Virginia Guest House, New York City

This guest house is located in Spanish Harlem. The area is just beginning a transformation with old apt buildings being renovated, guest houses coming up etc. My husband and I stayed in a room with a double bed. The room was very basic, but they didn't even have a trash can in the room. It had adequate heating, but you can't control the heat. There was a women's and men's rest room on each floor, but little to be said about it. The bathroom did not even have paper towels or hand soap, which I believe is a sanitation requirement. The showers are old and in need of renovation and not clean at all. You must take some shower shoes or you will be grossed out. The guest bathroom on the first floor did not have hand soap or paper to try your hand once you wash them without soap. I used a napkin from the eating room. We chose not to eat the continental breakfast because it was not appealing. The building is secured and they give you a key to come and go. As for the staff...There is an italian guy who works there who is very nice and helped us out with additional pillows and towels, but the other gentlmen who comutes from the Bronx had the nerve to ask for a tip when I checked out after he promised us two extra pillows and another towel. If you are from the USA this may not be a place for you. Lots of foreigners stay there, who may not know the inadequacy of the place. For the three days we stayed it was so so, but we were glad to get out of there on the last day. I definitely would not stay again, and it's true you get what you pay for. Overall I believe the place is not adhereing to the sanitation laws of any state.