The Webster Apartments

Student dormitory · Downtown Brooklyn

The Webster Apartments

Student dormitory · Downtown Brooklyn

2

229 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

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The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Webster Apartments by MtnLady (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by MtnLady (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
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The Webster Apartments by ATLAS_OBSCURA
The Webster Apartments by ATLAS_OBSCURA
The Webster Apartments by MtnLady (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
The Webster Apartments by ATLAS_OBSCURA
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
The Webster Apartments by Luke J Spencer (Atlas Obscura User)
The Webster Apartments by Luke J. Spencer
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null
The Webster Apartments by null

Highlights

Safe, clean housing for working women with amenities  

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229 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Get directions

websterapartments.org
@websterapartments

Information

Static Map

229 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Get directions

+1 212 967 9000
websterapartments.org
@websterapartments

Features

wheelchair accessible restroom
wheelchair accessible seating
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Sep 4, 2025

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@atlasobscura

Even Midtown Manhattan Has Its Secrets

"The population of New York City boomed in the early 1900s, and with it, so did the number of young, single working women. One of the most popular places for these young women to find work during this time was in one of the city’s giant department stores, the largest of which (and the largest in the world for that matter) was owned by R.H. Macy and Company. Macy’s employed thousands of women as shopgirls who sold and demonstrated make-up, perfume and other products. With the sudden influx of seemingly vulnerable young women, social reformers soon began to worry over the safety of the shopgirls. Two such reformers were Charles and Josiah Webster, cousins to Roland Macy, and majority shareholders in the store. When Charles died in 1916 he left almost all his fortune to the creation of the Webster Apartments. Located on 34th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues, the Webster Apartments were laid out by Charles “For occupancy by unmarried working women regardless of their religious belief or nationality and wherein they find comfortable and attractive homes.” Opening in 1923 the apartment offered cheap housing just a few blocks from the department store. Amenities included a roof deck, three meals a day, a library, an infirmary, and a laundry. Everything that could be thought of so that the young ladies wouldn’t be tempted to “stray.” In addition to the amenities provided by the apartments, male visitors were admitted to the Webster Apartments but were not allowed above the first floor. However, the girls could entertain their male friends in chaperoned “beau parlours” located on the ground floor.  In 1923 apartments were rented to the shop girls for $8 a week, including all meals and while the rent has definitely increased, not much else about the building has changed as the Webster Apartments are still going strong today, holding to the same ideals set out by Charles and Josiah. Today the apartments continue to be a residence for working women earning below a set income of $60,000 a year. And men are still not permitted above the first floor." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/midtown-manhattan-secret-places
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@atlasobscura

14 Places Created By and For Women

"The population of New York City boomed in the early 1900s, and with it, so did the number of young, single working women. One of the most popular places for these young women to find work during this time was in one of the city’s giant department stores, the largest of which (and the largest in the world for that matter) was owned by R.H. Macy and Company. Macy’s employed thousands of women as shopgirls who sold and demonstrated make-up, perfume and other products. With the sudden influx of seemingly vulnerable young women, social reformers soon began to worry over the safety of the shopgirls. Two such reformers were Charles and Josiah Webster, cousins to Roland Macy, and majority shareholders in the store. When Charles died in 1916 he left almost all his fortune to the creation of the Webster Apartments. Located on 34th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues, the Webster Apartments were laid out by Charles “For occupancy by unmarried working women regardless of their religious belief or nationality and wherein they find comfortable and attractive homes.” Opening in 1923 the apartment offered cheap housing just a few blocks from the department store. Amenities included a roof deck, three meals a day, a library, an infirmary, and a laundry. Everything that could be thought of so that the young ladies wouldn’t be tempted to “stray.” In addition to the amenities provided by the apartments, male visitors were admitted to the Webster Apartments but were not allowed above the first floor. However, the girls could entertain their male friends in chaperoned “beau parlours” located on the ground floor.  In 1923 apartments were rented to the shop girls for $8 a week, including all meals and while the rent has definitely increased, not much else about the building has changed as the Webster Apartments are still going strong today, holding to the same ideals set out by Charles and Josiah. Today the apartments continue to be a residence for working women earning below a set income of $60,000 a year. And men are still not permitted above the first floor." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/womens-community-spaces
View Postcard for Webster Apartments

Karolina O.

Google
So far, I love living here. It's a great building and a very nice vicinity. I feel very safe here and love coming home to the Webster. I totally recommend this place!

Dez

Google
Webster is a great accommodation choice for young professional women who want to live/or work in New York City. I really enjoyed and appreciated the safety of the building, the cleanliness of the facilities, the access and ease of in-house laundry services, the themed holiday celebrations/decorations and more importantly, the location of the building! Further, the staff, housekeeping, and security guards were hospitable; I definitely felt safe and secure at the Webster. Honestly, the living experience is what you make of it. The only thing I remember being anxious about was missing the dining hours! It would be nice if the building allowed residents to keep a mini fridge in their rooms. There were times where I wish I had been able to store meals or groceries for when I missed the building's cafeteria hours. Regardless, I do wish I was able to experience a full summer at the Webster! I moved during the winter season so I, unfortunately, did not get to take advantage of the beautiful rooftop. I remember being really excited to move in and begin my “independent life” in New York City. I quickly fell at home and in love with my cozy room in the heart of New York City; you will too!

Luiza

Google
Perfect place to live with amazing location and food. Extremely comfortable, clean and well organized. A dream come true for any girl looking for an affordable way to live in NYC.

Haley Pearson

Google
I was originally introduced to the Webster Apartments through a university trip, and it was the perfect place to stay when I moved to NYC to start my first job. With rent being all-inclusive of food, housing, and utilities, (did I mention free laundry??) budgeting couldn't be easier for a new grad. Rooms are clean, furnished, and a good size- but if you are unhappy in any way the staff are accommodating and more than happy to move you around (they quickly moved me to a new room with better lighting)! Meals were nutritious and all around good, you do need to be aware of when serving times are but considering you don't need to cook or clean up...I'll take it! I agree that mini fridges should be considered, on days where you eat out in the city (of which there will be many) it'd be nice to keep a few things. As others have said, the location is perfect for commuting or zipping around the city, the parlor rooms are cozy, and the rooftop is gorgeous! Even while staying during COVID, I was more than impressed with safety measures enforced by Webster to keep staff and residents safe but never uncomfortable. I moved out this summer into an apartment in the city, and while it was time for me to leave I'll always look back on my time there fondly. The staff as well as the tenants themselves are all kind, open, and welcoming. I can't recommend the Webster enough. If you're adverse to dorms and any sort of co-living situation, I'm urging you to give it a try!

Margaret

Google
I lived at The Webster from 1977 thru 1980. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I remain close friends with a number of Webster friends. Today, 44 years later we call ourselves The Webster women. When I first moved in I paid $45 then $47 per week. The rent was $52 per week when I left in mid 1980. The rooms were clean and safe and the building was beautifully maintained. The cafeteria meals were actually super and for $1 they would pack you a little lunch in a brown paper bag. Over the years my Webster friends and I would visit the building and speak with staff and residents and we are always relieved and so happy that virtually nothing has changed. The Webster is a treasure that is the best and safest place for young women to stay here in NYC. I can't say enough about this wonderful residence for women. It is unique and nothing compares to what this lovely home and staff provide to its residents. We are all saddened to hear that the building will be sold and I desperately hope that similar housing, akin to this residence will materialize to provide that same safe haven to young women seeking affordable housing and above all a safe and homelike community.

Na Schu

Google
Webster Apartments is an amazing place to stay in New York City. The whole building is very clean and the staff always friendly and helpful. I loved the food (which was always tasty and balanced). For Vegetarians and Vegans the food might not be satisfying every day though. The building could not be better located, it's possible to commute everywhere in a short time and even walk or ride a bike to most of the interesting places in the city. The rooms are small but pretty and comfortable and some rooms have an amazing view. All in all I had the perfect experience with the Webster Apartments and can recommend everyone who comes to NYC to stay there.

Charlene Chen

Google
The best place for women live in NYC. Friendly and caring service , delicious food and healthy activities.

Sarah Catherine

Google
I loved my time at the Webster. The staff was always so friendly, it was nice to always come home to a familiar smiling greeting you! The food was always delicious and the food workers were always kind and had a good sense of humor. I created so many great friendships with the other girls staying there that I will foster for a lifetime. Thank you Webster for such an amazing experience in NYC. I highly recommend staying at the Webster, you will meet amazing and kindhearted people from the people who work there to your fellow neighbors!
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Julie Z.

Yelp
I came here in July 2021 just so I could have a safe place to stay while I looked for a more permanent apartment. I only was going to stay for one month but I ended up extending my stay several times and ended up staying all the way till February 2022. I'm a student so I couldn't afford to stay any longer than that but I think it's well worth the price. It was so nice to not have to worry about cooking (although if you're a picky eater you might have some issues), and the location makes it so easy to get around. The staff are all very kind and the rooms are clean, the only thing that was kinda iffy was that they just kinda paint over all the furniture over and over again? Like my dresser was originally metal but they slapped so many layers of white paint on it that the drawers wouldn't open so I only used the top drawers. It's a very minor problem compared to everything else though!! Being able to get free coffee every day, having wifi included in the rent, the movie room, rooftop etc is well worth the price! It's also very safe with the security. I also got lucky enough to be on the 13th floor so the views were awesome :) Definitely recommend staying here!
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Christal P.

