All 33 tenant reviews.

“Pros: Its not a luxury building and amenities are slim to none. I enjoy the staff on site and I find them extremely friendly. The units are spacious and whenever I have had an issue its is fixed almost immediately. Cons: My biggest issue is that I live on a lower floor facing 8th avenue and the noise is unreal. It has taken time to get used to it Advice to landlord: Change carpets and lighting in all the hallways as it dates the building. Help tenants with noise control windows”

“Pros: The front desk staff are all amazing, the building is super clean, the apartments are huge, and my apartment upgrades are fantastic. Cons: I live next to a smoker who makes my life a living hell. I’ve reported her several times and management repainted our shared wall but did nothing else. She smokes about four times daily and my whole apartment smells terrible. Advice to landlord: Please get rid of the smokers. It’s a health hazard and embarrassing for residents to have people over.”

“Pros: Quiet. The street noise is low and so is the noise between apts Cons: Sometimes you get caught waiting for the elevator. Advice to landlord: Keep up the good work!”

“Pros: Friendly staff Very responsive Cons: Having to wait for heat and AC to be switched Advice to landlord: Continue trying to keep loyal tenants present.”

“Pros: The doorman are the sweetest. Always willing to help. The building is well taken care of. Laundry in building!! Cons: The AC is not strong enough, and they haven’t replaced it in years. I had to get my own portable unit in addition to the one in the apartment.”

“Pros: Staff, location and views Cons: Building without amenities”

“Pros: Doormen are nice Cons: Saw a roach once.”

“The property manager and office staff are very incompetent. They do not help with requests and do not help the current residents, they would rather just fill spaces. Also, one of the workers in the building stole the Holiday money that was given to all the staff in the building by the residents and management tried to hide it from everyone. The super lives for free in one of the nicest units but you never see him and he doesn't do anything. If it wasn't for the amazing doormen and maintenance guys, this building would be a lost cause.”

“Moving out. I echo what the most recent post said--impossible to reach management, dirty and depressing hallways, very poorly ventilated space. Great area, though, solid and responsive super/maintenance staff, and very accommodating doormen.”

“Management is impossible to reach. The building has really poor air and water quality. If you want to breathe soot and dust that constantly accumulates on all interior surfaces from the 8th avenue, or the never ending construction (roof, balconies, building facade, the new construction behind the building), then be my guest. I have developed severe allergies and breathing issues living here, have air purifier running 24/7. As far as safety, they don't know who the residents are , and who are guests. My visitors are not stopped at the reception and go straight up to my unit. The concierges don't open the door even when you have multiple bags or heavy items on you. Laundry facility has old units that don't wash/dry well. Homeless used to constantly hang and sleep outside the building in paper boxes although it got better over the last few months.”

“To be completely honest, most of the units are (were) fine - I looked at multiple Studios, 1BDR, 2BDR because I knew people living here at the time I moved in, and became friendly with neighbors, brokers, etc. NOTE if Viewing: There are 1BDR that are way bigger or smaller, updated furnishings, etc. than other 1BDR. Same goes with the Studios & 2BDR from what I've seen. So I would recommend seeing multiple units as rent will most likely be the same. MANAGEMENT: Sunstone Associates owned by Manocherian Brothers. Landlords are ok if you don't need anything, but the moment you find a problem and need a solution, they become typical NYC building managers. Upside, Doormen in building are pretty cool and nice. NOISE + CONSTRUCTION: I live on a top floor 16+. The building is on a major avenue (8th Avenue), so general NYC noise is a factor regardless of what floor you're on...not a big deal for me. BUT, the building commenced construction on the outside early/mid 2015 around May, and the noise has been absolutely absurd. Management noted this will take until the end of 2016!! In addition, a new building is being built next door, where the old Roseland Ballroom used to be. This is what you're most likely going to deal with. Demolition -http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/02/roseland_ballrooms_slow_painful_death_for_condos_continues.php New Building - http://cetraruddy.com/project/242-west-53rd The building has just started the foundation, so I can't imagine a luxury 62 story building (420 units) will be completed anytime soon. Now if noise and view are not your main concern, I'd recommend getting a unit that faces WEST, SOUTH, or NORTH (in that order). Definitely not EAST! Also, a unit on a higher floor, BUT not too high as construction is still going on and the scaffolding is an issue on the higher units. - Definitely don't pay a broker's fee. Units are OP. - You can also negotiate. Definitely do not take whatever offer you are looking at on Streeteasy, etc. - Sunstone Associates / Management (Manocherian Brothers) has dropped prices on almost every unit. - Laundry Room: In basement. Not great machines and pretty pricey. - Upsides: Location is convenient. Close to Columbus Circle/Central Park. Access to almost every subway line. Mathematically, take a look at the increase (%) of people who have moved out / vacancy rate in the last few years... 888 8th Ave. Specs - 381 Units / 20 Floors 2012 - 47 Listings - (12% move-out rate) - 20 listings in Oct-Jan (42%) 2013 - 29 Listings - (7% move-out rate) - 6 listings in Oct-Jan (20%) 2014 - 105 Listings - (27% move-out rate) - 50 listings in Oct-Jan (50%) 2015 - 225 Listings - (60% move-out rate) - 115 listings Oct-Jan (51%) *Take a look at this past year, especially the last few months. 60% of the building has moved out this year!! That's crazy, and I'm not even in real estate. I had a general feeling tenants were annoyed with everything I stated above, but the numbers now speak for themselves.”

