Profile

The renovated basement of Susan Lehrer's enormous four-story Victorian house on a quiet West Midwood cul-de-sac is equipped with every possible comfort of home. The two-bedroom space includes a living room with a television and array of DVDs, a large private bathroom, couches, a deluxe kitchenette fully equipped with all types of snacks and city guides to assist tourists in their way around town. While the large, welcoming space does have a private entrance and patio, there is no escaping the reality that guests are staying in someone else's home. This is compounded by the neighborhood's remote, suburban feel and its lack of nearby nightlife or dining options. The enormous quarters are a tremendous value at $140-$150 per night, especially for a large family that would need to otherwise book two hotel rooms. Lehrer also renovated one of the upper bedrooms of the house into a guestroom with a queen-size bed. — Chris Strauss

Lehrer and her husband, Chalo, speak five languages (English, Spanish, Hebrew, Yiddish and Italian).

Cons
Not an ideal location for visitors who need easy access to Manhattan.

Claim to Fame
The large homes and leafy lawns were an ideal backdrop for many films shot in the surrounding blocks, including Sophie's Choice, City Hall and Glengarry Glen Ross.