A homey B&B run by friendly locals in a sleepy historic neighborhood, the Saint Nicholas Inn attracts a steady stream of international tourists and families looking for an affordable and welcoming home in New York City. With quirky decor and original hardwood floors and architectural details, it's certainly not a chain hotel, or even a polished boutique stay, but devoted repeat guests from around the world wouldn't have it any other way. Plan to make new friends over breakfast at the communal table in the kitchen, the only common area in the house.

A turn-of-the-century brick home in the historic Sugar Hill neighborhood, in north Harlem, the Saint Nicholas Inn puts you down the block from the 155th Street C subway stop, two blocks from a B/D subway stop, and three blocks from a 1 subway stop, all of which can get you to and from Midtown Manhattan in under half an hour. Sugar Hill itself is quiet and safe to walk around at night, and, while there isn't much going on in the area, there are a number of historic buildings to be discovered on a neighborhood walk. Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens are a bit far away, but the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium are both easy to get to.

With their mismatched decor, vintage furniture, original moldings, and brightly colored walls, the four large and bright rooms feel homey and loved, if a bit worn around the edges. Three of them share a clean communal bathroom, with a shower, while the other acts as a suite, with an en-suite bathroom and kitchen. One has a queen bed, two have two double beds each, and the suite has a queen plus an extra twin bed, making it ideal for small families. Towels and bath products are included, and all rooms have air-conditioning in the summer, though historic buildings can still get hot and stuffy in New York's famously brutal humidity.

As a simple B&B, the inn's most popular feature is its fresh continental breakfast, included in the rate and served each morning at a long communal table in the kitchen. The hosts create an atmosphere such that conversation flows over the fresh pastries, fruit, cereal, and abundant coffee. For longer stays, the suite also has its own private, eat-in kitchen, although the free breakfast cannot be served there. Board games are available to borrow, all rooms have cable TV, and the free Wi-Fi is a welcome perk.