & NYC. Heather has taken extended 2-6 month trips to Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Costa Rica, France, and other countries.
We love traveling! We frequent Costa Rica and Europe.
We enjoy meeting new people, and hope to one day own a small Zen Beach Hotel in Costa Rica or Nicaragua !
We look forward to hosting your stay!
Cheers!
Heather & Pocho ( Fernando) & little Valentina
Had a great stay at Heather's place I found the room clean and cozy, close to subway and nice coffee shops all in all a nice place, highly recommend it.
January 2012Heather is the most charming, warm and helpful person. With all of the instruction provided, there was nothing left to question. Also, being unfamiliar with the area, they left many suggestions and recommendations on the wall by the front entrance. The room and bathroom was clean and well equipped. The only drawback was that my room was quite noisy and two out of the three nights I stayed, I was woken up and kept awake by people being extremely loud on the street below. Other than that, I... More »
My partner and I moved to New York and spent our first month in Heather's apartment. Whilst the location wasn't our first preference, we quickly forgot about this. Heather was incredibly accommodating, approachable and friendly. Our room was clean and up to standard. Additionally, staying in Clinton Hill was great; we wouldn't have discovered this neighborhood if we hadn't booked this apartment and we're glad we did. We both commuted to work every weekday in the morning and evening for a... More »
The room was nice and clean enough and although we didn't get to meet our hosts, Heather was easy to communicate with over the phone. Only real complain was that the neighborhood was also not as nice as advertised in the host's description. Walking between the apartment and closest station we found none of the many restaurants, cafes etc that are supposed to be nearby and we weren't given a map or explanation of where to find them. I guess we could have explored more, but as total... More »
Nice and clean room with a lovley bed:-) quiet and peaceful place! The host Heather met us at arrival and was very helpful and informative.When we left for the airport the nice lady Angela (cleaninglady) help us calling a cheap and nice taxi, she also was very helpful with our luggage. I can warmly recomend this place if you want a nice quiet cheap place in a lovley upcoming neighbourhood!
A convenient location within easy walking distance of two subway lines, this was a convenient place to base excursions to Brooklyn & Manhattan. Heather just had a new bub and was understandingly preoccupied but she was always friendly and willing to offer help and advice, The apartment was clean and comfy and the neighbourhood was a really interesting mix of peoples (including a terrific Nigerian restaurant and bar rated the best Nigraina food in New York).
They have a very cozy and beautiful apartments! The neighborhood is well, quiet and very close to the center of Manhattan! Communication with the subway is very easy and simple! Heather and Fernando are great hosts and a wonderful persons, who have helped us in everything we have need! highly recommended! Esperamos veros por Barcelona eh? Muchas gracias por todo, hemos tenido un viaje estupendo y un hospedaje excepcional!
Our stay @Alma Victoria house was great! Heather and Fernando are really nice hosts and will hell you with everything you need. Concerning the room, it is exactly like in the pictures, big, sunny and well located (only few minutes walk to the metro station Clinton-Washington on the C line). So, do not hesitate one second and start your nice NY trip @ this place. Marie & Nicolas
Great place and nice hosts! I wish the bathroom was a private one. Besides little leakage problems all was good! I loved the rooster call in the morning.....and loved Brooklyn!
Definitely recommended. Heather and Fernando were very nice and caring, though very busy with their new born baby. After a misunderstanding about our reservation, Heather was very flexible and did all she could to straighten things out. The rooms are nice and the neighbourhood is great. At the beginning the area felt a little rough, but soon we loved it and after 3weeks we didn't want to leave. We were happy to have chosen this place instead of something on Manhatten. It's very... More »
We really enjoyed stay here!! Heather and Fernando are very friendly! Studio looks same as on the picture. It´s about 15min to Mannhatan by subway. I would really recommed it! Enjoy the stay here ;)
We really enjoyed stay here!! Heather and Fernando are very friendly! Studio looks same as on the picture. It´s about 15min to Mannhatan by subway. I would really recommed it! Enjoy the stay here ;)
We'd recommend this place to anyone. Even though we arrived in NYC during a busy week for Heather and Fernando, they took the time to take care of our arrival. We haven't had much time to get to know them but they've been really nice with us. Everything was all right with the appartment, the area is quiet and yet you can find cool places to eat or have a drink not far away. Plus it's a nice break to have the opportunity to get out of the madness of Manhattan when going home at night.
