| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 17 positive, 0 negative]
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| 10/09/09 |
Positive
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| Even before we arrived we knew that Sankofa was going to be something really special. Edith and Norma, our hosts could not have been any more helpful, even agreeing to let us order event tickets prior to our arrival using their address for delivery and answering what were almost daily questions from us. Sankofa is everything the pictures show and so much more. The apartment is an absolutely beautiful oasis in the hubbub of New York. The neighbourhood is full of interesting people and everything you might want to see is a very short subway ride away. Edith has a wealth of knowledge and she went out of her way to provide us with information and help for subways, buses, landmarks, shows and many other things. When we return to NY, Sankofa will most definitely be our home away from home. Thank you so much for making our trip such a memorable one. |
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Trish & Laura Thompson, Melbourne, Australia
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| 09/04/09 |
Positive
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I stayed at the Sankofa Guest Apartment from 9/27 - 9/31 of 2009 and I had the best time. The apartment was beautiful and the pictures do not do it justice. It was a warm welcome from the interesting shuttle ride from the airport. Edith and Norma thank you so much for your hospitality and for being so helpful in suggesting places to eat and visit. After a long day of walking Harlem and a hot shower relaxing by the window while watching tv was great. Again, thank you so much for your hospitality. I look forward to returning.
Karen Chadwick
Houston, Texas |
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Karen Chadwick, Houston, Texas |
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| 05/03/09 |
Positive
|
I was with my two kids (15 and 18) and did not
think that it could be so pleasant to rent an
apartment! First, we have been welcomed by Edith
and her sister who are absolutly deligthfull. We
were so touched to notice all the thougths from
our hosts: milk and butter in the fridge , some jam
and all other small things that makes you feel at
home at once ! then , the apartment was so warm
and nicely arranged , everything was thought to
please the guests that we were. Edith and her sister
were so discreet that we had the impression to be
alone in the house, but when we have needed
some help they were always there and helpful. I did
not think that I could feel so much at home in a
place that was not my home ! Then, it has been
very easy to go and visit all the museums because ,
just next to the place , a bus goes directly to the
museum Mile where all the museums are . Harlem
has been also the occasion for us to go and listen
to very good jazz gigs and in a not touristy place
and that was a very nice experience . There are
also plenty of nice and unexpensive places to eat to
and the people there have been always helpful and
nice . I hope to be able to come again It has been a
great pleasure! |
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Martine Cohen, Paris/ France
01 43 14 04 26 |
|
| 04/29/09 |
Positive
|
| We have all stayed at quote "nice places" at some point and sometime but, rarely do we walk into a place with so much "Soul", where you feel at home from the moment you walk in. Sankofa is the kind of guest apartment for which you plan time to be in everyday for some rest and cosiness, even if Manhattan is calling outside... Truly a gem, made even better by Edith and Norma's sincere warmhearted nature. Can't wait to be back ! |
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Janie & Pierre, Kuujjuak, Québec, Canada
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|
| 11/19/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed at Sankofa from 11-03-08 to 11-12-08. It was the best decision I have ever made in lodging. It was so comfortable, with lovely amenities surrounding you that made it all the more enjoyable. The decorating was superb. The bed as good as our one at home. We couln't have asked for a better spot to retreat to after a long day sightseeing in NYC. Edith and Norma were the best. They were so helpful and kind when our son visited us unexpectedly. He also was very comfortable. The subway was close, all sorts of info. pamphlets made available, stores close by for food, good restarants and more. It's a jewel that we'll definitely use again. I actually feel I have found two new friends, besides a lovely retreat in the city. Thank you again, Edith and Norma. |
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Christi Cuff, South Jordan, Utah
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| 10/13/08 |
Positive
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| I stayed at the Sanfoka Guest Apartment for 4 nights. The owners Edith and Norma were very nice and helpful. The apartment has everything you need to make your stay in NYC enjoyable. There's a full kitchen and laundry room. The apartment is in a safe neighborhood off 125th street in Harlem. The subways are a few blocks away and it takes about 15 minutes on the express subway lines to get to Times Square. Staying at the Sanfoka is much more relaxing than staying at a small NY hotel room. I will definitely be staying at the Sanfoka for future trips to NYC. |
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John Romero, San Antonio, Texas |
|
| 08/05/08 |
Positive
|
I am a doctoral student at Columbia University working on the degrees only during the summer in New York. Sankofa was my home for 2 months in 2007 and 2008 (and is reserved for 2009!). It is truly my home-away-from-home.
The pictures are accurate in that Sankofa is a warm, inviting and comfortable place to stay for any length of time. It has been beautifully decorated. The internet, laundry and full kitchen are perfect for the stay.