Yelp
This brings back so many memories of when I was a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed summer intern in New York City back in the mid-aughts. My mother was concerned, to say the least, of having her young daughter live alone in Manhattan for the first time. Staying at the Webster Apartments gave her peace of mind that I'd be safe staying at a secure women-only apartment building. After my first summer at Webster, I liked it so much and found it so economical, that I stayed there the following summer when I interned again in Manhattan. I stayed in a small single dorm style room with a sink all to myself. Communal showers were down the hall. I do remember my room being very hot, so I was often downstairs in the lounge areas where there was air conditioning. It didn't bother me too much because I was out for most of the day either at work or exploring the city. The monthly rent included two meals each day in the cafeteria and housekeeping services. It was nice to have someone make my bed and throw out my trash regularly. The rooftop garden was absolutely fabulous with gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline. I'd bring some of my gal pals up to enjoy a nighttime view of the Empire State Building. To keep things safe, no male visitors are allowed, so that is something to consider for women with a boyfriend, or who plan on finding one during their stay in NYC! I didn't mind all that much. I was too busy falling in love with the city during the two summers I spent there. I would recommend Webster Apartments for any young woman who is looking for an affordable and safe short term residence in midtown Manhattan.
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Cressie B.

Yelp
I've been here just over a month and am currently doing an internship in NYC but I'm originally from the UK. So far I've had a mainly positive experience! My room is just what I need (spacious, clean and comfortable) and the maid service is a huge bonus which I'm super grateful for. The staff are always happy to help and have treated me well with any questions etc. Meal times work for me but the only thing is the early dinner time at the weekends is slightly inconvenient. I've met lots of lovely people here from all over and the events here ensure you can make friends with people. (Movie nights, fitness classes etc) The location is amazing. Right next to Hudson Yards which is so nice and equally near subway lines which makes getting around the city so easy. The Webster Apartments has been everything I've needed so far and the 24hr security makes it feel safe if you're getting home late etc. V reasonably priced given the location and what you could be paying for NYC rent. I'm only here for 3 months so the experience might be different for a longer period of time.
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Krysten K.

Yelp
I've stayed at the Webster many time, but never will again. I caught a maintenance man peeking in the showers. There were 2 close showers near my room...they were both locked and I waited for 1 to be open. A girl came out of one, and as I went in, I noticed the shower room next mine (that was locked), had the lights out. I thought that was weird but ignored it. I then heard something, so I bent down to look underneath the divider wall, and sure enough there was a man on his hands and knees looking underneath. I grabbed my stuff and was about to head out the door, but I heard him scuffle and leave first so I wanted because I didn't want to come face to face with him in the hallway. I met with the manager, and she said she couldn't do anything because she didn't want to accuse the wrong maintenance man. (There were 2 working that day). I changed floors. I went to the police station at the next block and they didn't do anything. I have written reviews on the website Facebook and it gets deleted. They don't have cameras in the halls, which I think they should. Other issues: - Most of the staff was not friendly - Not enough vegetarian options - It is INCREDIBLY hot in the building in the summer Pros: - Location -Price based on your income
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Jenn L.

Yelp
I lived at the Webster Apartments for 7-8 months and never ran into any major problems whilst living there. It's a great resource to have in a city like NYC, if not always the most convenient living situation. In general, they earn 3-4 stars. The food, however is 2-3 stars at best*. There are some prerequisites for residents here, including: XX chromosomes (WOMEN ONLY) Proof of internship or job (salary less than $50k) Make no mistake, the Webster is a great place for: Short term residences Moving to NYC without a couch to crash on Moving to NYC without furniture Moving to NYC without knowing very much about different areas Interns from out of town Meeting international young women New to the city women who are concerned about safety The short-list of pros: Convenient location - central to Manhattan Safe vibe; "doorman" on duty 24/7 Short term or long term stays Only need to give 1 week's notice that you're leaving Get your own furnished room** Sink in your room Laundry rooms on 3 floors Complementary breakfast and dinner for residents (guest passes avail.) Housecleaning on weekdays Sheets and towels changed weekly Basic utilities are included in your rent Wireless internet available for $30/month Rent is based on your salary; interns are $265/month You can pay your rent weekly - rather than monthly Pretty soundproof rooms (not the doors though) TV room Computers with internet and printer (all for a fee) Rooftop garden/smoking area The short-list of cons: Share bathrooms (stalls with toilets) Share showers (wear flip flops in there!) No kitchen (there's a microwave for public use) If you miss set dining times, you're out of luck (so if you work late, factor that in) The quality of the food. Some is okay. Some is inedible.* Have only male friends? They can't go above the 1st floor. Your male friends also get kicked out at 10pm or midnight All visitors (male & female) are required to sign in Not supposed to use irons or little crockpot kind of stuff in your room - - - - - - - * See this blog for more on just the food (with pictures) - http://websterfood.blogspot.com/ ** Each room comes furnished with a twin bed, small bookshelf, dresser, desk, and 2 chairs. There is a small closet in one of the corners, as well as a sink with medicine cabinet over it. One lamp illuminates the head of your bed and one is by your desk. Air conditioning during the summer is provided for an additional fee. Video of an approximate room size/layout here - http://youtu.be/XLRoUBRZ56o
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Mashinkah I.

Yelp
Wonderful place to live, if you are an artist reviewing opportunities in Manhattan. Got in long ago when helped by a 'donor'of theirs. Loved the comradarie. Weekly Bible Study in the Boe Parlor (sp?). It was great dining morning and evening experiences with actors, models, musicians, or professionals between things in life. The small studio is AOK for those desiring the the simple life. Stoned in Yard and Roof Beach were lovely! Security a plus! Thank you Macy Brothers for creating a sanctuary for women.
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Jacqueline S.

Yelp
This place is amazing. If I knew about Webster Apartments earlier, I would have recommended it to all of my friends who were doing internships in New York City. You have two free meals a day, free Wi-Fi, safe location, security, heating, cleaning room service, *and* access to several TVs downstairs. It's like living in a super nice dorm for ~$1,300/month. And if you know NYC prices, that it incredibly cheap! I would absolutely recommend Webster Apartments to any young woman starting out in New York.
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Coty S.

Yelp
I have stayed at the Webster a few times during various internships. This is a great place to stay during what I call the "NYC Catch-22." When no one in New York will give you a job because you do not have a New York address and no one will give you an apartment in New York because you do not have a job. Interesting, but true...So, The Webster was always my choice to help the situation because they will give you a place to live even if you do not have any income, as long as you pay them. Then, you have a New York address and employers will then hire you, which in turn will lead you to being able to get your own apartment after a while. Wheeew, love New York. This all women's establishment makes it a lot safer and less threatening. It is exactly what is described on their website, as being a utopia within the city, just walk out the back of the cafeteria into the courtyard and see for yourself. It is also nice to be guaranteed food, because I have been without food and struggling in the city before. If you know you are not going to make it for dinner that night, you can request a bag lunch by filling out a ticket during the breakfast hour and dropping it off. They will have a lunch bag ready for you the next morning for pick-up. If you want lunch and dinner, then the lunch is $3.50. So, it is one or the other, but breakfast is always there. The food is good quality and reminds me of the old Morrison's or Piccadilly cafeterias that we had here in Florida. Dinners like Lasagna or Fried chicken, and there is always a salad bar that is very fresh. People do sit by themselves in the cafeteria, but I met a lot of people and made friends there too. The best thing to do is ask if you can sit with someone and then they will usually say yes, then start talking with them. There you go! You can get free wireless internet by taking your laptop on the roof and walking around until you pick up a signal without password. Oh crap the secret is out. I remember the monthly rent averaging out to about $900, which is what one would pay for a share or a single studio. Not great, but for starting out in the city not so bad.
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Jo Ann L.

Yelp
Apart from weekends when dining hours end at 5pm, everything else is great!! Love the weekly workouts, dinner menu and clean environment. Heater pipes a bit noisy but I got used to it.
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Vera V.

Yelp
THIS PLACE IS SO MUCH FUN! Webster is known to be filled with girls who come from overseas, but when I introduced my local friends to it they regret not having booked this apartment instead of living on their own. I think Webster is such good value for your money. They have all facilities you need - you can even workout in one of their shared rooms or on the rooftop. It's so easy meeting people in the city due to Webster. My stay in New York would have been completely different and way more lonely if I wouldn't have stayed here. I'd like to mention that as long as you are nice to the staff and treat them with respect, they will treat you the same way. If you're a bitch to them expect bitchy behavior in return.
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Bibi C.