El apartamento está limpio y bien comunicado. Da gusto llegar y descansar después de un día andando por New York. Heather y Nando siempre están atentos por si necesitas información de la ciudad. Una muy buena experiencia para repetir!!!!
La verdad que fué todo un acierto estar en casa de Heather y Nando, es preciosa y enseguida te colocas en pleno manhattan. Solo pudimos conocer a Nando porque Heather estaba teniendo a la pequeña Valentina, pero desde la distancia se preocupó en todo momento de que todo fuera perfecto. Gracias a los dos y suerte con vuestra nueva aventura!!
Our stay at the guesthouse, was just what we wanted! Even though the host-couple were in the middle of giving birth to a little baby (!) They still arranged for our check in/out went super smooth, and was available on cell phone if needed. The location of the guesthouse is a bit far from Manhattan, but close to the subway taking you anywhere you want. Our room was big, nicely decorated and the shared bathroom was clean and nice! Would totally recommend this place for the travellers who wants... More »
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who's looking for a nice, clean, and affordable place to stay just outside of Manhattan. My trip to NY was a last minute decision and Heather was very accommodating and helpful even with such short of notice. I would definitely stay there again the next time I'm in NY! :D
A huge recommendation to this guest house! The hosts are great,kind,helpful and I could go on and on how amazing they are.The room is nice,clean,new,extremely comfortable bed as in a hotel room.The location is full of small delis still open,few restaurants (very good thai and japanese one),so no worries you'd be starving.Subway is just couple of minutes away,so everything is quirky accessible such as Manhattan or e.g. Coney Island.Definitely a big YES to this listing!
we spend a really nice time at Fernando and Heather's home. The house is wonderfull, the room is really confortable, and the owners are more than friendly. It is really quiet and sweet to stay in that home, and the area is nice. Fernando was great with us and gave us a lot of advices according to the area, things to do... We trully recommand this place.
Nossa estadia em NY foi excelente ! O studio Alma Victoria é confortável, possui uma boa cama, internet, cozinha equipada. O metrô é bem próximo ao studio e faz tudo ficar perto. Muito prático e seguro. Também há mercado e alguns restaurantes próximos. Ficar hospedados no Brooklyn foi uma ótima experiência. Super-Recomendamos. Por fim, Heather e Fernando foram muito queridos. Nos auxiliaram em tudo que foi necessário. ******************************************** Nuestra estancia en... More »
Grande vacanza grande soggiorno! Heather e Fernando sono stati due ottimi ospiti, simpatici e sempre disponibili ogni volta che abbiamo avuto bisogno di un'informazione o anche solo di fare due chiacchiere. L'appartamento è delizioso..arredato con gran cura. Il letto comodissimo, la kitchenette con l'indispensabile per chi è in vacanza e non deve cucinare grandi pranzi, il bagno ,in comune con solo un altro appartamento, sempre pulito e in ordine. La zona in cui si trova l'appartamento è... More »
Alma Victoria is a GREAT place to stay. Room #1 is extremely comfortable, spotlessly clean and flooded in light. Heather and Fernando are warm and welcoming hosts who are eager to help their guest navigate the city and quick to recommend some of NYC and Brooklyn's finest establishments. One in particular is DOUGH, a doughnut shop just a few blocks away. It's worth the trip to Brooklyn just for a taste of one of these amazing culinary creations. I will definitely be back. Thank you,... More »
Stay with Heather and Fernando was super cool! They made us feeling home and advised us about the best spots to visit in NYC. The house and the private room are a lovely place. We really hope to meet they again.
I suggest everyone to stay there, as the place is nice and Heather and Nando have been really kind and always disposed to help me! I'd come back immediately!
Brooklyn is a wonderful place to stay. Heather and Nando are incredibly nice and helpful. They also give useful (and terrific) recommendations. The French Bakery (on Fulton), Choice Market, and Brooklyn Flea were great.
Heather's and Nando's home is a wonderful place to stay. I was able to be in the house in my own way, coming and going as I pleased and enjoying a great balance of privacy and communication. At first I planned on spending the first 10 days of my time in NYC in Brooklyn and then moving closer to Manhattan. But I was so comfortable at Heather and Nando's I stayed there for my entire stay in the city. Their house is close to the subway and from there I could access anywhere in Manhattan... More »
Staying at Heather's and Fernando's was simply great! Their house is so nice and cosy that you will feel instantly at home. I really hope we could meet again some time. Thank you so much!
The host canceled my reservation 30 days before arrival.