I could write forever about the kindness of Edith and Norma, the owners. They are truly the salt of the earth. They will make sure your stay is nothing short of memorable. |
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Gregory Ruffer, Winter Park, Florida |
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| 04/29/08 |
Positive
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Yes, what can I say about the Sankofa apartment without falling in superlatives. My wife and I stayed here for one month (April 2008) on our first visit to New York and was it a good choice. It started already with the initial telephone contact I had with Edith before we even booked. She informed me accurately about the apartment, the neighbourhood I could expect to find and I felt already welcome without having seen it. The apartment is well appointed, everything one might need for a short or prolonged stay is provided for and all of excellent quality. The atmosphere is so nice that we felt at home nearly immediately. The availability of telephone and internet access made for a good contact with our children and grandchildren in Holland. The situation as far as subway and bus transport is concerned could not be better, everything within a 5 minute walk from home (and I say home on purpose). We had a lovely time here, discovering New York at leisure, and when we had some questions or problems these were answered and solved immediately by the ladies of the house in a more than kind and friendly way. Being so near to 125th Street is handy for an evening stroll and for getting the necessary groceries etc. and this busy main street gives a good taste of life in Harlem.
We will certainly keep in contact with our nice hostesses and can recommend a stay in this excellent place. Thank you Edith and Norma for letting us stay with you.
Ada and Rudy Gelderman.
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Ruud Gelderman, Amsterdam- The Netherlands
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| 01/16/08 |
Positive
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We spent 8 nights at Sankofa around Christmas time. Coming from Senegal to New York in the heart of winter was quite a challenge for our family. The difference in temperature was enormous. 95° Farenheit in Dakar when we got on the plane. 14° F when we landed at JFK on the following morning... We had no idea what Sankofa would be like. We knew the address, I'd checked on a map. Harlem was fine for us. We'd seen pictures on the internet and it looked real nice and clean. But "what if the bed isn't good ?" my wife asked. "Can you imagine spending so many nights on a bad mattress ?". The answer was a definite no. On that cold December day, I parked the rental car just outside 157, W 121 st. street. No problem finding a parking spot here. Two charming ladies opened the guesthouse door. Bright smiles on welcoming faces. They showed us to the apartment on the third floor. It was sunny and warm, superbly decorated with African artefacts. There was a large living/dining room with two sofas, a fully equiped kitchen, a very nice bathroom and a beautiful and quiet bedroom. The bed was big enough and, yes, it was very comfortable. Actually, it probably is the best bed we slept on. Ever.
We had such a great stay at Sankofa that we decided we'd come again. The following week, after a short trip to Canada, we cancelled the reservation we'd made at Novotel in Manhattan and checked in again at Sankofa. There was no way we'd go to a chain hotel now that we had a place of our own in the city.
Would we recommend Sankofa ? Yes, yes, yes. Although, on after thought, we're wondering whether they'll still have room for us next time we want to come if we tell everyone about it ... Should we keep our little secret secret ? It probably is too late already |
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Dominique, Dakar, Senegal |
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| 01/05/08 |
Positive
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| Thank you so much for having us to stay in your home. The apartment is the nicest accommodation we have ever stayed in anywhere in the world – all the art work and collected objects add such a personal touch. We have had the most wonderful week – Radio City Hall, Apollo Theatre, Soho, Empire State Building and even a couple of sample sales! The food has been amazing – Native in Harlem, Balthazar in Soho and Dean and Deluca for takeout. Transport was so easy - we caught the subway day and night from the station an easy 5 minutes walk away, but on our last day took a lovely bus ride down 5th Avenue to see the freshly fallen snow in Central Park. We met friendly people everywhere in Harlem, all of them keen to chat and give helpful advice. At the end of each day we felt so lucky to be able to come “home.” Thank you for making Sankofa such a welcoming place. We will definitely return and recommend you to anyone coming to New York. |
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Margot and Clemmie, Auckland, New Zealand |
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| 11/28/07 |
Positive
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| Staying at Sankofa Guest Apartment was a wonderful experience. The apartment is stunningly beautiful and has every amenity a traveller could possibly need or desire, even a footspa. The whole apartment is incredibly attractive and it is a pleasure to simply sit and admire the artwork on the walls and the furniture and finishings within the apartment. Our hostesses, Edith and Norma are incredibly warm and helpful. We feel as if we have made friends. It has added an extra dimension to our first-time New York experience to be able to stay in Harlem and be welcomed with such kindness. Within the apartment you will find NYC guidebooks and other helpful printed information to help you take advantage of your time in New York. The apartment's location is fantastic. Catching public transport is a breeze. We favoured the bus during the day to give us a better idea of the lay of the land. The subway is quick and efficient and is only a few blocks' walk through this safe neighbourhood. We walked day and night through the neighbourhood and felt perfectly comfortable. The bed is extremely comfortable and we enjoyed being able to cook breakfast each morning. Being able to wash and dry our clothes each night also allowed us to pack a little lighter than we would otherwise have been able to do. We would never, ever stay anywhere else on our next visit to Manhattan - Sankofa has it all. Thank you Edith and Norma for our wonderful visit. You and your apartment are true gems. |
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libby, Brisbane, Australia |
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| 10/24/07 |
Positive
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I stayed at the amazingly beautiful and serene Sankofa Guest Apartment with my sister October 17 – 23, and we had a wonderful time!