Yelp
I would highly reccommed the Webster Apartments, especially for any foreign interns having their first experience abroad in the USA. I lived there for 7 months this year and had an amazing time! It is located on west 34th street only 1 block away from major subway lines such as the ACE line and Penn Station. Macy's and all large department stores are within a very short walk too. ( not so good for your bank account, the DSW will remain tempting!) And there are 2 deli's on each opposite corner from the building which are open 24/7. The building itself is gorgeous, an old brownstone building. It has a large lobby which is attached to a library where you can swap books, study in peace etc and a large living room which you can use to receive friends or hang out. The ground floor also has a tv room, several small living rooms and gives access to the two big gardens ( which no other manhattan resident has). Not to mention the rooftop has a panoramic view of the city, at night you have a direct view of the lit up empire state and freedom tower, which is truly magical. Sure, its a bit strict. No men allowed past the first floor, and they can only stay till 12 at night. But this means that the Webster is a very safe building for all the women that stay there. There is no curfew, after 12 at night the security man locks the front door but if you go out at night you just need to ring the doorbell and he will let you in. The reception is also open 24/7 and i found that if you are polite they will help you with everything in their power. The food has really improved since i first arrived. There are always 3 main options for meat, 1 vegetarian option and about 4 different options for sides. There is always the salad bar and a soup station in case you dont like the dinner being served and the kitchen staff keeps tuna in the fridge in case you want to make yourself a tuna salad. If you know you wont be able to make dinner, you can ask a friend to bring you the 'cold plate' option which is often a wrap or a salad so that you still have something to eat. The rooms are indeed small, but hey its New York, what did you expect? You have plenty of storage space for clothing as there is a large hanging closet and a dresser in each room. They also provide you with a desk and chair, bookcase and a towel hanger for towels. Each morning the maid on your floor will make your bed and empty your trashcan and they will vaccuum and give clean sheets and towels once a week. I had a lovely housekeeper who went out of her way to make me feel at home and when i was stuck home sick went out to get me medicine and came to check up on me from time to time. The best element of living at webster is how easy it is to meet new people at make friends. There are alot of international girls living there for their internships. I found that if you make an effort in asking if you can sit with a group on your first day it all goes smoothly from there on out. I had a great group of friends during my stay with whom i ate together every day and went out to explore the city during the weekends. They came from all over the world, the US, Germany, France, England etc. We are still in touch and have even planned a Europe Reunion this year! Some tips for your stay at webster: - be polite to the staff. the rude guests get a rude treatment thats as simple as it gets. If you are nice to the staff they will be nice to you. They really do make an effort to help you with settling in and answering questions. - bring flipflops for the showers. yes they are cleaned daily but truth be told some guests are nasty showerers who leave shampoo residue and their hair behind them haha. - go to kmart 2 blocks down from webster and get yourself a nice throw and a few decorative things. The rooms are nicely lit but are of course very bare. It really helps to make it feel like home if you add some of your own touches. - before buying hairdryers, hangers etc look on the 2nd floor announcement board. Alot of girls from abroad like myself sell their items before they head back home at really cheap prices. Otherwise, Kmart would be you best option. Also your housekeeper may have some extra hangers for you. - dont forget your key when you leave your room. like someone mentioned, once you close your door its locked. You can use the phones in each hallway to call the reception to have them open it (i once saw a poor girl who didnt know she could use the phones in her bathtowel downstairs by reception, no need for that! just use the phones in your hallway)
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Kate S.

Yelp
After reviewing the Webster, I was excited to apply to stay short term. It sounds like an ideal situation for a young woman looking for work while in the city. A fellow reviewer explained this helped her with the "NYC Catch 22" - where you can't find a job because you don't have an NYC address so no one will hire you and you can't get an apartment because you don't have a job. After three attempts at calling, I finally was transferred to a person who could fax me an application. Apparently, the only two ways to apply are by fax or mail. Mail as in snail mail not to be confused with this new age thing we call "E-Mail." The Webster does not partake in such new fangled technologies. Still, I was anxious to apply. The lady I spoke with regarding the application and a few basic questions such as "when would be the next available room to rent?" radiated the vibe that taking my call was the inconvenience of her day. "I can take your name and number but the lady who faxes these isn't in today," she said with a tone that was less than friendly. "I don't know dates we have available. You send us the application with $50 and we can assign a room." Again, in a rigid tone as if I was interrupting her during her soap opera. It was disappointing to hear that what I thought was exaggerated reviews on the staff's rudeness are in fact true. I hope these reviews serve potential guests of the Webster well. However, I wish even more that the staff and owners of the Webster can utilize this to internally review how they operate. Then again, if they don't use email, I'm guessing yelp reviews is even more foreign.
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Carrie V.

Yelp
The Webster Apartments is a midtown residence for working women and students. Each resident has her own private furnished room with linens and housekeeping services. Plus, residents get free breakfast and dinner every day in the dining hall (well, included in cost of rent). The rooms are small but cozy, and the benefits definitely add up. Laundry rooms on three floors, gorgeous rooftop gardens with spectacular views of midtown mahattan, internet, a comfy TV lounge, and the meals are pretty decent with lots of variety. The only downside is restrictive visitors policy. Visiting female friends have to pay to stay, but can usually get their own room. Males are not allowed to even enter the building beyond the lobby and dining room. Although, for the price of the rent ($227 per week for students and interns) you can spend the night at his place without feeling bad that you're paying your own rent. Lots of international students live here while doing internships, as well as american students going to college in manhattan. For a short term rental, or while you're searching for your own apartment, this place is safe, comfortable, affordable, and convenient. Great for girls who have just moved to the city but haven't found a place to live yet!
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Brittany-Marie A.

Yelp
've been here for about 2 days now. I agree with many of the reviews; the staff really is discourteous. It's Winter here now and so they've turned the heat on to the MAX. I have to open the windows to allow some of the cold air in to strike a balance. The internet works when it wants to. The elevator is constantly out of service. The lights in the room are pretty dull. The water comes out brown/yellow and has to run for about 30 seconds to be clear. The door automatically locks once you close it, so Heaven help you if you rush out for a pee or even worse, go to take a shower and leave your key in the room. You'll be stuck in a towel in the hallway for up to half an hour just waiting on the staff downstairs to come open up for you. The linens and towels smell moldy and rules can be a bit burdensome if you're a free-willed type of person. I haven't yet tasted the food, but from what I'm told, it's horrible. This is a place for working women. Most of the residents/guests here are interns from all over the world. That may sound exciting, but it really just feels like another day in private school. They're snobby, cliquish, and some are even straight up rude. I will say, however, that it is quite a convenient location. Everything you need is within a 2-15 walking radius, and you can always order food to keep your hunger down low. The social rooms and general construction of the building is very 1930's, so if you're the type to appreciate that sort of atmosphere, then that's something you'll enjoy. Overall, it's not a place that will ever lose business because of it's long standing reputation. However, if you have other options, I'd encourage you to explore them.
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Lulu T.

Yelp
Didn't ever live here but recently tried to and the vibe I got was BAD!!!! The staff is super rude and bitchy as well as exasperated and impatient when it came to legit questions. The rooms I saw were TINY, the size of a walk-in closet. And, after three visits to get answers and the tour and two follow-up phone calls with additional questions I was then informed that I didn't even qualify for a room! Wish they could have been better organized about that, but they did me a favor as my gut was telling me to NOT live here. It's much harder than one would think to get a room here. You have to either be a student or an intern with Mom & Dad's money OR be a full time worker with a certain number of hours working a week, but not exceeding a certain amount of pay. I know I am a total fit for Webster based on its overall mission of the place, a woman that needs a clean, safe temporary place to call home while she gets on track here in NYC, and yet I was turned away because I lacked an extra 5 hours a week in work, even though my pay could well take care of the required rent. It was all very silly. I think the woman who started this place way back when would be ashamed of how it's run today.
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Sarah H.