Had an amazing stay, they made us feel at home straight away. Gave us really good tips about where to go in New York, and staying in Brooklyn was great. We would definitely recommend Victoria Villa to anyone coming to explore New York. If we get the chance to come back we would love to stay there again.
Ben and I simply adored our stay here. Heather, and Fernando were such great banks of knowledge, and made us feel really welcome. The subways were easy to navigate and ran often so it was easy getting to and from Manhattan. The room is Spacious, and the bed was very comfortable - we slept so well. Thanks :D
Heather & Fernando treated us really well. We went for 9 nights to their house and we just felt as if we were at our home. I just can't find anything that went wrong. The room were we slept was big and very cozy. Everything was clean and we could put our food in the refrigerator, so we could have our breakfast and dinners at home. The neighborhood was also very nice. We had some very good restaurants to have dinner and it's in a peaceful area in Brooklyn. I really don't believe there is... More »
We were welcomed with open arms into the Victoria’s apartment. Cozy, clean, and well-kept, it was the perfect place to get an insider’s view of Brooklin. It was equally, if not more, delightful to meet someone as refreshing, open-minded, and generous as Fernando. Sending a special thanks for making our stay in New York memorable.
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our two week stay at Victoria Villa. Heather handled all the communication prior our arrival but unfortunately she was not at the house during our stay, so we could not enjoy the professional local guide skills attributed by her husband Fernando and other reviewers. On the other hand Fernando was a great and fun host. We shared some really good time. He took us to the best Southern brunch in town – which happens to be just 3 blocks away from the house,... More »
We stayed with Heather and Nando for 8 days and LOVED it! Although Heather had to go abroad for her job we didn't see her that much, but she gave us a warm welcome and a lot of tips to go to in NYC! Nando was very kind and funny and whenever we had a question, he'd help us. Their house is so beautiful, a real Zen place to stay. The bed is comfortable, the room is light and fresh and it's very quiet! I would definately recomend everybody to go there! The subway is around the corner and... More »
Firstly Heather & Nando are just lovely! I so wish we were able to spend more time with them as they really are genuine down to earth accommodating hosts. The house itself is beautiful and the room I stayed in was very comfortable, clean and cosy. The area to which I was hesitant about before is safe and surrounding neighbors are very friendly! Each morning someone always said hello and it was just a very welcoming place to visit. I enjoy the gym and Heather directed me and kindly... More »
such a good time..lovely heather and fernando thank you; good laughs, nice room. easy going persons; w'll go again if we can;
This is the perfect place to come to, doesn't matter if you're inNYC for the first time or coming back, it will definitly work out as a welcoming, homefeeling, loving house, that welcomes you with open arms and heart. From day one I felt so much more like being with friends, than staying at some strangers house. I miss you guys already, please come soooooon to Berlin :) Hugs & Kisses, Jeannette
This place is absolutly a great place to stay when visiting NY! Close to everything in a nice and calm area. Heather and Fernando is the most helpfull and friendly hosts you can emagine. -Nice and comfortable room. I felt very lucky!
Heather is the most wonderful host! Our schedules were kind of crazy, out early and back in very late. Heather recommended lots to do and eat in the neighborhood and helped us get around. The home is welcoming, beautiful, clean, but most importantly, comfortable. I travel about 25 days a month for work, so it was a lovely treat to stay in such a nice home. The place is also super conveniently located. We had an easy time getting anywhere, Manhattan, JFK, and wandering all over... More »
During my stying, I really loved the place. Heather is so warm and nice host. Beautiful, comfortable and clean house, calm & friendly neighborhood, and perfect location to access subway... If I visit NYC again, I would stay here again without hesitation.
Heather and Fernando are friendly welcoming hosts. The apartment is well equipped. We could eat in the kitchen when we wanted. Use of the washing machine and the computer was much appreciated. The garden with gray squirrels and red cardinals is an urban oasis. Heather was very helpful and full of useful tourist info. Convenient for the subway and JFK airport.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Victoria Inn with Heather and Fernando. Both were hospitable and made me feel more like a friend than a guest. The brownstone is gorgeous and the location was absolutely great in the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. It is a vibrant, lively area. There are plenty of places to eat and a grocery store is within walking distance. I was able to purchase food and keep it in the kitchen. Their neighbors are very friendly. The house is practically feet away from... More »
Great place, Great Host!!! I do love your backyard.
