•    What is a guesthouse?
While a traditional bed and breakfast (B&B) is a property where both the owners and their guests live under the same roof, a guesthouse is a property where the owner or manager live in separate quarters from the guests. An inn is typically a bit larger than a guesthouse and usually has a restaurant. Abingdon Guest House is a kind of cross between a bed and breakfast, a guesthouse, and an inn. Call it an inn, call it a guest house, call it a small, cozy hotel. Whatever you call it, we hope you will call it your home in New York and a great place to stay. Click here for more about the Abingdon Guest House name and definitions of hotel, small hotel, inn, bed&breakfast, and guesthouse

•    Is it possible to reserve a room online?
Online is the best, most efficient way to request a reservation. Our online reservation process requires two steps. First, you should check the room availability. The room availability shown online is updated at least daily to reflect our central reservations database. Then, you fill out the form giving us all of the information we will need to confirm your reservation. Within 24 hours of your reservation request, we will confirm your reservation, if possible.

•    If I make an online reservation request, is the information that I send secure?
Yes. We utilize the most secure 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to ensure the safety of all credit card information that is entered on our Reservation Request Form.

•    Do you allow pets?
No, we do not. Sorry.

•    Do you allow children?
We prefer quiet, mature guests and do everything we can to preserve a tranquil atmosphere in our house. If you would like to bring a child with you, please contact us. Children under 18 must be in rooms accompanied by a parent. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children five or under.

•    Do you serve meals?
Meals are not served or included at Abingdon Guest House. Bonsignour Cafe at Jane Street and Eighth Avenue has given our guests two free coffees on presentation of a card from Abingdon Guest House. We like the "Bus Stop Cafe" for breakfast or light lunch. A more upscale choice would be "Pastis" in the Meatpacking district on Ninth and Gansevoort. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood. For suggestions, see the restaurants page of this site.

•    Do you have handicapped access?
No, unfortunately we do not have especially good handicapped access. Our two landmarked 1850's town houses have some narrow flights of stairs and no elevators. However, the Ambassador Room has limited access. Please call to discuss.

•    Do you allow smoking?
No, absolutely not.

•    Is your Guest House licensed?
Yes. Abingdon Guest House is a legal, licensed hotel property fulfilling all New York building codes and safety requirements. All rooms have wired smoke alarms monitored by a central alarm system.

•    What is your cancellation policy?
Abingdon Guest House maintains a strict cancellation policy.
A $50 rebooking fee will be charged for all cancellations made during the accepted cancellation period (see below).
After the acceptable period, patrons canceling reservations will be charged the full room rate plus tax for up to four nights depending on the length of the reservation.
During regular periods, cancellations must be made at least seven days (one week) prior to check in.
During the holiday period of November 1 through January 2 we require 10 days prior notice of cancellation or penalties will apply.

Because of the uncertainty involved in filling rooms on short notice, patrons cancelling reservations after the acceptable period will be charged the full room rate plus tax for up to four nights, depending on the length of the reservation. We will, however, credit patrons if we are able to re-let their rooms for the original reservation period. The credit card will be charged for the full amount of the reserved stay upon arrival or scheduled arrival. Please be courteous enough to inform us of a cancellation.

If you have more questions about our policies, please view the Policies page before making your reservation request.

•    What time are check-in and check-out?
Check-in time is AFTER 2:00 p.m. Check-out time is BEFORE 12 noon.

Check-in is by appointment. Appointments may be scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.   As we do not have a traditional 24-hour front desk and out of courtesy to our other guests,  we do not accept any check-in's that are before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. 

Official check-in time is 2:00 p.m. at 21 Eighth Avenue on the ground floor/office. If your appointment for check-in is before 2:00 p.m. we will be happy to accommodate you by checking your luggage until your room is ready.  

•    Why do you need more details about arrival than most hotels?
Check-in's are done by appointment because Guest House staff members are not present on the premises at all times. Please provide your airline or other arrival information so that we may know approximately when to expect you. Should you encounter any delay or change, please inform us of your revised schedule.

•    Do you have laundry services?
No, we do not offer guest laundry services but there are several nearby laundries, one across the street.

•    Do you provide Internet access and fax services?
Abingdon Guest House offers FREE unlimited wireless high speed Internet access in all rooms. To use it, you must have the appropriate Wi-Fi (802.11b or g) wireless access card installed on your computer. Simply set your SSID to "abingdon" and surf away! For those that do not come equipped to use Wi-Fi, Internet access is available nearby at the Village Copy and Computer Center, 520 Hudson Street, Tel: 212-255-6652, Fax: 212-627-5191. Fax services are available there and at Typewriters 'n Things, Inc., 56 8th Ave. at Horatio St., one block south of 14th St., Tel: 212-255-5252, Fax: 212-255-9070. Whenever possible, we will accommodate you with the use of our own fax machine in the Abingdon Guest House office, Fax: 212-807-7473.

•    How will I make long-distance calls?
There is no switchboard at Abingdon. We recommend to access long distance calls that you bring with you a 1-800-xxx-xxxx number from your local phone company or you may use your credit card to charge your calls or purchase a prepaid phone card.

•    What if I want to go to a spa, gym, or health club?
The following athletic facilities are located within walking distance:

Printing House- Fitness and Racquet Club* 421 Hudson Street (at Leroy St.) Tel: (212) 243-7600 Equinox Fitness Club* 97 Greenwich Avenue Tel: (212) 620-0103 Details: There are several Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York.  It is for members only, no daily rate, but with a spa treatment the fitness area may be used during the same visit. New York Sports Club* 128 Eighth Avenue (at 16th Street) Tel: (212) 627-0065 New York Sports Club* 125 Seventh Avenue South New York, NY 10014 Tel: (212) 206-1500 The McBurney YMCA* 125 West 14th St. (between 6th and 7th Avenues) New York, NY 10011 Tel: (212)741-9210 * You may use these facilities for a daily rate if you already belong to an affiliated club, either through the IHRSA Passport Program or your local YMCA. •    What forms of payment do you accept? Upon arrival, full payment will be accepted in cash (USD), traveler's checks (USD), or credit card. If paying by personal check, the check must arrive five business days prior to the guest's arrival. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Diners Club cards.