Yelp
This apartment building has pro's and con's, but in my opinion the con's far outweigh the pro's which makes this building not worth living in. Sure it's fine, but I would look for something new ASAP. Pro's: 1. Location (especially in regards to price)- the location is right at the heart of Midtown and you are never more than a ten minute walk from anything you could possibly need, and you're only paying $50 a night which is insanely cheap (note: I had an air conditioner in my room, so if you don't have an air conditioner, it could be even cheaper) 2. Meals- these are really more of a pro AND a con, but I'll discuss pro's first. A lot of people didn't like the food, but I liked most of the meals, but I wasn't able to eat there too often (see below), I mean, you don't have to cook or do dishes! Need I say more? 3. Gardens- It's nearly impossible to find spaces of nature that are not crawling with tourists so the garden in the back was really great and the rooftop is crazy beautiful! Con's Housekeeping- Sure it's great that they clean your room once a week, but you have no say when they come in, and they are just allowed to walk in whenever. You are not allowed to not have housekeeping which is super frustrating. My work schedule had me working until 5 AM and I had no choice but to let housekeeping KICK ME OUT OF MY ROOM every Tuesday morning at 9 until 1 or 2 in the afternoon because they were allowed to. And they would rearrange all of my stuff in my cabinet and on my desk so every time I came back, I had to put everything back to where I had it. Meals- the meal times are terrible and the staff is not willing to work with your schedule at all. My work schedule was crazy intense and I missed basically all of the meals that I was paying for and I just had to spend more money eating out because we have no access to a kitchen (yeah, that "kitchenette" that they have is literally just a microwave). When I asked if I could get a sack meal, they said I would have to pay $10. Yes, they wanted me to pay more money for a meal that I have already paid for. Plus the meal times change on weekends so if you work on the weekends you're kind screwed. Also, they kinda rip you off when it comes to breakfast. You are only allowed to pick one main dish and then a few sides. They seriously consider those little 8 ounce yogurt cups to be a main dish. Then you can get fruit and granola and that's it! So be careful because you could end up starving if you don't choose your food wisely. Laundry- not only is it super expensive (up to $1.75 for some machines) but there are not enough machines so you are lucky if you even get to a machine and half of them are always out of order. For two weeks this summer, we only had two working machines for the entire building! That is ridiculous! They're not serious about their policies- this could be a pro if you want to bring a guy into your room, but for me, I wanted to feel safe. And when I wasn't allowed to bring my own father upstairs to see my room and the rooftop, I just said "oh well, it's their policy" and then a week later, I saw, on several occasions, women with men in the hallways without security guards! (also, it's important to note that most of their staff are men and they are allowed upstairs and into our rooms and restrooms at any time without security- I don't know about you, but that made me more nervous because even if they're trusted by the Webster, doesn't mean I trust them) The staff- I found the staff to be extremely rude and I know a lot of other people have had problems with this as well. The kitchen staff is especially rude, they are not patient and you are not allowed to ask questions when getting food. The security staff is okay, but again, super lax about their job, and the front desk staff is sweet but they can't do their jobs. Most of them had no idea how to help me half of the time. The elevators- the elevators are super slow and were not working half the time- we even had a girl get stuck in one and the apartment had to call the fire department to get her out. This was a super big problem for me specifically because often times I had a lot of things to bring home with me from work. I had a giant metal shopping cart that easily weight 50 pounds (I am a very weak person so that was a lot for me) and I had to carry it up the stairs most of the time because the elevators were not working! So if you need a handicap excessible building, do not live here!!!!! So all in all, I wouldn't recommend the Webster Apartments , but if you have a more regular work schedule than I had (I worked at any time from 9 in the morning to midnight or from noon until 5 AM, six days a week) you might enjoy your stay a little more than I did.
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A L.

Yelp
In the interest of full disclosure, I haven't lived here or attempted the process of obtaining housing here. However, every fashion-interning-not-from-NYC friend I've ever had has spent time here and I recommend this place to every woman who emails asking for housing help in NYC. This is ideal housing for women who are new to NYC. I have met many European women who simply can't get a NYC apartment because they don't have a job / credit score in USA. Starting at Webster has helped many women get their feet on the ground and build their life here. It's safe, clean, centrally located and rent includes meals. I wish more women knew about this great resource.
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Shwetha V.

Yelp
I lived here for 6 months last year (2011). it's $285/week (including all utilities -- except internet) and 2 meals/day. maid cleans your room 2x a week. ROOMS: - furnished with a white twin bed, small desk, chair, armchair, and dresser. *if you have the elevator rooms -- you get a nightstand (but then you get a retarded pull down desk). - room is nicely lit with 2 lights (one above your bed for reading, and one by the desk) - nicely sized window - a bit noisy facing 34th street or living on floors 2nd -6th. - closet it reasonable (can fit suitcases, etc). HEAT and AC in bedrooms: - Summer months: no ac unit provided-- instead, you have to either rent it ($200 for the whole summer) or buy your own. They install it for you (rent or bought). - Fall/Winter months: the heat could make your room a bit stuffy. You can turn it off or open your window. BATHROOMS: - shared toilets, shower, and tub. - there are showers and tubs on each floor. I have seen 1-2 people use the tubs, but most use the showers. there has never been a problem with all the showers being occupied. - they are cleaned everyday. but I still wear flip flops. - the only neg is you wear a towel to the showers and back -- and sometimes (only sometimes) there is a male engineer who might be walking the halls at the same time! INTERNET: - it's $30/month or $10/day. - it sucks after 5pm because that's when everyone is using it. it is hard to stream videos or watch youtube. - in the mornings (or when people are at work), it's decent. COMPUTER AREA: - if you don't have a laptop, they have 3-4 computers on the second floor. you can scan pictures, print, etc. everything costs though. TV ROOM: - you are able to bring your own and put it in your room. but if you don't want to -- they have 2 very nice TV rooms (one on the first floor and one on the second). Everyone packs themselves in it during the summer months because there is a/c - there are vending machines -- cheap snacks, water, sodas, etc FOOD - you get 2/day (breakfast 6:45-8:45am, lunch 12:00-12:30, dinner 5-7:45pm). - milk, water, coffee, tea is always available. (no soda) - the breakfast is pretty decent (either an egg or pancake day). - the salad bar is great. - dinner is on the weaker side. not really that good. very carb rich. - if you can't do dinner, you have the option to do a lunch bag. pretty awesome! (sandwich, fruit, and a cookie). STAFF - moody. everyone. the people at the front desk, the people who serve you. the doorman. - however -- there are always one-two people in each department that are absolutely wonderful! :) - front desk has movies to rent (for free), newspaper, wine opener, etc. RULES: - VERY strict. - no boys - no fridge in rooms (or any electric items) **the maids find them and report them** LAUNDRY - only 3 floors have it. after 5pm -- it can be hard to find a free one (as well as a working one). - coin operated. ROOFTOP - AMAZING views. very relaxing!!

Ximena V.

Yelp
The kind attention and professionalism of the cleaning service, front desk, guest service representatives and security officers were exceptional. Even during the pandemic, they were always willing to help guests. What I liked most was the attention to detail shown by all the staff and the establishment of rules for good coexistence among the guests. I think Webster's response to the worst of the pandemic was excellent.
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Izzy B.

Yelp
The webster always does such a beautiful job with the beautiful botanical green rooftop, they recycle and the people who work at Webster are extraordinary. Clean building, great cleaning staff, very central, easy to get around and the perfect choice for us interns, students and teachers!
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Margs K.

Yelp
Oh man, this brings back memories. I lived here briefly circa 2002. I distinctly remember that the room they showed me was twice as large as the room I moved into, which is definitely misleading. The included meals are great, except they only serve breakfast and dinner between certain times and I was constantly missing it. Lastly, when I was there, everyone ate at their own separate tables. I guess you could meet people if you made an effort, but for me it was really isolating and I eventually moved out when I found an apartment share.

Rebecca R.

Yelp
Living here was a wonderful transition moving from Tennessee. The 360 degree views from the rooftop gardens are stunning. The food was never great, but I loved meeting ladies from all over at meal times. The bathrooms were always clean and maid service was excellent. I would recommend The Webster to anyone needing housing in the city.

Betsy G.

Yelp
I lived at Webster Apartments over 35 years ago. I had a wonderful experience with many fond memories. Today, I bring students to NYC twice a year and we all stay at the Webster. Students love the apartments, food and location. I love all the recent renovations!!! Nice work Webster!!
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Aribella T.

Yelp
I have been living at the Webster for 2 months now and it has been great! I toured these apartments last spring and knew it was where I wanted to stay; compared to the other housing options I toured (EHS & The Brandon). The Webster had the best reviews, a great area, the best pricing, and my own room. Pros: - It is in a Great Area... There's a movie theater right down the street, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden a block away, lots of shopping, Macy's and Kmart right around the corner, Herald Square the next block over, lots of places to eat, and best of all very safe. - The staff overall are pretty great. The kitchen staff are really nice and they speak Spanish to me to help with my learning. Most of the office staff is nice as well. There are two who act like they don't want to be there and never really want to help, but everyone else is really nice. I haven't really met any of the maid staff... I see them at breakfast before work, but when I get home my bed is always made and I appreciate it. I hear they're nice as well though. - You get your own room complete with a twin sized bed, dresser, book shelf, desk with chair, sink, sitting chair, medicine cabinet, telephone, a fan over the bed, two wall lamps (one above the bed and another above the desk), six outlets (in my room four under the window and two under the lamp), and a small wall mirror. Depending on what room you get you'll have a window with curtains as well. The closet it sized pretty well and there are some shelves so you can store more. I think the floor is linoleum but it has rugs that cover most of the floor. I brought A LOT of stuff plus a hamper and three of those big plastic drawer things and everything fit! -The price is ok. $285 a week ($1,140/month) for this area, a decent sized room, and meals is a good deal. -Breakfast. I have found that breakfast here is really good. My favorite meal is when we have bagels, fried eggs, and sausage. If you don't like the breakfast they're serving they always have cereals (Frosted Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran, and something else) and also cream of wheat or oatmeal. Sorry for us Southern girls... No grits : (. They also have different breads, milk, coffee and tea daily. -Lunch. Bagged lunches can be purchased for $4 and they include a sandwich (PB&J, Ham, Turkey, Salami or Tuna)... and you choose the bread and condiments you want (white, wheat, etc., Mustard, mayo, ketchup, salt & pepper), cottage cheese (if you want it), Dannon Yogurt, A fruit (Apple, Pear, or Orange), and a cookie (Lorna Doones, Oreos, or Fig Newtons). I found that the sandwiches don't have veggies on them but I just get lettuce, tomato, and onions at dinner and save them in Tupperware to put on my sandwich. I do advise that you bring a few pieces of Tupperware and a cooler. I only get lunch every now and then and as far as PB&J... forget about it. I got my own peanut butter and in the morning get some bread from breakfast and jelly and Ta-Dah... saved $4. Also at breakfast I think if you don't get fruit you can get peanut butter. I also bought my own packaged snacks and some drinks for lunch to keep in my room, they don't mind. Cons: -The TV rooms. I rarely watch TV at all anymore, but when I do want to see something on TV, the channel is either not working or someone has beaten you to the remote. If you know there's something coming on that you want to watch you have to head in there a few hours before and wait. We're pretty good about handing the remote over to the next person in order, but sometimes I just wish I could watch TV alone... in my room. Lol -Dinner. Don't get me wrong, the food here is pretty good.... Better than I ever expected but they're repetitive. We have the same thing over and over again. -No Fridges. You're not allowed to bring fridges, but a cooler is allowed and has helped when I want to save some leftover food for lunch. -Internet. At $10 a week or $30 a month the internet is not a bad price for NYC, but it runs really slow... Especially after everyone comes home from work. -The heater. It makes this loud annoying banging noise. Thank goodness it's not constant and only lasts a few minutes at a time! I think I covered a lot but I also wrote a blog post that includes pictures of the Webster, my room, and some meals and also a video of my room.... Hope this helped! http://DreamLoveNYC.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_YCjWwcoHU
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Rose I.

