Michelle and Patty
From Los Angles. These girls were my my first guests. They came ready to take Manhattan on! After being here for only a few nights, they knew New York better than me! I remember waking up in the morning and listening to their stories about the night before. Ahhh,... to be young and pretty.
Read their testimonial:
"Two girls from California in NY for the first time was pretty scary but Jon really made us feel safe and at home. I remember the first day we got there, Jon (I still remember your Argyle sweater vest!!! So cute!) was kind enough to leave work and meet us at the subway station and then walk us to the apartment while giving us a quick tour of the area.
LOCATION!!! LOCATION!!! LOCATION!!!! The apartment is in the middle of it all: Bars, restaurants, shopping, subways, movie theaters, farmers markets, grocery stores, etc. I recommend the Turkish fast food restaurant right in the corner on Houston for a late night snack.
The bedroom was private, safe,cozy and very clean--just perfect for my best friend and me. The whole apartment, in fact,was nice and clean.
Once we arrived at Jon’s apartment we dropped our bags and began our journey in NY. Jon walked with us pointing out some key places in LES before returning to work. Oh and he initiated us into NY with those crazy frozen margarita’s that you can get "to -go" in McDonalds cups. Tell him to take you. Perfect on a hot summer day.
If you are planning on going to NY, your stay with Jon will be an unforgettable experience. We have since recomended all of our friends, and hope to return soon ourselves.Remember its located on HOW-ston not HUE-ston!!
This ambitious couple came all the way from Australia. Their vacation was part business, part pleasure...and 100% fun. The didn't leave a nook or cranny unexplored in the city...and I think poor Ursh's feet will never be the same. They have been working their behinds off for the last few year launching their lesbian website/community PINKSOFA.COM
Read their testimonial:
"From the moment we arrived at Jon's apartment we felt very welcome. The room and apartment are comfortable and very funky. We loved staying right in the heart of the Lower East End and experiencing life as a New Yorker would. Jon is warm and hospitable and provided us with some great guide books to help us along. We totally recommend you 'StayWithJon.com'
Marissa
Lovely Marissa. She came to the apartment at the begining of July after graduating from Berkely looking to start her life anew on the East coast. Perhaps it was the record breaking temperatures of 2006, but I have never seen a women with more fire in her heart. In the month we spent together, we shared more than most brothers and sisters: boyfriends coming and going, new jobs, old jobs, long talks about our futures..and even a few days at the beach. She is now living in the West village, and I am content knowing that she is more than just a tenant, but a dear friend.
Melissa and Friend
Melissa is a strict vegetarian, and I remember making her the best couscous salad one night as we had a picnic on the roofdeck with an Italian friend of mine. It was one of those balmy, amazing New York summer nights: A perfect memory!
Later in her visit, she had her best friend from home join her on her trip. Coming all the way from Portland, these two best friends have made a point of meeting in New York every few years ever since they went to High School together, to have fun, go shopping and just escape. Not a bad idea, if you ask me!
Giuliano (aka "Gules")
Gules came from Sienna, "About 60 km out of Florence", he would always say to me. He was in New York finishing his Ph.D in Linguistics and decided for his last few weeks he wanted to be located right downtown. He and I had the chance to go with Melissa (see above) to the beach, make a few dinners together, and have a great time. Another guest that has become a good friend...I look forward to staying in touch.
Giovanni and Giuseppe
These two win the "Cute couple" award, hands down. Coming from Florence, Italy...the were in New York taking movement classes on the upper east side. I actually never got the chance to meet them, since I was out of town on my own vacation. But my neighbor and best friend, Jeff said they cooked a pretty mean bowl of pasta for a meal they shared. Sounds like good times to me!
Cassie and Brian-
Also in the running for the "Cute Couple" award are Brian and Cassie. While I was out of town on vacation, I listed the apartment on Craigslist and they responded. I never got the chance to meet them in person...but we shared quite a few hilarious emails, never the less. I remember one night Brian emailed me and asked where to take Cassie for an evening in the neighborhood. I put together my "dream date" (Potential suitors take note) which included a stop at this very upscale adult toy store that is located nearby called "Babes in Toyland". I am not sure if they went or not...but I later recieved a note telling me how much fun they both had on their visit. :)
Pawel
My dearest friend from Warsaw, Poland. (Yes, even he paid to "Stay with Jon"). When I was visiting him this Summer, he kept telling me how boring New York was. He had been here four or five times previously, but stayed on the Upper East Side (BORING!). I told that if he came back and stayed with me, I would show him to "Real" New York. Needless to say..we had the best time ever. Pawel admits that it was his favorite visit to New York..and is already planning to come back.
Joanna
Joanna was referred by my good friend Bibi. She came over and stayed with her husband for a week while I was away. From what I hear, the two of them had a blast in the city. Obviously the picture above isn't taken in the lower east side. Hopefully next time she comes to visit I can get one of us all together!!
Pierre and Elodie (Paris, France)
They say that Paris is the "CIty of a Thousand Lights". Well, when Pierre and Elodie came to stay, Paris only had 988. They came to New York to visit some friends that lived up the street named LIna and Mattieu. It was right around Thanksgiving and I was heading out to see my parents for the long weekend. I will always remember arriving home from the airport and being greeted by Pierre in a towel. An AMAZING AMAZING welcome home gift!
Lara
A fledgling Interior Designer in her own right, about two weeks into her stay she asked if she could intern with the company that I was working with. In a funny twist of fate Lara not only got the internship...but a full-time job offer. She never returned to Australia. Armed with only the initial two suitcases of clothes she brought for her "vacation" , Lara is currently taking over Manhattan....and sitting at the desk just behind me.
A great friend, an incredible co-worker, and one of the best "Stay With Jon" guests ever ( or "EVAH" as Australians would say!)
STAY WITH JON PARTY SPRING 2007
The apartment was buzzing this spring. It seems that every guest that had ever stayed at the apartment ended up back in New York in April. So..we did what we do best: Threw a party. Not pictured are Alex and Zena, Jeff Hudson (the sometimes caretaker of the apartment), Fabio from Italy and his friend Corey. I am sure I am missing a few names here. Needless to say, we all had a blast. The unexpected benefit of STAY WITH JON is all of the relationships my guest make with each other. Somehow it makes New York just a bit more interesting than a regular visit.
Lara, Fabio and Corey
Three great friends from Stay with Jon out on the town for a shopping spree. They sent me this photo and I had to post it.
Fabrizio and Alice
Origianlly from Venice, Fabrizio had been living for the last year in Washington DC. A seasoned veteran of New York, he knew more "hot-spots" in the city than even I. In the evening he would share stories about showing his girlfriend the city for the first time. We would do this while I prepared dinner, or while he made his famous espresso (he brought his own coffee pot!). It was like we had been living together forever. He has since returned to Italy. I hope the next time our paths cross it will be in his neck of the woods!