The Harlem Flophouse

Hotels
8.8 (79 reviews)
242 West 123rd Street Private residence , New York , us

Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Non-smoking throughout
Shared lounge/TV area
Fire extinguishers
Smoke alarms
Key access
Free wired internet
Internet access
Concerts/live shows

Review Highlights

Pros:
Unique decor
Welcoming hosts
Great location
Cons:
Bathroom fixtures need updating
Limited food options

Categories

Cleanliness
8.76
Clean and well-maintained space, though some bathroom features need improvement.
Service
9.23
Hosts are kind and welcoming, providing a personal touch to the stay.
Location
9.27
Conveniently located near the metro and in a quiet neighborhood, enhancing the overall experience.
Room Quality
8.72
Spacious and comfortable rooms with a unique and charming décor.
Amenities
8.25
Jazz nights and good common spaces; however, some amenities could be improved (like bathroom fixtures).
Value for Money
8.71
Great value with unique experiences, though some minor issues exist.
Food and Beverage
8.26
Local breakfast options available but lack of in-house dining service.
Overall Experience
9.23
Memorable and enchanting experience, highlighting the unique atmosphere of Harlem.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-18 10:47

Property Description

Historic Charm in New York City

Unique Accommodations: The Harlem Flophouse offers rooms with garden views and a cozy shared lounge for guests to relax in.

Convenient Location: Situated near iconic landmarks like Columbia University, Yankee Stadium, and Central Park, our hotel provides easy access to the best of New York City.

Comfortable Stay: Enjoy free WiFi, comfortable bedding, and a desk in each room, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.

Experience the allure of Harlem at The Harlem Flophouse. Book your stay now for an unforgettable New York City getaway.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 6 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 6 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 79 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.76
Service: 9.23
Location: 9.27
Room Quality: 8.72
Amenities: 8.25
Value for Money: 8.71
Food and Beverage: 8.26
Overall Experience: 9.23
T
Thuy-Duong couple ch
9
Amazing affordable accommodation in Harlem with an old time vibe
Pros:

- René ist ein exzellenter, unglaublich sympathischer Gastgeber: Die Kommunikation verlief einwandfrei und als wir ein Problem im Zimmer hatten (defekte Jalousien), hat er das Problem zügig behoben
- Unserer Zimmer war sehr großräumig und so liebevoll mit allen möglichen interessanten Erinnerungsstücken dekoriert, sodass man sich richtig wohl gefühlt hat.
- gute Lage: Es sind nur 7 min bis zur U-Bahn und mit dem A-Train ist man in ca. 20min am Times Square

Cons:

- Das Gebäude und somit auch die Dielen sind recht alt und knarren bei jedem Schritten. Leider waren die Gäste über unserem Zimmer abends manchmal sehr aktiv/ haben sehr auf den Boden gestampft, sodass sogar der Kronleuchter in unserem Zimmer recht laut vibriert hat. Der Lärm war teilweise etwas störend.

2026-01-25 via Nuitee
D
Daphne solo_traveller us
10
Experience time travel into the best of the Harlem Renaisannce!
Pros:

I loved the whole sultry jazz vibe: ambient music plus period woodwork, porcelain, wallpaper, and decor. It felt so much like time travel that I opened the window the first night instead of looking for the air conditioner control. The room was huge and still has all of the boarding room amenities, prompting me to imagine myself as a very comfortable long term guest back in the day.

Cons:

The water temperature controls were finicky but the water pressure was awesome.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
A
Andrea couple de
10
Pros:

Das Haus hat genau den Charme, den es auf den ersten Bildern ausstrahlt! René ist ein äußerst liebenswürdiger Gastgeber!

2026-01-04 via Nuitee
C
Chakravarthy couple us
9
2025-12-26 via Nuitee
C
Catherine family_with_children us
9
A wonderful unique experience. Hope to return.
Pros:

It is a unique place - with art/furniture/fixtures to evoke a specific era. It is inviting. I also loved that Rene hosts jazz nights downstairs. We saw an incredible singer and pianist duo. It was such a treat. Well worth the ticket.

Cons:

I did not dislike anything.

2025-11-13 via Nuitee
S
Szymon couple pl
9
The best place in the world, recommend everyone!
Pros:

Amazing host!
Beautiful place, nothing to complaint about!

Cons:

I was only missing a kettle to drink a cup of tea :)

2025-11-12 via Nuitee
G
Guillaume couple fr
9
Très bon séjour dans un hôtel chaleureux et confortable.
Pros:

Rue agréable et tranquille près du métro 125th. Hôtel très bien tenu. Chambre spacieuse, confortable, au calme. La salle de bain ne se partage qu'avec l'autre chambre de l'étage, ça ne pose aucun problème. Le lieu a vraiment du cachet, on sent qu'il est habité, ça n'a rien à voir avec un hôtel froid et standardisé. Le salon du RDC accueille parfois des concerts de jazz (mais jamais après 22h), l'hôte propose un tarif réduit pour les résidents. Merci à René pour son accueil !

Cons:

Tout est vraiment très bien, mais la baignoire de la salle de bain du 2e étage devrait être équipée d'un pommeau de douche et d'un rideau (il n'est pas facile de se doucher avec le robinet seul...).