Yelp
I would only recommend the Webster if you're going to be staying less than two months. I am currently a month and a half in and I don't know how I'm going to make it the next two months. You must stay for a month and give 8 weeks notice before moving out. This can create a really big problem if you wanted to apartment hunt while staying here. You do not have the luxury of giving two weeks notice because you found a nice apartment. I firmly believe that your experience with Webster is just the luck of the draw. Unfortunately, my stay has been while they are redoing the dining hall. This has led to some extreme circumstances but I think some of my experiences are universal. The good: The staff is nice and friendly and helpful as long as you are nice and polite. The room is extremely clean and the desk chair and furniture pieces are also clean and well cared for. Most items look brand new. There is always one activity each week: free movie night, free yoga, info about a farmers market, etc.One night we all got to go to Macy's and learn how to dress for success and got a free Macy's goodie bag with a 20$ gift card. The bad: Little to no hot water in the showers LOUD street noise 24/7 The food quality is *awful* the portion sizes are so small and strict. I feel like I've been forced on a diet. Most days, I don't even eat here because I don't dare try "firey lamb, coffee bean chili, or tofu stew," so I just get a piece of fruit. You would think that because I'm just getting fruit I would be able to ask for more than one piece, but you would be incredibly wrong. The eggs are powdered or premade, anything baked is flavorless and burnt, even the oatmeal looks and tastes, unlike anything I've ever had before. Its like syrup with mooshy flakes in it. The girls are cliquey. Usually, it's all the German girls, all the French girls etc. If you were thinking of moving here to meet people, don't hold your breath. At most of my meals, it's just women on their phones ignoring each other. Pretty disappointing. The cleaning service is not that great. They empty your trash every few days and change your sheets. They never vacuum even though it says they will (you can tell by how much crap is stuck to your foot after walking across the carpet; when you move in the carpet is beautifully clean but it's all downhill from there.) My biggest complaint: you can't make your own food. There's no communal kitchen, no refrigerators, hot plates, coffee makers, electric kettle, etc allowed in your room. When dinner sucks, you're going to pay 20-30 bucks on delivery or at least 15 at any place local. This right here, is why Webster is a scam. 1200 on rent and food when you could get an apartment with roommates for 800-900 and do your own food that you actually like. Such a tremendous waste.

Natalie P.

Yelp
I appreciate the opportunity to stay here, but there are issues that I have been disappointed about: -There was a recent stomach illness outbreak, and we weren't given much information, which was scary. -The food here is not good most of the time. They have the most random meals. One time, they had grilled cheese night, and the vegetarian option was grilled cheese with crumbled nacho chips inside. Really? Not enough vegetarian options. They will have two or three meat options, but only one vegetarian one. Sometimes there is no vegetarian soup option. -Breakfast is finished too early. 8:45 AM. Not everyone has to start their job or internship that early, so it is not fair we would have to get up extra early just to get breakfast. -Elevators constantly break down. -No hot water in the showers a lot. -Visitors have to pay $50 to stay overnight. -You can't turn on hot and cold water at the same time in the rooms. Have to keep the faucets turned to keep the water running. -Either not enough heat or way too much in the rooms. -The women at the front desk sometimes don't reply to emails. -You can get written up for not dressing to their standards in the cafeteria. -We aren't allowed to have fridges in our rooms. Pros: -Convenient location. -Fair rent. -Maid service. -Two meals a day included in rent.
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Carol D.

Yelp
This was my safe haven as a young girl from a small town in Maine. Retreating to the safety and serenity of this charming residence made big city life seem not so daunting. I lived here in the early sixties and to this day have the fondest of memories. Miss MacArthur was the manager and Mrs Spaulding the head of housekeeping. Still remember the wise and wonderful lady, Octavia, who provided maid service for me. Highly recommend.
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Angelique S.

Yelp
The Webster might seem like a great idea if you are looking for a place to stay short term. But I'd beware of staying here any longer than 3 months because they take temporary housing to the extreme. A huge issue here currently is the hot water/heat not working at least 3 times a month or more which means not being able to take a shower sometimes when you get home from work or wake up in the morning. This is a huge inconvenience if you're considering living here during the winter months. Another would be the many fees they have including the one if you do consider moving out without giving them an 8 week notice ($600). If you know anything about NYC real estate, then you know that it moves quite fast paced and charging a penalty fee for such is honestly ridiculous and unfair. Elevators here are very slow and break down frequently, another annoying inconvenience during the work week. Beware of poor water pressure in the showers on the highest floors (12th & 13th). I lived on the 13th floor before being moved & I had to go 2 floors down just to take a decent shower. On a lighter note, most of the staff are nice but then there are some I feel don't care very much about the women that live here. I'd say save your money for a better place because you can have so much more in nyc for the same rate that they charge here. There are much better places to live if you are moving to nyc for a long period of time and you'd be much happier there. Please take this as a very honest review from a person who has lived here for 2 years. Best of luck to anyone looking for housing in NYC!
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Kristina L.

Yelp
If you are a young woman looking for a temporary residence in New York City, the Webster Apartments should definitely be a major consideration. I stayed at the Webster from January-March 2012 and have almost no complaints at all. Prior to moving here I had a lot of questions and concerns that weren't addressed in typical reviews, so I hope this helps give you a better idea of what to expect before moving to the Webster. Rent: Rent is around $250 per week which includes all utilities and meals. The staff is very friendly, and if you prefer to pay upfront by the month they are very flexible and accommodating. Meals: First of all, I believe the reviews of the food at the Webster are completely off base. I was never subjected to any "inedible" meals. On the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of meals that were served! While at the Webster I had chicken parmesan, meatloaf, burgers, and the potato pancakes were to die for. Dessert and salad bar are also available daily, along with water/juice/milk/ or coffee. I do agree with some of the other reviewers, if you work late hours, the dining room schedule is a little strict. The cafeteria hours are as follows: Breakfast: Monday - Friday 6:45-7:00AM (COLD) 7:00-8:00AM (HOT) Saturday: 7:15-9:00AM Sunday: 8:00-10:00AM Dinner: Monday - Saturday 5:00-7:30PM (HOT) 7:30-7:45 (Cold Plate) Sunday: 12:30-2:00PM If you want to eat out, there are two fantastic delis on Dyer and 10th, a Subway, and Chinese restaurants on 9th. Travel further east on 34th and you'll run into a lot of typical fast food like Wendy's, Quiznos, TGIF, and others. Internet: I have to agree that the internet at the Webster is kind of terrible, ONLY if you're trying to stream videos from Netflix or Hulu. If you want to surf the web, use Facebook, or anything like that, I doubt you will run into any problems at all. The internet seems to get REALLY slow around 9PM on weekdays, but otherwise works really well during the day. You can pay $10 for one week of unlimited use or $30 for unlimited monthly use. Your Room: Rooms are very small with sink, bed, desk & chair, small book shelf, dresser, closet that will easily store two suitcases and clothes, and window. Rooms have two lamps, very low light- I suggest bringing a lamp or buying one once you arrive. There are only 3 outlets in the room, and only one of those outlets have 3 prongs (for laptops, other heavy electronics). The maid comes everyday to make up your bed and clean your room, and changes your towels once a week. You are provided with two bath towels, hand towel, and floor towel (for taking showers). You can get by without bringing any towels with you. Rooms have no AC (I don't know much about how hot the rooms get as I stayed at the Webster in the winter). During the cold months I also recommend bringing an extra blanket and your own pillow case. They are three rooms dedicated to laundry in the building. 4th, 7th, and 11th floor. You can buy single use detergent boxes on the 11th floor for 50 cents. You can do laundry in the smallest washers/dryers for $1.25 per wash and dry. Change machine on second floor rarely works, and front desk won't make change. Get a few rolls of quarters so you can do laundry and also buy snacks/drinks on the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor also has large movie room where you can watch TV. No men past 1st floor without escort, can't go to your room- ALL your guests must be signed in. Showers, Toilets: Showers and toilets are located on the East and West side of each floor. Toilets are like high school stalls, three toilets in each. There are two showers and one tub on each side of each floor. Sometimes the drains don't work very well in the showers, I recommend trying different showers until you find one that drains better. Facilities are always very clean. Even though facilities are shared, you can still have a lot of privacy. Best times to take showers are in the evening to avoid waiting. Smoking: The Webster is a non-smoking facility, but you are permitted to smoke on the roof lobby and outside, the backyard courtyard, and the front stoop. The Area: Upon arrival I recommend a quick trip to K-Mart on 34th and 7th ave to pick up little items for your stay at the Webster, like laundry bag, soaps, shampoos, and anything else you had to leave behind. Times Square and the High Line are very close. Central Park, SoHo and East Village aren't far. Transportation: If you decide to come to the Webster, Penn Station at 34th and 8th is going to be your closest train station. You'll definitely want to pick up a Metrocard here so you can run around the city. The M11, M34 and M34A are also the closest buses to the Webster. Check out the MTA website for more info This is my VERY detailed review, I hope it helps you answer any questions you may have regarding the Webster. Good luck on your search for housing in NY!
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Angel V.

