Jumel Terrace Books B&B

My wife and I , my wife's mother, and my grandson spent ten days in the Garden Suite and a second-floor bedroom. Arriving only with our ignorance and mis-information about Harlem in general, and Sugar Hill in particular, we were astonished to find such comfortable lodging and such wonderfull hosts. The rooms are fantastic, filled floor-to-ceiling with books on a wide variety of subjects, any of which Kurt is happily willing to discuss. Kurt is a most gracious host, tremendously well versed in New York history, culture, art, and obscure dim sum resturants on obscure alley ways. Our family had a trully great time in the city and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Jumel

This is a place that offers lots of historical information about the neighborhood or "washington height" if it is right word to call it. The innkeeper is very knowledgeable about the history and art. The place is more like visiting a friend other than staying at hotels. If this is what you would like to experience in upper Manhattan, definitely stay here!

My wife and I stayed at Jumel Terrace for three nights after returning from an extended tour of Germany, France and England. Jumel Terrace offered us a most welcome respite from the hurly-burly of our travels. The rooms are incredibly cool and restful. The garden provided a most delightful quiet and calming space. At the same time Kurt Thometz offered a bonus beyond compare. In addition to providing a wealth of information about the history and culture of the region, Kurt offered wonderful suggestions for local restaurants and cultural experiences that would have been unavailable without his direction. I highly and unequivocally recommend Jumel Terrace for anyone looking for unique New York City experience.

I stayed with Kurt and Camilla for a week in May, and I was pleasantly surprised when Kurt offered me the apartment instead of the room I had booked. It was private, clean, well-stocked... it even had a lovely view to the Thometz' garden! It was indeed more than I could have asked for! I quite enjoyed the time I spent chatting with Kurt in his amazing neighborhood book shop, which is adjacent to the apartment. I was also welcomed to browse his many collections of books. If you are looking for a place with character and innkeeps with charisma, Jumel Terrace is definitely an excellent choice. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who want to know more about Harlem/NYC history. What a charming place, run by absolutely lovely folks. I look forward to my next visit!

Après 3 jours avec 3 enfants dans Manhattan quel bonheur de se sentir au calme! we have found here something indescriptible, at first a so charming place and then the feeling to be with friends, sure you can stay here and touch an other face of new-york...

Kurt’s Harlem brownstone accommodation is simply spell binding, but for those who value culture and history it comes with a bonus – Kurt himself. From the moment he said “Hi I’m Kurt - well not very” this warm and immensely knowledgeable academic and unlikely travellers’ host made us feel immediately at home. His bookshop home and its environs are very much the heart of Harlem endorsed by the big names who had lived ‘on the block’ “ the Duke (Ellington) Paul Robson, and others, and the mansion across the street - the oldest house in Manhattan”, even stories of the long gone bad old days of Harlem added to the ambience. The lovely self-contained apartment behind the bookshop is decorated with elegant period furniture and looks out over a charming garden. Walking through the bookshop with its exotic objects and handpicked books on art, music, racial history just added character. Our shared interest in music and painting soon got us talking and it turned out that every big name that we’d seen in concert seemed to be either a friend or a client of our host whilst his artist friends read like a Guggenheim catalogue. His immense knowledge and compassionate personality made us feel that we had found a genial, hospitable and highly amusing friend whose accommodation we would return to at the earliest opportunity. But for all our discussions Kurt never imposed himself. We had to seek him out in his upstairs studio/library and then his easy personality would seep through the conversation drawing us into his cultural landscape and we’d listen in awe. Compared to a similar priced hotel where you might be in any city in the world for us Kurt’s apartment was New York. B & E St. Julian-Bown October 2009

Kurt’s Harlem brownstone, accommodation is simply spell binding, but for those who value culture and history it comes with a bonus – Kurt himself. From the moment he said “Hi I’m Kurt - well not very” this warm and immensely knowledgeable academic and unlikely travellers’ host made us feel immediately at home. His bookshop home and its environs are very much the heart of Harlem endorsed by the big names who had lived ‘on the block’ “ the Duke (Ellington) Paul Robson, and others, and the mansion across the street - the oldest house in Manhattan”, even stories of the long gone bad old days of Harlem added to the ambience. The lovely self-contained apartment behind the bookshop is decorated with elegant period furniture looking and looks out onto a charming garden. Walking through the bookshop with its handpicked books on art, music, racial history and exotic objects just added character. Our shared interest in music and painting soon got us talking and it turned out that every big name that we’d seen in concert seemed to be either a friend or a client of our host whist his artist friends read like a Guggenheim catalogue. His immense knowledge and compassionate personality made us feel that we had found a genial, hospitable and highly amusing friend whose accommodation we would return to at the earliest opportunity. If you want to be alone, no problem – Kurt doesn’t impose. We had to seek him out in his wonderful library/studio and then his easy personality would seep through the conversation drawing us into his cultural landscape and we’d listen in awe. Compared to a similar priced hotel where you might be in any city in the world for us Kurt’s apartment was the very essence of New York.