First of all, the apartment is in a great location. One of the reasons I chose it was that it is easy to walk to just about everywhere in Harlem. Good access to subway lines, shopping, restaurants, salons … just about anything you could want.
Sankofa is a true gem; it’s filled with such beautiful art that I felt like I was staying in a museum. Almost. But a very comfortable museum. All of the amenities you could need are there – from soft robes to washer/dryer. The bed in the bedroom was very comfortable, as was the pull out twin bed in the living room. All of the appointments were top rate. The apartment was even stocked with enough food for breakfast for the first couple of days, which was much appreciated!
The proprietors were very helpful at every stage, and readily answered all of our questions. In the apartment, they have supplied information on the area and the apartment in two well put together packets; menus of area restaurants; NYC guide books; and a small but eclectic library for guests to peruse during their stay.
I really can’t say enough about Sankofa. I would recommend the apartment without reservation to anyone looking for a great place to stay in New York City. I look forward to returning!
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Terri, Atlanta, Georgia
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| 10/23/07 |
Positive
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I'm delinquent in writing this comment. My daughter and I stayed here in August. The accomadations far exceeded our thoughts and expectations. The area is quiet and peaceful and the subways are easy walks. But the APARTMENT!!! The LADIES!! who own it Really do not compare to anywhere we have ever stayed before. This is not only a bargain but it feels like you have found a treasure of a place to stay in the city.
I recommend it highly and with out hesitation. Give them a call or write. I will next time I need to be up there. |
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Bruce Totty, Waynesville NC
828-456-6111 |
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| 10/02/07 |
Positive
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The Apartment lived up to expectations. We had a
fabulous time staying at Sankofa, plenty of space,
very clean, well equipped with beautiful decor and
safe community as well. Everything easily
accessible for shopping, sightseeing and meeting
friends. Linen, towels and bath robes were
provided and even breakfast groceries which was
greatly appreciated.
Our hostess Edith was lovely and very
accommodating to any request or questions we
had.
We highly recommend Sankofa Apartment to
anyone who wants more than the typical small and
expensive hotel rooms normally found in NYC.
I would rate 5 star for Edith’s hospitality, we will be
back again!!
Lorraine Duignan, Ireland.
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Lorraine Duignan, Ireland |
|
| 09/08/07 |
Positive
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| Absolutely perfect. |
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Arlene & family, New Zealand |
|
| 08/24/07 |
Positive
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| One of the nicest vacation rentals we have stayed in. It is conveniently located, extremely clean and absolutely beautiful. The hostesses are warm, friendly and very accommodating. This apartment truly redefines value in Manhattan. We will always stay here when we visit New York. |
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Nadine and Jim, Chicago, IL |
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| 04/16/07 |
Positive
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| We absolutely loved this apartment! The furnishings were very cozy and the bed was super comfortable. We took advantage of the free wireless internet to plan our days in NYC. The hosts are very nice and accomodating, even providing breakfast groceries! The only negatives are that it is a little far out from the city center and you have to walk up three flights of stairs. We were aware of this ahead of time and neither of these was a problem for us but are worth mentioning (especially if you have kids or elderly travelling with you, though I'm not sure if children are allowed are not). The subway is 4 blocks which is not too far thogh we did end up taking the taxi home after a few of our longer tiring days. The toasater did not work but we used the oven and the pan provided. There were only two towels given for 4 days but if we had needed more all we needed to do was ring them and they'd send more up. If you are visiting NYC on a budget and don't want to stay in a crappy small hotel room just to be in the center of it all then this is the place for you. The apartment is beautiful and decorated with warm colors, plush bedding, and interesting African (I'm assuming) sculptures, wall hangings, etc. Hopefully we'll have a chance to visit again! |
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Anonymous, Columbia, MO |
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