Yelp
When I lived here last year, it was $250/week. Make no mistake, it's not a terrible price, but it's also not the best price that you can find, either. What is nice is that you don't have to pay any other bills apart from the internet (which is spotty at best; once while I was there it went out for a week in the whole building). Also, they clean your room once a week if you want it. The walls are fairly soundproof, although the doors are not, so any activity in the hallway is hard to ignore (and everyone in the hallway can hear you). It's a fairly clean place, and it's also pretty safe. If you're lucky, you can even get a room with a pretty nice view. However, the staff is mostly insane. (Not to mention some of the tenants, particularly those who've lived there for decades.) When I was there, there was one nice woman who worked there; I figured out who she was (really, the youngest one), and whenever I needed to ask something I tried to ask her. Some of them are completely evil. One of them is prone to shouting at you if you create any kind of noise in the lounge, whether or not anyone else is actually there, or even if it's like Saturday night at 8 o'clock, which doesn't seem like an unreasonable time to make noise--particularly since there are no rooms on the bottom floor where the lounges and sitting rooms and whatnot are, so it's not like you're bothering someone trying to sleep. At some point it became a running joke..."no laughing at the Webster!" Here's a good comparison for people who have read Harry Potter: this place is run by a bunch of Snapes and Filches. Some of them are cold, and some of them are just bizarre. If you have a legitimate problem, many of them will totally ignore it, which can get annoying, because you probably WILL have legitimate problems. Sometimes they step on your toes, also--I had an item that they considered contraband, although it's not illegal and they don't even say that you can't have it in their rules. Once upon a time, when I asked them not to clean my room because I had all my crap everywhere and that just seemed like my problem, they went in there anyway and cleaned it. Then, the next day, even though I still had my "do not disturb" sign on, they came in and left me a notice saying they were planning on confiscating the item that they found, saying it broke some kind of fire code. But I looked it up, in case you were wondering, and no such code exists. I also really didn't like that two days in a row they came into my room when I asked them not to; it felt like I was being patrolled by Miss Manners. The first day maybe someone just slipped and wasn't paying attention and came in the room anyway--fair enough. But the second day really annoyed me and after that I had a difficult time feeling like I had any privacy. However, they never did make good on their promise to confiscate the item. The food is okayish; some days are better than others. Occasionally it tastes like someone only described what the food in question was supposed to taste like to the cook without the cook ever having tasted it. They also like really weird food combinations, like Spanish rice and teriyaki chicken. I mean it's included in rent, and that's fine I guess, but I'm just saying, a diet consisting solely of Webster food will not only leave you 10 lbs heavier than when you got there, but it will also drive you slowly insane. Also, the hours that the food is available can be a pain if you're working long hours, because often you'll get there too late to eat. It sucks to work for 14 hours and then get home at like 8 and be told you missed dinner by 15 minutes. A secret about the kitchens, in case you move there, is that they always have tuna available, in the event that you cannot abide by any of the food that they're offering, so you can get a bowl of tuna and make a sandwich. Not to mention, there is some kind of cold war going on there over the heating. They will wait until you are freezing half to death before they turn on the heat. I used to sit under my covers wearing three layers shivering. I am from a much warmer climate than some, but still, a lot of my friends there reported finding it difficult to tolerate at times. They will wait until the last possible minute to turn on the heat, and the blankets they provide are very flimsy. In my case, I didn't have enough cash to buy more blankets because I was stretched pretty thin as it was, so I just had to make do with the cold, which wasn't very fun. And when they turn the heat on it gets despicably hot in the room and you'll spend a lot of time in December sleeping with your window open and the fan on and waking up sweating. And the bathrooms are gross. For me, that's the real dealbreaker. It's pretty much just like living in a dorm. And yet I never moved out before I left New York. Frankly it's just very well located, and not the worst place I've lived, and you never know--you might make some friends.

Jenn R.

Yelp
I'm not a huge reviewer, but when I was moving into the Webster, I could find barely any information on the place, so I'm trying to fill in some helpful details. The Webster is a little strange in some aspects, but it's in a great, convenient location, and the rent is very inexpensive (well, Manhattan inexpensive). Each room has a sink, medicine cabinet, desk w/ chair, dresser, bookcase, twin bed, fan, upholstered chair, rugs, 2 built-in lamps, and some lovely floral chintz curtains. There is no A/C in the rooms, but for around $200 you can rent a window unit from the Webster for the summer (they'll install it and do everything) which is completely worth it, in my opinion. 2 meals per day are included with rent - most people eat breakfast and dinner here, but you can get lunch for an extra $3.50 I think. The meals are served between specific times - breakfast is 6:45 - 8:45 and dinner from 5 - 7:45. I've never had the lunch but it's served within a 20-minute window (not kidding) so you'd better not be late! The food can be highly questionable sometimes, but the price (free - well, kind of) is right. I try to eat healthily, so I like that nutrition info is posted for what is being served that night, but the food is heavy on fat, cheese, and Jell-o. If you bring your own cup (with a LID!) you can take beverages from the dining room. It's true what another reviewer said about everyone eating at their own separate tables - it's not as social a place as you might think, and in my experience, most people kind of stuck to themselves. Everyone kind of ignores each other, so you have to really make an effort if you want to make friends. I thought it would mostly be college-age women living here, but there seems to be a sizeable portion of 40-ish women. Which isn't necessarily bad, I just didn't expect to see that demographic. I must admit that this motivates me to make sure I'm not still living at the Webster come that age..... Interestingly, smoking IS allowed in the rooms, but coffeemakers, irons, hotpots, and candles are not allowed because of NY fire code. What?!?! (Ironing can be done in the laundry rooms). The showers and bathrooms are very clean and (this is important) have good water pressure and very hot water. Housekeeping provides new towels weekly and changes your bedsheets weekly, but bring your own washcloths - those aren't provided - and maybe an extra blanket, because the bedding is fairly thin. Also, the housekeepers tend to knock and then immediately barge in, so be prepared, and they are also fans of emptying my trash before 9 am. However, I can't complain because hello- they are emptying my trash and I don't have to. The Webster does have wireless internet - it is $10 for 10 days or $30 for 30 days, paid by credit card. It seems to count down not by calendar days but by actual time spent online, so that 30 days will last well beyond 30 calendar days, provided you are not connected 24/7. You can have visitors stay (female, of course!) for $60 which includes breakfast but not dinner. If there is space, visitors can get their own rooms. Otherwise, a cot will be provided, which takes up most of the free space in the room, making for a VERY cozy visitor experience. I think $60 is a complete rip-off just to have a guest stay in your own room. Bottom line, the location and price make the Webster great for TEMPORARY housing but it's not a place you'll likely want to stay long-term.

Gabriela S.

Yelp
DON'T EVEN BOTHER!!! The staff is the most unhelpful and cranky people you'll ever meet!!! There's maybe two ladies at te front desk and one of the maids that are really polite, the rest treats you like you're asking them a favor and not like a paying costumer.

Elaine D.

Yelp
I lived at The Webster for only a month but had a really positive experience. The rooms are small but cozy and I felt very safe during my stay. The cleaning staff is really great and my room was always so beautiful after they cleaned it---so definitely be nice to the cleaning staff assigned to your room/floor level! The bathrooms were down the hall and were always clean. The food was good and there were always several options. The roof top view is beautiful and so are the gardens! You are also very close to a subway stop, tons of restaurants and lots of shopping..its a very very busy and crazy area. You are also very close to the Chelsea Highline and the Hudson River which are both nice to walk on/near. At times the staff can be short with you but as long as you smile and are kind you'll be fine and they'll always answer your questions or help you. You just have to be incredibly, incredibly patient because guest services are definitely not their strong point. If you are young woman who is nervous about living here, or a Mom who is nervous about her daughter staying here you can take it from me that it was a good and safe experience. I would definitely suggest it to my own friends or even live there again if I needed to!
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Daniela H.

