FAQs (Frequently asked questions:)

1. How far are you from New York City? How far are you from Manhattan?

Most people think that New York City and Manhattan are one and the same. However, there are four other boroughs that are part of the metropolis. Staten Island is a part of New York City. The bus picks up one block from the Harbor House and takes about 10  minutes to reach the terminal of the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free, runs 24 hours a day and takes about 25 minutes to get to the heart of downtown Manhattan.

2. How do I get to the Harbor House by cab, public transportation, or driving?

The directions to the Harbor House for both public transportation and driving in by automobile are on the directions page.

3. How far are you from the Staten Island Ferry terminal?

We are close to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, about 2.3 miles, which makes it a long walk or a short bus ride. The bus to the ferry picks up just one block from the Harbor House and runs 24 Hours a day.

4. When is the last ferry at night?

Most public transportation in New York City runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bus to the Harbor House, the S51, also runs 24 hours a day.

5. How much does transportation cost?

BUS AND SUBWAY: The bus and the subway both cost $2.00 per person per ride. There is no limit to how far you may ride once you are on the bus or subway. You can use exact change (coins) on the bus, and a metro card on both the bus and subway. The metro card works like a travel credit card: each time you place it in the slot on the bus or subway it subtracts $2.00 from the balance on the card. You will receive a free transfer to another bus or to the subway when you use the metro card. There is also a new metro card called the "unlimited ride metro card" that allows the user to ride as many times as they please within a one-week period. This card costs $24.00, or a 1 day unlimited ride pass costs $7.00.

CAB: The cab fare listed here is approximate and may be slightly higher or lower. If the quote you receive from the cab driver is a lot higher, you should ask for another cab. It will cost around $55.00 to take a cab from JFK (Kennedy) Airport in Queens to the Harbor House. Laguardia Airport in Queens costs about $65.00. Newark Airport in New Jersey will cost around $40.00. These fares do not include tip. If you would like to be met at the airport or have the opportunity to put the cab fare on your credit card you can call the Staten Island Car Service in advance and make arrangements. Their number is 1-800-336-TAXI or 1 (718)-761-5100.

FERRY: The Staten Island Ferry is free to pedestrian traffic and bicyclists. There is no smoking on any public transportation including the Staten Island Ferry.

6. Do you have parking and/or is there a cost to park at the Harbor House?

There is on street parking and, as the Harbor House is situated on the corner lot of a residential neighborhood, there are a lot of spaces available. There is no charge to park at the Harbor House.

7. Where can I find more information about Staten Island?

Staten Island has a great online resource called SILive.



8. Is the Harbor House in a safe and quiet neighborhood?

The Harbor House is located in an old, established residential neighborhood in one of the safest areas on Staten Island. You will feel comfortable coming home late at night after catching a show in Manhattan.

9. Is New York City as dangerous as I have heard?

The crime rate in New York City has dropped each year for the last 5 years making the city a safe and enjoyable experience. Tourists are reminded to use common sense, stay away from dark and deserted areas, and to watch their belongings at all times.

10. Is breakfast included? What is served for breakfast?

An extended continental breakfast consisting of muffins, croissants, toast, cereal, juice, milk, coffee and tea is provided at no extra charge. On occasion, fruit and pastries are served.

11. What is your address and telephone number?

The Harbor House is located at One Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10305. Our Telephone number is (718)-876-0056.

12. What do I need to do to make a reservation?

Please refer to our reservations page.

13. What are your rates?

Please refer to our rooms page.

14. What is the Tax rate?

Lodging tax in New York City has four components: state and local Sales Tax, NYC Hotel Tax, New York City Occupancy Tax and New York State Occupancy Tax.

15. What is your cancellation policy?

Please refer to our reservations page to find a list of all policies and regulations.

16. Do I need to leave a tip?

Tipping is optional. However, if you feel that you have received exceptional service, a tip of one to two dollars a day is customary for the staff that cleans and maintains your room.

17. What time is check-in and check out?

At the Harbor House, our check-in time is flexible. We prefer that you check in no earlier than 2pm, but other arrangements can be made with advance notice. People who expect to arrive after 9:00pm should make arrangements with the front desk prior to arrival. The check out time is also flexible, but is usually around 11:00am.

18. Is there someone at the Harbor House 24 hours a day?

There are full-time staff members living at the Harbor House and they are available 24 hours a day in case of emergency. The front door is locked at all times. Office hours are from 7am - 9pm daily.

19. Do you have a curfew?

You will have your own key to the front door and you are welcome to come and go as you please. There is no curfew.

20. Do you have smoking/non-smoking rooms?

The Harbor House is a non-smoking facility. There are no rooms where smoking is permitted. You may smoke outside on the covered porch. New York City bans smoking in all public facilities, including ferries, trains, subways, and busses. Most restaurants and bars are non-smoking.

21. Can I bring my Pet?

The Harbor House has a strictly enforced no pet regulation. There are no pets that belong to the house and no pet dander or hair in the carpets or on the furniture.

22. Are Children allowed?

We welcome your young children as long as you accompany them; however; you are responsible if they cause any damage. We have taken care to fill the Harbor House with many lovely antiques, both furniture and collectibles, and we are upset by breakage.

23. Are you handicapped accessible?
    The Harbor House was built in the 1890’s and,at that time,there were no federal regulations providing for handicapped accessibility. The building has been extensively remodeled; however, there are some difficulties that it had been impossible to overcome. There are stairs to reach the front door and the majority of the rooms (10 out of 11) are on the second and third floors. There is no elevator.
24. What is Credit Card Verification?

Credit Card Verification is an additional security system to protect your card from fraudulent use. For American Express cards the four-digit Verification Number can be found on the front of the card (image 1). For all other cards the three-digit Verification Number can be found on the back of the card (image 2). This number will only be stored for the duration of the deposit transaction, the number will then be deleted in accordance with US Law.

Image 1

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