You save money and sleep with unbeatable views
Years ago when we planned a trip to New York, we stopped looking for acceptable rooms in hotels almost always too old for how expensive they were . Those who travel to the Big Apple with a tighter budget know that renting an apartment is a much more profitable and comfortable option. Well, now on Airbnb, one of the networks that has more apartments available , there are some new much more original options: a taxi, vans and motorhomes . The landlord of this new way of sleeping in New York is called jonathan powley and he started the business three years ago.
“The idea of renting vehicles on Airbnb came to me when my 1979 motorhome broke down” , says Powley through the house rental network… and house-cars. “I was thinking of sleeping in it while I was selling Christmas trees. He had started a business called The Christmas Tree Stand-Up in which another comedian and I entertained the buyers while they chose the tree. After 10 years doing monologues around New York, it seemed like a great idea. . Unfortunately, the caravan broke down and since I couldn't move it, I decided to list it on Airbnb."
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The business has done so well since then that it has multiplied its fleet . You now have five ads in total on the web. The five vehicles are parked in Long Island City, the southernmost neighborhood in Queens that overlooks Manhattan and Brooklyn.
rent a taxi converted into a large bed ; three vans with beds and more or less space for suitcases ( Van with a View , A Van Down by the Water , Y Beautiful Conversion Sleep Van ); and in addition, two motorhomes ( one from 1989 , and his, from 1979, that accommodates up to 4 people ). Prices start at $35 ( just over 30 euros ) of the van at 125 (110 euros) of the 1989 caravan. The taxi is rented for 59 dollars a night (about 50 euros).
Of the six vehicles the taxi converted into a room is the “most popular” because it seems like the most New York experience says Powley, who before comics he worked five years in five-star hotels. “I graduated in Hotel and Restaurant Management. And then I worked at the Trump International Hotel and Tower next to Central Park and I helped open the Ritz Carlton in White Plains, New York ”, he tells. That's why knows a lot about hospitality and good service and takes great care of the details.
Carabana yes, but here a detail is not neglected
Receive in all cars with fresh flowers and in each one has a Treasure Box (Treasure box) where asks each guest to leave something for the next . “It may be a memory of his trip. For example, yesterday a customer left a pack of cards. in another vehicle, one from Canada left behind a can of Canadian maple syrup Powley says. Sometimes it's just a tip about a good restaurant or a place to visit."
None of the vehicles can be moved but they are located in a very comfortable neighborhood. Overlooking the river and Manhattan, close to the subway, which takes you to Times Square in three stops, near Long Island City Park and MoMA PS1 , where now in summer the best parties are held. The vans and the taxi are equipped with clean sheets, curtains and a fan (since it cannot be started to turn on the air conditioning). The caravans are much more complete and have even installed a shower and bathroom in them. “ Everybody asks about it . If you rent one of the vans [or the taxi], I give you a list of cafes and bars that are happy to let you use their toilets . And for the showers, I offer you a list of swimming pools and gyms that you can go to ”.
Perhaps for winter it is not the most comfortable option , but during the hot weather months it is more than attractive and daring. That's why, for the adventure and the experience, people usually rent it for two to three days.
Since a few weeks ago the American media began to echo Powley's offers, the demand for his vans has grown . And he assures that he already has many Spanish guests. “Reservations are constant. It's not an avalanche though, which is fine, because it's still manageable ”.
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