Yelp
Webster is okay for a short time stay. BUT the staff are the most unfriendliest people I have met in my entire life! They just hate their guests! The people from the front desk and the security are the worst!

Vee T.

Yelp
I stayed there winter 2014. Had moved and was back in town for business and previously heard about it for working ladies starting up and had the opportunity to stay there during winter. The staff were very attentive and polite, I encountered very normal people, some reviews complained about rudeness I never saw that, if you think you're being rude to you should live in the real NYC world where people curse when they get very upset on a whim! I had a terrific stay there! It was a combination apartment living as you do get to live in your own room, no noisy messy roommates which is great but also has the advantages and feel of a dormitory where there are more opportunities to meet other women living in the same apartment unlike most city apartments where people are very abrupt and stick to themselves, having used to live in NYC for 7 years from high rise doorman buildings to pre-war walk-ups. The majority are 20 something olds from all over the country and Europe interning or here for a short time, there were a few older working women, I chatted with a few some are interns, some are in between phases and looking for an apartment, one was studying and moving back to the city. Mostly very transient people staying few months to I heard one year, one lady said there's a limit of 5 years!! wow I could have lived here but I think you have to meet a certain level of slightly lower salary requirement to qualify for the great rates. The set-up is very nice, I stayed there as a transient on business so paid a much smaller fee per night compared to all these expensive hotels in NYC where cheapest for a room alone would be double I paid here unless you stay in a noise messy hostel---so it was a great bang for you buck living in the heart of NYC. The meals are so cheap, where else can you get free breakfast and $6 entrees including all you can eat salad, tea. It is such a bargain in NYC, I do not think people who come here realize that, in the real world if you lived on your own you pay at least $1500/cramped studio or anywhere from $1800-2500 for bigger 1 bedroom and pay bills on top of that, so the women here really have it made in the shade, paying very minimally, all your meals there for you and housekeeping! The showers are completely renovated, the bathrooms are always clean I was surprised because I shared with so many others and never had a problem using the stall. My bedroom was Private!! Most here complain of the small size but understand, it's much more expensive living on your own with not that more space and paying for bills and food so this was great!! I love the cute piano room/TV room on the ground floor, there is larger formal living room with a grand piano I played until the front desk guy said sorry, no you can't and showed me the piano room, I found out about it later on but it's like a big living room renovated in a modern style. There are also smaller very beautifully furnished parlors. about 5 or 6 on the ground floor. I can't say enough nice things about the place, as a stay at home mom, it saved me a bundle and I knew I was safe, no need to worry about staying in the same room with a guy like in cheap hostels and there is staff at all times. There is oldy-world library--I just love how it shows when it was first built, it is renovated yet still shows the history of the 1920's. They have quaint old-fashioned phones I do not know why people complain about this place, it's a safe place to stay as a woman, so much cheaper than a normal hotel, in a safe place with plenty of food cheap and plentiful. Dining is in a large dining room furnished like a diner/restaurant. I always found food plentiful. There was opportunity to meet the other women living there in the dining room you just have to go out of your way. If you don't chat you stay by yourself alone you reap what you sow. So I made an effort chatting to other people around me, meeting some interesting people, like a jazz singer, a lady working for the UN, someone studying, a few interns. I wasn't there long enough to make friends just 10 days but did meet some women- you get what you put out, you can see some young ladies have been there months are now very good friends. There is a TV room, first come first served, I'm happy they watched the Bachelor the only show I cared about but wait in line for remote. my room was on a high floor not facing 34th street it was very quiet I can hear someone talking on the phone sometimes so don't talk confidentially unless you want your neighbor to know your business. All in all I have absolutely nothing to complain about and plan to stay there again if I find myself in the city on business. It's only 1 big block away from the subway very convenient---some people I saw here complained about being near tourists but it's NYC get over it, they don't realize residential areas have nice ambience restaurants and bars but are far away from the subway like the Upper East side where I used to live. Great!!
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Meredith M.

Yelp
I lived at the Webster for six months, and had an incredibly positive experience. I knew no one when I moved to NYC, but within a few weeks, I had made friends and settled into city life seamlessly. The two private gardens are stunning, and the little "beau parlors"--each elegantly decorated on a literary theme--are ideal for hanging out with friends after work. The rent was far more affordable on my tiny publishing salary than any other living situation I had been able to find, and the staff people were invariably kind and patient when answering my many new-to-the-city questions. I loved coming home to such a safe and beautiful building, and have recommended it to many women from my college, interns at work, etc. I can't imagine a more perfect place for someone on a limited budget transitioning to life in the Big Apple.

Leah G.

Yelp
I lived at The Webster Apartments for 5 months, and I made many friends while living there. Most people keep to themselves, and it is full of women on internships. I would give the meals three stars, the room four (mainly because there is a sink inside, the rooms are fairly small), but the customer service is really what brings this residence down to two stars. The staff is, as aforementioned by other reviewers, undoubtedly unhelpful. I have never encountered such inexplicable rudeness by professionals. At first I gave them the benefit of the doubt and tried to be extra polite, but my attempt made no difference. I thought I would leave the Webster behind me, but a quick phone call brought back all of my past frustration and utter bewilderment at the behavior of adult professionals. I called to see if I had left an envelope at the front desk during my visit earlier in the day to see if there had been any mail leftover after my stay there. The woman told me that they did not have my envelope, and when I started to describe the color she cut off my speech with, "WE DO NOT HAVE IT" and curtly hung up on me. This is a very small example of the kind of attitude expected from the staff. I won't even go into the multitude of incidences that would support this experience. The rent is high for a place that doesn't allow for very much legroom, and the food included is cafeteria food. If you have the chance to go anywhere else in the city, go there before considering The Webster. Bottom line: look elsewhere. Even though I don't live there anymore, I am calling again tomorrow to speak with the manager about the absurd and childish behavior of the staff. I'm sure it will not be the first complaint. I hope this helped,

alice d.

Yelp
So.... As a student from England interning in NYC for two months it was difficult to find a place to stay within my price range -- The Webbie saved me! For $250 a week you get a private room, breakfast, dinner, a roof terrace, library, no curfew and the opportunity to make some fabulous friends. I honestly had the best time. Yes, when you arrive there is nothing more daunting -- it is exactly like starting university -- but after 7 days there you are having the best time!! After I made myself sit with some strangers who shared my British accent I was sold. On a practical note, it is in a great location, the rooms may be small but they are just for sleeping in so no problems there.... The food is really pretty good considering the price.... The roof terrace is WONDERFUL..... Reception are happy to provide bottle openers for alcohol if you want a drink with friends (no judgement, hurrah)..... The 24 hour receptionist means you can come and go as you please, so, so, so wonderful..... Generally I could not fault it. Oh wait, the water pressure in the showers was a little poor, but that aside it really was a life saver for me. A point I adored was that for people to call your room (even from abroad) it was free, so my boyfriend/family would call and I didn't have to pay to receive it. Also, you could borrow DVD's from reception and have a night in if NYC night life was becoming too much/too expensive. It was just like uni, although with more nationalities.... I found most other people my age were interns too, mostly in fashion (unlike myself) and very open and ready to make new friends. It was truly fab! I would definitely recommend and certainly return. I cannot give it enough stars!! When you are coming from abroad it can be so daunting to find somewhere to live, I was so relieved to find the Webster and it made my stay so much more enjoyable then it otherwise might have been.
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Deb S.

Yelp
Wow. I lived there in 1969 for one year when I came from Boston. It was the perfect place for me . I think I paid 35 dollars a week. It was on a sliding scale. I was there a year and made a ton of friends. We all worked in the garment center. I found a roomate there and we shared an apt for 5 years. It was a GREAT place to start out at!!!! The food was okay but for the price how can you complain. The rooftop garden and the back yard were gorgeous!! It's true thewomenwhobworked there were very strict but you just had to ignore them. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to move into the city who doesn't know anyone .

MT S.