Arriving at Jumel Terrace Books B&B is like stepping into a different New York altogether. There is no evidence of manic Manhattan here; the house is tranquil. We stayed in the apartment downstairs, which is beautifully furnished and leads directly out into a lovely garden where we spent happy hours eating lunch, relaxing and browsing books on local history recommended to us by Kurt, our host and an excellent guide to the area. The fridge was stocked with beautiful fruit, coffee, juice and croissants. If you plan to stay at the top of Manhattan or if you want to see a different side of the city, don't miss Jumel Terrace Books.

Jumel Terrace Books B&B is a wonderful place to call your own when you stay in New York. I felt like a local! We had breakfast in our private garden and birds were greeting us each morning. In our room, we had fresh tulips and we slept between gorgeous linnen sheets in an antique bed that actually slept even better than a springbox.

I booked a room for myself for a February business trip where I was traveling solo. I enjoyed my room and private bath (which was on the second floor), and the little amenities, like the cheese, cookies, and water waiting for me in my room in the evening, plus the luxurious sheets and towels. My only criticism is that, in the room I stayed in, I could hear the family walking by in the night and the morning, and since it is an old house there are lots of creaky stairs! Beyond that, I really felt they did an excellent job of making me feel welcome. The recommendations for the area were superb, and prompt me to want to return, and the family was willing and able to meet any need I had while balancing all the many needs of an active B&B. The surrounding area is chock full of history, for those who are looking for something beyond the traditional Manhattan tourist experience. Additionally, on street parking is free and abundant, so it's a perfect place to stay to avoid the horrific parking costs in the city, and it's right near the subway.

I stayed at Jumel Terrace Books BB for 3 days. As I traveled alone and was my first time in NY, I was kind of nervous. However, Kurt, the owner of the hotel gave me a very kind instruction from the airport. He was indeed a very nice person as most of the people commented here! Harlem was never a dangerous place and I am confident I can travel again by myself. To me, it was a very special experience in that there were plenty of jazz music I could listen to and thousands of interesting books! I could stay inside the house and do nothing but read, read, listen to good music :-) I really had a marvelous time and really appreciate the family for their kindness. Last but not least - I got sick the last 2 days and missed St. Nick's Pub, which is the oldest jazz bar in NY. And I know I will definitely come back, of course as a repeater at Jumel Terrace Books BB! $250 is not cheap but it was really worth it!

My husband and I spent three nights at the Jumel Terrace. Kurt and Camilla, the owners had been very nice to us. The apartment was spacious and clean. We joined Kurt in a very intersting visit of Morris Jumel Mansion. We had a wonderful time and we will be back again. We kindly recommend to make a reservation for this great place. You will see a different aspect of N.Y. city.

An exquisite, spacious and peaceful apartment located in a vibrant and historic area. The Thometz family is delightful, and we were made to feel incredibly welcome. The apartment is a stone's throw away from the subway - an easy and safe 15 minute trip from downtown Manhattan. It was wonderful to be able to retreat back there in the evenings. Kurt's enthusiasm for the city and for the Sugar Hill area is infectious, and he was incredibly kind in helping us plan our days and get the most from our trip. A big personal thank you to him for showing us around the Jumel Mansion! Highly recommend the B&B, and hope to return.

The apartment is cozy and comfortable by suburban standards, making it spacious and grand by Manhattan standards. The neighborhood is quiet, academic and historic - making it even more charming for a history buff and his bibliophile wife! Our only regret is that we did not plan to stay longer and make full use of the garden, kitchen, and other amenities left to our disposal. The location is perfect for jazz fans looking for some local nightlife or a quiet romantic tour of the historic district. The inn is just lovely - and innkeepers who take care to anticipate our every need, delightful!

This is a very nice b&b in NY,really. Its interior,atmosphere and their garden,everything is so wonderful. The best place to relax,I think. And an owner of this b&b is also kind,nice person. I want to stay here again:-)

A wonderful and delightful place to stay. At times, I felt like I was somewhere in Europe. I found the accomodations appropriate the environment peaceful and quiet. A great place to retreat. The bookstore is an added bonus and you could not ask for better innkeepers!

Accueil tres convivial et chaleureux : un havre de paix dans l'immensite de New York. A recommander vivement !