Great peoples, Great house,Great room,Great garden and so quite neigbourhood. If you don't want to sleep with noise of Manhattan this is the best place. You can take the metro (2 mnt far from their house by the walk)and after 20 mnt you are in Manhattan. So helpfull people and Heather was like our personal guide.(She recommend so many good place) We stayed 5 days with my husband and we recommend absouletly Heather and Fernando and their house.
Absolutely wonderful. Heather and Nando are warm and welcoming and their home is beautiful and well kept. This was the perfect place for me to find my feet in New York. Highly Reccomended!
Meeting Heather and Fernando during my Airbnb stay was the highlight of my trip to New York! They are both extremely welcoming, worldly wise and warm individuals. Victorian Inn is well located - close to two subway lines and is adequately serviced by local eateries and food stores. The room was clean and well-equipped. The bed was brand new and one of the most comfortable during my US trip. The laundry facilities and backyard garden were nice additions too. Heather knows a lot about the... More »
Awesome place, awesome people - good spot for checking out all NYC has to offer - loved our stay here :) PS: the cats are so so cute and bed comfy.
wow!!..the flat is in a wonderfull position, lively neighborhood, cosmopolitan, near to the subway, to brooklyn museum, to bootanic garden. quiter than manhattan but so interesting!!... it's just Brooklyn!.. Heather and Fernando are great.. really easygoing persons!! Their flat is cozy, confortable and clean. SUPER ADVISED!!!
Although we only met Heather and Nando briefly, they were very helpful despite being on a trip of their own. The flat itself was great - neat, well-maintained, conveniently located, and the room was really bright! It did get a bit hot but the fan helped things cool down a bit. Close to the subway station and with lots of cool shops/restaurants nearby. Thanks for a great stay!
We enjoyed our stay at Heather and Fernando very much. They were incredibly hospitable. When it rained, they offered us an umbrella. We got a lot of tips for sightseeing in the city. They even offered to show us some cool places in Brooklyn. Because of the heat in the city they gave us a fan. We were allowed to use the kitchen any time so we cooked our meals ourselves a lot. The neighbourhood is nice. Sub is a five to ten minute walk. They also have a splendid roof top. One downside: they... More »
Couldn't wish for a better place or hosts in Brooklyn.
I truly enjoyed my stay at the Vanderbuilt flat. The room was very clean and the room was bright and airy. Hosts were very nice and helpful with helping me to find things in the area since I am not from New York. It was very convenient because the apartment is near subways, so getting around is not difficult at all. I would definintley stay again.
My fiancée and I spent 4 days in the apartment and we find that Heather and Fernando are awesome people and their place is exactly that: awesome. Neat, tidy, comfortable, clean, tastefully decorated, and very conveniently located in a nice and quiet neighborhood with nice restaurants and cafes nearby. Trains 2, 3, B & Q are a couple of blocks away and take you to Manhattan and back really quick. And the hosts are as good as it gets! They are friendly, easy going, ultra-helpful, squeaky clean,... More »
Heather and Fernando were fantastic. Our hectic schedule had us coming back pretty late but they were fine with that. They gave us some great advice and we even had the chance to check out a new sushi place with them. The room was great and the location cannot be beat. Walking distance to all kinds of shops and dining and multiple subway stops mere blocks away. We would definitely stay with them again. Plus their cats are awesome! Thanks guys. See you when we move to NY!
This place is just great! We went there for 9 nights and everything went really well! Fernando and Heather are really the best hosts you can imagine. They are so kind and helps you out with all kinds of stuff! The room is clean and nice and almost better than the pictures!
Vanderbilt Flats was a great clean place to spend the night if you are looking for a convenient spot in the NYC area at a reasonable price. Heather was very accommodating and sweet. Will definitely be back!
Loved it. Great place, great company and great location. And at $50 a night it's a steal. I'll take it any time over any hotel 3 times the cost per night. You guys rock! U2, on the other hand, is a mystery of mega-stardom mediocrity! ;-)
What an amazing little couple. Heather and Nando treated us like their own, pointed us to really cool New York hot spots, and made us feel right at home. The apartment is spacious, so don't feel nervous about space. They're apparently really sound sleepers, and don't mind you coming home at whatever time of night/day, as long as you attempt to minimize the noise levels. Keep in mind that the lower floor has a baby, so be respectful if coming "home" late. Environmentally and... More »
Heather and Nando are a fun couple, neat and quite, good conversation, enjoy every minute with them, traveled people always have good information, and are fun to be with. Hope to see them soon. I absolutly recomend hthem.
May 2010