Yelp
If you're thinking about living here, please do. It is Midtown Manhattan heaven for the single working woman. There are a diversity of women who live here from every part of the world it seems. Most are under 25 or over 50 it seems. There are few of us in the 35-45 year old range. I take it the ones here are just starting out or divorced. The food is delicious. The salad bar is my favorite, but everything served is delicious. Unlike a dorm, there are no seconds, so you must eat wisely. I am saving so much money on food by living here and I'm now eating well balanced meals. In three days I can see a change in the appearance of my skin from eating healthier food. Unlike what another reviewer said, there is much mingling in the dining room. People sit together, young with young, old with old, young with old. Some sit alone. We enjoy each other. There are also TV rooms and a computer lab. The computer lab is not free, but it is better this way. It is low cost and affordable. There is no cable TV access in the rooms so most go to the common areas to watch cable on a large flatscreen. The TV viewing rooms are large and comfortable. The rooms are not very large but wonderful. There's a sink, desk, dresser and ample closet space. The bathroom areas are in the hallway. There are shower stalls and very deep tubs. The toilet rooms are separate. The building has beautifully appointed sitting rooms. There are pianos even - and a gorgeous library. No men allowed? They can eat with you in the dining room for a low price and they can wait for you in the lobby. For the young girls reading this, a lot of players or womanizers in America will just want to "come over" to your place and they'll never show you where THEY reside because they are hiding something or someone (who may be their girlfriend or wife). The "no males" policy (stated in the will of the builder who wanted the surroundings to be moral and respectable) at the Webster puts you in a great situation to find out more about him and potentially meet someone who can provide a home for you as opposed to you providing a home for him. I would recommend this place to ANY woman who is just moving here or has been struggling trying to make it in NYC as a single working woman. This place is fantastic.
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Heidi Maria H.

Yelp
The only positive thing I can say is that the location is great, except you will have to sleep with your earplugs every night. The noise there on 34th is insane. The biggest downside would be the staff, these people are not there to help you, even though you are a paying customer. I do not recommend this place to anyone. The heating is off most of the time, so you have to spend your days either freezing your butt off or in the TV room, where there is always warm. I regret ever living there.

Brittany M.

Yelp
I've stayed at the Webster Apartments sporadically over the past year and I have to say my time here has been great. I was shocked to read reviews that gave Webster a low rating. What are they upset with? The cost is more than affordable, it is centrally located, there is a variety of food, and the staff is pleasant and friendly. First of all, if you simply google the average monthly cost of renting an apartment in Manhattan you will find that it is upward of $2500. At Webster, the cost is nearly half that AND you get two meals a day AND maid service. Try and find another apartment building where you can get all that for such a low cost. Also, you need to realize that you are in Manhattan. Space is limited to begin with so yes the rooms are not luxuriously roomy but they are sufficient enough. Regardless, there are no reasons to complain. You don't need a kitchen because they provide you with two meals a day. There is a TV room you always have access to as well as a library you can read or get work done and many other rooms you can lounge in. In fact, you can borrow any book from the library or borrow a DVD from a long list of movies that can be found at the front desk. Also, in the nicer weather you can enjoy the outdoors on the rooftop with a spectacular view of the Empire State Building or relax in the downstairs garden, which is beautiful in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition, you are in NEW YORK CITY, the greatest city in the world. Go out and enjoy that! Webster is located on 34th Street, which is such a great location. You are just two blocks away from a wide variety of shopping such as the 8-story Macy's, a movie theater, and the West Side Highway, which is a beautiful place to walk or run. As for the food, I am an extremely picky eater so one of my big concerns going anywhere is the selection of food I will be provided. I have to say that the food Webster provides has been perfect. They always have some kind of meat or pasta, as well as veggies and some kind of starch. Also, there is always an open salad bar with great options. Now come on, what girl doesn't like a salad? Also, the staff that I have talked to is so nice. The women at the front desk are always willing to answer my questions and the security guard at the entrance greets me every time I walk in and out of the building. The maids that work on the floors I have stayed on are always willing to reciprocate a smile or conversation. They were all very kind to me. All in all, I have to say I LOVE the Webster Apartments and I am looking forward to my next visit.

Bette L.

Yelp
I am an European actress and acting coach and I started working in NYC in 2013. After living in different places in Midtown, Harlem, Queens and Brooklyn I managed to get a room at the Webster Apartments. It´s just perfect! You can have your peace and quiet in this wonderful old authentic New York building if you want (or need) to - or make friends very easily. It´s clean, save and almost everything is taken care of: The management and the staff is very nice and supportive. For me it´s a luxurious situation to live in Midtown, around the corner from the place where I work - not to mention the wonderful extras like the roof top, the garden, the library, the meals etc. The Webster Apartments feel like home. It´s like an island in the middle of all the wonderful, crazy and exciting dynamics of this inspiring city.

Mel F.

Yelp
I stayed there long ago and loved everything about it and I met wonderful people and made an amazing friend who is still one of my best friends years later. Its great location makes it a wonderful place to stay when you're new in Manhattan. 34th Street and 10th Avenue. Hard to beat! Named after Charles Webster who is, if I am not wrong, the cousin of the founder of Macy's just a couple blocks further, who decided to use his fortune to open a place in the city where women from all over the world could come and live and work or study at a lower cost and in a pleasant and safe environment. The Webster Apartments are all that and more. I loved living there. The rooms are small but private. A maid comes in everyday and changes your bedding every week. There are several salons where you can gather or private smaller lounges where you can have a private time. (Men are only allowed on the first floor, they can come over, be invited for dinner but cannot go upstairs. It was built in the early 20th century so we gotta respect that...) All the people who work there are very friendly and easy to talk to. Breakfast and dinner are included in your weekly rent. Lunch is possible for a little extra. The meals were pretty good. There's a phone in every room and you can use your own answering machine, in case your cell phone is not enough or you don't have one yet if coming from overseas... The roof garden was my favorite place to hang out and dinner outside during the summer was always agreeable after the hustle and bustle of the city. Thanks Charles!

Roberta W.

Yelp
So reading these reviews sounds just like The Web that I stayed in over 30 years ago - still OK rooms (but small), still OK food (not great) and still crabby staff, and still no gentlemen callers above the ground floor. But, in a large city when you need a reliable and safe place to rest your head, this is the place. The price has certainly gone up, but for the money, it gives you plenty of breathing room until you meet new people and figure out where exactly in NYC you want to make your more permanent home.

H L.

Yelp
If you're looking for a cheap place to live short-term, this is your place. It is super cheap, provides food, and clean. The rooms can be small and loud (34th st, right next to super busy fashion district), but it does its job. The food is not the most delicious, but you don't have to go grocery shopping, prepare food, and do dishes. The showers are very clean. I felt very safe there thanks to the doorman and staff members.

michelle g.

Yelp
I have called in to stay there on two seperate occations. The lady who works there handling applications is so RUDE! I hope the rest of the staff makes up for her nastiness.

Meredith L.

Yelp
The first time I saw this place, I was very worried. It was very dark in the hallways and the rooms were very old. I was convinced that it was haunted. I was wrong. I actually had a great experience at The Webster. I met a lot of great women who are now life long friends! It's very frusterating because their website and not very helpful and the pictures are so outdated. I will tell you...what you see in the pictures is what you get. The place it very dated but I think they were making some improvements when I was leaving (during the spring of 2010). Some information that is not on the website ( and from personal experience): * You want to buy or bring your own comforter. The bedspread they supply for you is old and very thin. * You have to pay for AC during the summer ($200). It's worth EVERY penny! When the heat turns on for the winter, it can be very noisey and you have no control on how hot or cold it gets. My room was always freezing and others rooms were very hot. I guess it just depends on the room. *They supply you with towels but they are very old and ragged (some have stains). I suggest you bring some of your own. You also must bring your own washclothes and pillow case. * Laundry is located on three different floors. They are usually pretty crowded on the weekend. Weeknights were a better time to use these facilities. * The rooftop garden is AMAZING! Beautiful View of the city and the Empire State Building. This is where I met my amazing friends! They have lawn chairs and picnic tables for your enjoyment. * The staff can be quite rude but you just have to be nice and they will be nice back. * You can rent movies and games from the front desk. * In the practice room (on the first floor) there is a nice couch and a TV. It's more private than the big TV room located on the 2nd floor. * There are some strange people that live there but all in all it's a safe place. * The food is pretty gross but it's free! * Showers are GROSS! They say they wash them everyday but I'm pretty sure they don't. The showers with a window in them smell better than the showers without windows. Make sure you wear flip-flops! All in all, the wasn't that bad of a place to live. It grows on you and you get a kick out of all the little interesting things The Webster has to offer.

andrea g.

Yelp
Ive been living in the Webster for a bit more than a month right now. Some days before I moved in, they have had a fire in the basement/kitchen. So, for the first days I was living there, they couldnt serve any food at all, or at least very reduced meals for some days. Still, we cant use the dryers for our laundry (after more than one month the gaslines still are not repaired and thus affect the laundry...). Further, there was no hot water in the showers a few days ago, and the showers in generally have a very bad odor. Apart from these and other inconveniences, the worst of all is the unfriendlyness of the people working there. While some of the employees are quite nice, most of them are terribly unfriendly to the "guests". Many of the girls are literally afraid of some of them. And they have many really strange rules you have to abide by. The rooms are really small, you have to bring your own pillow sheets, hairdryers, and irons. There are also some positive points about the Webster Apartment: There is a really nice roof top that you are allowed to use. The Webster is a great place to meet other interns. The area is in the middle of Manhattan (though not the most exiting area...). As long as you dont have to deal with the aggressive cashier and some other of the unfriendly people, you can spend there some good days until you find a nicer place. The good thing is that you have only a one-week notice, so you can leave whenever you have found something else... I hope to be able to do that soon!