The Manhattan Retreat is a rare, fully private 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom townhouse on a quiet dead-end street in East Harlem, Upper Manhattan. Spread across five levels, it sleeps up to 17 guests and has 2 full kitchens, several living areas, a basement lounge and gym, and a private fenced backyard with a grill, hammock, and basketball hoop. The 4, 5, and 6 subway trains are about a 5-minute walk away, and Midtown is about 15 minutes from there.

Built for families and large groups, the home gives everyone room to spread out: separate floors for separate groups, two washer-dryer sets, two dedicated workspaces, and a top-floor suite with its own full kitchen. A backyard in Manhattan? Yes, really.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS (SLEEPS 17)
- Bedroom 1 (garden level): 1 queen bed (sleeps 2)
- Bedroom 2 (second level): 1 bunk bed with a full and a twin (sleeps 3)
- Bedroom 3 (third level, primary suite): 1 king bed (sleeps 2)
- Bedroom 4 (third level): 1 queen bed (sleeps 2)
- Bedroom 5 (top floor): 2 queen beds (sleeps 4)
- Top floor: 1 sofa bed (sleeps 2)
- Garden-level living room: 1 sofa (sleeps 1)
- Basement lounge: 1 sofa (sleeps 1)
- Folding baby crib available
- Bathrooms: 4 full bathrooms - one each on the garden, second, third, and top levels

HIGHLIGHTS
- The entire townhouse is yours - no shared spaces
- 5 levels, 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms
- 2 full kitchens and several dining areas
- Private fenced backyard with outdoor dining for about 8, a grill, hammock, egg chair, and basketball hoop
- Basement lounge with a game table and a small gym
- 2 washer-dryer sets
- 2 dedicated workspaces
- Keyless entry with a key fob - arrive on your own schedule
- Quiet dead-end street, about a 5-minute walk to the 4, 5, and 6 trains

THE SPACE
This bright, modern townhouse spans five fully furnished levels. Large windows bring natural light into every floor, and the clean, modern design feels warm and welcoming throughout. Each level has its own purpose, so your group can spend time together or spread out and enjoy some space.

BASEMENT - LOUNGE AND GYM
A bonus hangout and workout space - great for kids, night owls, or anyone who wants their own zone.
- Lounge area with sofa (sleeps 1)
- Game table
- Small gym with weights and equipment, plus a yoga mat
- Washer and dryer
- Folding baby crib

GARDEN LEVEL - LIVING SPACE AND PRIVATE BACKYARD
A full living area with direct access to the private, fully fenced backyard.
- Living room with sofa (sleeps 1) and TV
- Full kitchen with oven, stove, refrigerator, and cooking essentials
- Dining table
- Bedroom with queen bed
- Full bathroom with shower
- Dedicated workspace

SECOND LEVEL - LIVING ROOM AND BUNK ROOM
A relaxed level with its own living space - great for younger guests or as a second hangout area for the group.
- Living room with sofas and a 50-inch TV
- Bedroom with bunk bed (full and twin)
- Full bathroom

THIRD LEVEL - PRIMARY SUITE AND SECOND BEDROOM
The quietest and most private floor - ideal for restful sleep or focused work.
- Primary bedroom with king bed and TV
- Dedicated workspace
- Walk-in closet with washer and dryer
- Second bedroom with queen bed
- Full bathroom

TOP FLOOR - SUITE WITH FULL KITCHEN
This floor works as a self-contained suite - good for guests who want extra independence, or for large groups who need a second kitchen.
- Large bedroom with 2 queen beds
- Sofa bed (sleeps 2)
- Full kitchen with all essentials
- Dining table (seats 8)
- Full bathroom

PRIVATE BACKYARD
Private outdoor space is very rare in Manhattan. Eat, lounge, grill, or shoot hoops without leaving the property.
- Fully fenced
- Outdoor dining table (seats about 8)
- Lounge seating area
- Hammock and egg chair
- Grill
- Basketball hoop

ARRIVAL AND GUEST ACCESS
The entire townhouse is yours: all five levels, every bedroom, both kitchens, all living and dining areas, the basement lounge and gym, and the private backyard.

Check-in is self-service with a key fob, so you can arrive on your own schedule. When you arrive, look for number 515 1/2 (`and a half` - the better half), not 515.

If you need anything before or during your stay, send me a message through Vrbo for a quick response. Building management is usually on site during the day, and I will share their contact details for any maintenance help.

PARKING
- Free street parking is available nearby, but like most of NYC, availability varies
- For most trips around the city, the subway is faster and cheaper than driving

THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The home sits on a quiet dead-end street in East Harlem, one of Upper Manhattan`s most authentic neighborhoods, with deep Puerto Rican and Latin roots, live music, and legendary local food. Restaurants, bodegas, parks, and subway stops are all within easy walking distance, and the Harlem River waterfront is right in the neighborhood - a real New York base, away from the tourist crowds.

NYC BUCKET LIST PICKS
- Rao`s - one of NYC`s most legendary and exclusive Italian restaurants, right in the neighborhood
- Marcus Garvey Park - a historic Harlem park with an amphitheater, a pool, and city views
- The Met and Museum Mile - world-class museums a short ride down Fifth Avenue
- Central Park - minutes away by subway or bike

COFFEE
- East Harlem Café - a cozy, community-focused coffee spot on Lexington Avenue, loved by locals
- Amuse Bouche at La Marqueta - a French bistro café inside the historic La Marqueta market, under the Metro-North tracks

LOCAL EATS
- Patsy`s Pizzeria - an NYC institution since 1933, serving coal-oven pizza near East 117th Street
- Taco Mix - the neighborhood go-to for Mexican street tacos, always fresh and always busy
- La Fonda Boricua - Puerto Rican comfort food and a staple of El Barrio

FRESH AIR AND CITY VIEWS
- Randalls Island Park - 480 acres of waterfront parkland with bike trails, sports fields, an urban farm, and skyline views; walk or bike over the 103rd Street footbridge
- Harlem River waterfront - peaceful riverside walks with views of the Bronx and the bridges
- Central Park - trails, picnic lawns, and classic NYC views, a short ride away

GETTING AROUND
By subway:
- 4, 5, and 6 trains at 125th St-Lexington Ave - about a 5-minute walk
- 2 and 3 trains also nearby
- Midtown and Grand Central - about 15 minutes
- Wall Street and the Financial District - about 25-30 minutes
- Tip: download the official MTA app for live subway updates and trip planning

By train:
- Metro-North at Harlem-125th St Station for quick trips to the Bronx and upstate New York

By air:
- LaGuardia Airport - about 20-25 minutes by car or rideshare
- JFK Airport - about 35-45 minutes by car outside rush hour; by public transit, take the subway to Jamaica Station and then the AirTrain

By car:
- FDR Drive - direct route south to Midtown and Downtown
- RFK Bridge - quick connection to Queens and the Bronx
- Major Deegan Expressway - toward the Bronx and beyond
- Heading into Midtown? Expect traffic and limited parking - the subway is usually faster
- Rush hours - avoid 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM for smoother trips

By bike and on foot:
- Citi Bike stations nearby for rides to Central Park, the Upper East Side, and beyond
- Randalls Island Park and the Harlem River waterfront are easy to reach on foot or by bike