2025-10-27 via Nuitee
L
Lenneke family_with_children nl
8
Heerlijke uitvalsbasis voor bezoek aan New York
Pros:

Het is heel fijn om in een gewone woonwijk en straat in New York te verblijven. De metro is maar een paar minuten lopen en rijdt heel erg vaak. De nachten waren heerlijk rustig

Cons:

Badkamer heel erg stijlvol maar eerlijk gezegd is een gewone douche fijner dan ene bad met douche er in. Boven was alleen een wc met bad, maar ik zou zelf het bad weghalen en daar een douche plaatsen. Geen last gehad van andere gasten of Zo, maar is gewoon net iets fijner.

2025-10-23 via Nuitee
M
Manon couple fr
8
Nous avons passé un super séjour au Harlemflophouse. Cet établissement nous transporte dans les années 30 du Harlem, et
Pros:

Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la déco rétro de cet établissement qui lui donne un charme fou !

Cons:

Le lit était un petit peu petit pour deux, mais c’est ok.

2025-10-05 via Nuitee
E
evitina couple gr
8
Ευχαριστη διαμονη με αισθηση ασφαλειας και ωραιο κλιμα τοσο εσωτερικα στο σπιτι οσο και στη γειτονια
Pros:

η τοποθεσια αριστη, φιλοξενο κλιμα, μονο παντοφλες, καθαρο σπιτι, ωραια αισθητική σπιτιου

Cons:

η μπανιερα στον οροφο μας δεν ειχε τηλεφωνο για να πλυθουμε και ειχε μια κανάτα.
Το φως στον διάδρομο δεν λειτουργούσε έξω απο το δωματιο μας

2025-09-17 via Nuitee
L
Luca solo_traveller fr
9
Pros:

I had an amazing stay at this beautiful, authentic Harlem townhouse. On weekends, the ground floor transforms into a cozy jazz club, which makes the experience truly unique. The rooms are spacious, spotless, and very comfortable, and the owner is extremely kind and welcoming. Honestly, I hope to come back soon and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting New York. Best value for money in the city!

2025-08-24 via Nuitee
E
Erik solo_traveller se
9
Åkte till New York för att uppleva musik. Detta boende kändes helt rätt i och med det.
Pros:

Fanns möjlighet att äta sittande frukost på åtminstone en restaurang i kvarteret men jag valde att köpa frukost på Dunkin Doughnuts som också låg i kvarteret.

Cons:

Jag har inget att klaga på.

2025-08-11 via Nuitee
K
Katsuhiro family_with_children us
2
2025-07-31 via Nuitee
M
Monika family_with_children pl
9
Pełen uroku i charakteru stary dom w Harlemie
Pros:

Wyjątkowy design, kameralny klimat. Każdy detal przypomina, że jesteś w Nowym Jorku. Zaledwie cztery pokoje w kamienicy zabierającej w podróż w czasie. Blisko do metra. Przyjazny właściciel z sympatycznym kotem. Rewelacyjny stosunek jakości do ceny.

Cons:

Oczywiście łazienka w korytarzu nie jest idealnym rozwiązaniem, ale w przypadku starej kamienicy i małej liczby pokoi nie było to problemem. Można się szybko przyzwyczaić, bo klimat jest domowy.

2025-07-20 via Nuitee
J
Joel solo traveller us
9
Not a flophouse at all, this 4 bedroom, shared bathroom space is a lower cost alternative!
Pros:

I understand this establishment has been a hotel since 1917. Rene, the current proprietor, was gracious. The place is filled with deep connection to the neighborhood and a jazzy vibe that is soulful and real.

Cons:

It seems that there are jazz concerts in the living room from time to time. Sorry I missed this! I'm coming back.

2025-06-20 via Nuitee
P
Patrick solo traveller us
10
A timeless stay in a piece if Harlem history.
Pros:

The authenticity of the property, the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, and the gorgeous time period rooms.
Check in was easy and access to the property was smooth.

2025-06-11 via Nuitee
M
Martin young couple nz
8
A unique and enjoyable stay, thanks!
Pros:

Wonderful character, and chance to experience old world Harlem. Live Jazz is very special.

Cons:

Perhaps the bed and bedding, although in keeping with old styles, could have been modernised for comfort.

2025-05-11 via Nuitee
S
Stefanie young couple de
10
Very authentic stay in Harlem with great staff
Pros:

I didn’t really like the bedsheets, they were a bit smelly but for the price I won’t complain

2025-04-17 via Nuitee
L
Lauren family with young children ca
10
Exceptional
2024-12-11 via Nuitee
A
Amanda family with young children es
9
Charming and convenient
Pros:

Beautiful and charming hotel in Harlem, very conveniently located near the La Guardia airport bus and two subway stations. The neighborhood is safe and has multiple convenience stores, theatres and restaurants. The room is large and has storage space, and a small basin.

Cons:

The room was a bit too cold to be fully comfortable and one would expect that the shared bathroom is cleaned everyday (although we were lucky we were alone for the first two days). The owner came to say hi on the second or third day (would have been nicer to see a face earlier).

2024-11-27 via Nuitee