DO IT YOURSELF CONCIERGE
This is a list of "MUST SEE" places, restaurants, activities, etc. compiled by guests and myself. Its a sort of "Do it yourself Concierge" kit. It may not be full service here at STAY WITH JON, but I do my best to see that you are taken care of and busy.
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GENERAL RESOURCES
The first site everyone MUST SEE before the visit New York is WWW.YELP.COM. Just type in any neighborhood, restaurant, attraction, theater, massuer, yoga class, etc. and get access to most honest reviews available.(as well as costs, locations, phone numbers, and other vital information) An invaluable resource for those who live in New York and those that are just visiting. Check it out. For extra fun, look up "Stay with Jon" to see what the latest guest has posted.
Short videos made by residents about their neighborhoods for travellers. It's the modern way to preview all of the restaurants, shops, streets and activities that make this city come alive ...through the eyes of a local.
Go to the NEW YORK section to see the listings of submitted videos. Scroll down to the films about the Houston Street, Lower East Side. Each was filmed right outside the front door of the apartment by the guy that works at the deli around the corner. (It doesn't get more local than that!) The videos about walking tours of Central Park and the Upper West Side are also worth checking out.
FOOD
The best part about New York is RESTAURANT DELIVERY!!! Yes, its true. While I may not provide breakfast in bed, there is not reason why you cant have Balthazaar deliver, or the deli down the street, or Chinese for that matter. Whatever your heart desires, you can have delivered to the apartment almost 24 hours a day. Its the best room service in the world...and its only available in New York. I have dozens of menus that you can look through at the apartment, or, if you want to get an idea...check out MENUPAGES.COM for the full roster of restaurants that deliver to our area.
The most famous deli in New York is still at it. Right out the front door of the apartment and around the corner you will find KATZ'S. The place where "Sally" had her famous orgasm in the movie "When Harry Met Sally". And the place where Jerry Seinfeld can still be seen knoshing to this day. Katz's is not only a landmark...its a really good place to eat. The pastrami is outta this world.
The latest outpost of Keith McNally (Famous for Balthazaar and Pastis. "Sex and the City" anyone??) A hip lower east side eatery. Pretty people. pretty space...and best of all, incredible macoroni and cheese. Must see.
SELF PRESERVATION
World famous facialist and facial products. Celebrity list is unprecedented: Cher, Hilary Duf, Angela Bassett, Elizabeth Berkley, Melanie Griffith, Faith Hill, Oprah, Martha Stewart.etc. This is where I go every four weeks for my facials. They are SHOCKINGLY affordable and offer great results. Highly recomended.
Undeniably the best skincare center in New York. The only place Giselle, Naomi, Christy and Uma trust their dermis too. Expensive. But worth it. Also located right across the street from the apartment.
Located only a block and a half from the apartment, this brand new facility is not only convienient but also the most state of the art in lower Manhattan. Has olympic pool, seperate mens and womens sauna's, great classes and friendly environment. Have daily rates for out of town guests. A great place to get your sweat on. I go twice a week. Feel free to join me.
Truly the best Bikram classes in the city. Located across the street from the apartment---no excuses not to go!! Brand new facility. Gorgeous! A cross between a Soho loft and a windowed aerie. The staff is welcoming to people of all levels (trust me). When they say "Feel the burn"...they mean it.
OTHER ACCOMODATIONS
HOWARD JOHNSON/ HOUSTON STREET
Sometimes I cannot accomodate guests. In those instances I always recomend the Howard Johnson on Houston Street. Its not the fanciest hotel in the neighborhood. But it totally is the best deal. Newly built, it is modern, clean and very affordable. It is located right around the corner from my apartment, so you still get to take advantage of the great location. Plus, in the morning they have free coffee and Doughnuts. Can't beat that. 
Exterior/ Houston Street Typical Room Interior