Really great converted Brownstone in a really vibrant part of Harlem. The owners are friendly and really helpful but also give you privacy unless you need them. The rooms vary, as it is converted Brownstone, but are comfortable with private bathooms. They are not overly fancy but tastefully done and comfortable There is a large very well equipped kitchen and a grocery store nearby so it is an excellent place to stay if you want to save money by cooking yourself. It is a short and safe walk to the subway and the Apollo theater.

I stayed there recently and had a very unpleasant, terrifying experience. The problem is that the front door lock is not working properly. We were locked out for 45 min at night without any help. Upon our arrival, James (the owner or manager) gave us a key to the front door because the place has no reception desk like hotels do. We explored the city and came back to the guest house at around midnight, but we could not unlock the front door. We kept trying for 30 min or so first, knocked on the door (unfortunately we were the only guests that night), but no one answered. I tried to reach James by calling two numbers, but no success. We tried to contact him by email, no answer. We eventually had to call Expedia, who also called James, but again no success. In the meantime, I kept trying to unlock the door, and eventually after trying for 45 mins, it worked and we were able to get in. We texted James saying that we were able to get into the guest house eventually so that he didn't have to come rescue us. Next day, I got two emails from James: "Turn left until you can't turn left. It will open. I'm on my way there now" "Apparently you got in, and I took a $40 cab home for no reason" (Apparently he was out somewhere that night. For some reason, he didn't get a text message. Very strange.) I also saw him next morning. He looked very annoyed and upset, and tried to blame us for what happened. We eventually had to tell him "Look, you think we did all this just to mess with you?" He backed down and said nothing after that. Yet, no apologies whatsoever. To be fair, the room is clean enough, the room is large, and the neighborhood is what you would expect. This is one of the cheapest options in NYC. But, if you don't want to get locked out in the middle of the night, I suggest you go to another hotel or guest house. I hope James will fix the front door lock so that other guests would not have any issue like we did.

The Gino Room is excellently suited to 2 or 3 guests. The host went completely out of his way to be helpful and kind to us before, during, and after our stay (we forgot an item and he was beyond his obligations in helping us retrieve it). I absolutely recommend the 255 Guest House if you're looking for a centrally located, wonderful place to stay in Harlem!

Cockaroiches!

Great breakfast and welcome drinks, comfortable room, interesting decor, excellent location

My daughter and I stayed at 255West Guesthouse. We were in the Gulliame room. Loved the room and bathroom. We had everything we needed. The towels were soft and absorbent. We loved the availability of the full kitchen even though we didn't use it. The subway was easily accessible and we felt safe at all hours of the day walking to and from. We enjoyed stopping at the Lenox coffeehouse for breakfast and a latte on our walk to the subway. Our flights came in around 0900 into LaGuardia and we we're at the guest house within 30 minutes. James greeted is and we we're able to stash our bags and begin our day! Loved every second staying there and will stay again next time we go to NYC!

The owner met me at the street and helped me carry my bag to my room. The room is clean and neat witfh plenty of room. Location is central to Harlem and in easy walking distance of great food and the subway.

Excellent stay in wonderful apartment. nice & tidy. Very friendly too. Will be visiting again

Great Harlem find. A hotel in a lovely brownstone.

Clean, cute, nice location