“I have lived in this building for almost 6years. Thus far I'm very happy with the front desk as well as the maintenance staff. There are no issues with delivery of packages (including Blue Apron) and they are friendly and very helpful. All requests for repairs, etc are usually addressed on the same day or the following day at the latest. Regarding the noise of construction next door, its usually between 8-4 (approx) with a break on Sunday. Most likely after the initial laying of foundation the noise level will be diminish significantly. A special mention is that the management doesn't levy huge increases on the rest, especially if you have been a tenant for a few years. Hence having lived here for many years I can say I'm paying less than what a similar 1 BR apartment would cost in other rental buildings close by. Overall a good experience and a great deal if you would like to live close to transportation (Subway lines c,e,b,d,1,n,q,r, bus stop right in front of the entrance) as well as good restaurants and entertainment”

“I've lived here for over 10 years. There is currently and asbestos removal project in the building, along with construction on the block. So there is plenty of noise and dirt. The ventilation in the apartment is poor, as are the floor/paint/ quality. You might want to wait a few years before considering moving here. And even then, if you are sensitive to noise, this isn't the building for you. On the other hand, lobby staff is very nice, and its a great location.”

“I live on one of the lower floors. Right now it is a nightmare and will continue to be a nightmare for the next few years as they have just finished demolishing the old ballroom next door and are building a massive high-rise. At 7:01AM the jack hammering and core drilling starts and literally shakes the building. The building itself is fine - it is in a fantastic location (close to 4 major subway stations) and the lobby staff are excellent, especially Earnest and Abby. Laundry room is clean and convenient. I agree with others however that the hallways are dingy and the lighting should be upgraded ASAP. If it weren't for the noise caused by the construction, I would rate this location as 4 stars but because of the construction noise, at least for any units facing east - I would have to give it a 2 star.”

“Moving out. The apartment next to me and the one above me are both (still) getting renovated. The noise has been insane. It's been more than a month and a half and this is still going on. Working from home, I have to deal with the drilling, banging, slamming, hammering, etc. almost every day. I've had to run down to the (relatively) less noisy street or the lobby to take important calls. The walls are worse than styrofoam. Apart from that, there's always some alarm going off on the weekends late at night. The doorman told me that it was people trespassing on the roof. I guess that's what I get for living near the top of a high rise. Lesson learned. It looked like a good deal when I signed up for it. But the noise, the almost regular water/air shut downs, the bare-bones MINIMAL amennities all took their toll on me. Towards the end, it felt more like living in a strange cubicle than in an apartment. I am very excited to be leaving.”

“Excellent building and management company. I have lived here for 4 years now and will continue to stay as long as I don't over grow my huge king sized one bedroom with 2 walk in closets and a living room that is 26 feet by 14. I understand that usually people only review when they are upset about something. I am a real estate agent and targeted this building to live because the space is amazing and the cost of rent here is less than all other building in the area and the apartments are so much larger with better finishes. You would be lucky to live here...”

“I've lived at this apartment for just under a year now, and am not hesitating in the least to renew my lease. The building is priced very fairly for what you get, I have seen much smaller one bedroom apartments, in doormen buildings go for much much much more. The apartment iself is large - my one bedroom provides more than enough space for a L shaped sectional in the living, and a full dining room table with 6 chairs without feeling like the living space is cluttered or cramped. The bedroom is small, however easily fit a queen size bed and full size dresser with room to spare. Closets are ample - two closets in the bedroom, and 4 in the living room provide more than enough space. My kitchen is newly renovated with high quality materials. The building staff has been nothing but pleasent to me, and very helpful when needed (though the doormen don't really seem to stop people from coming in without being announced). The laundry room in the building is large enough, and the few times washers/dryers have been out of service they have been fixed promptly. The facility is also very clean. I personally have never had any issues with the buildings management company, and the few times I have had questions I emailed Lori or Rebecca and they answered the same day. To comment on a few of the other reviews - yes the hallways are dark (who cares?), yes the AC in the building isn't the greatest (but it does the job), the person who complained about the diner was probably directly over it as I've never smelled it (my apartment is midway up the building, but that goes for the lobby as well).”

“Worth every penny! :-)”

“This place costs way too much for what you get. The paint is like chalk. The floors break apart. The AC system always has some sort of problem. The hallways are dark and depressing. The smell from the diner beneath the building permeates the apartments and halls. Noise is a major issue. The walls in the apartment are paper thin. You hear everything at all hours of the night.”

“Any clique you can image about nasty NYC management companies is about 10% of how terrible Sunstone Associates is to their renters. It is made extremely clear that renters are of no value to them, can easily be replaced and, in fact, they would prefer to vacate you and fill the space with someone stupid enough to pay even more rent! Beyond rude, deceitful and changing their policies without notice, they treat every tenet with a "guilty until proven innocent" attitude; not to mention how clear it is that your call is considered a waste of their time. Impossible to make this building become home with their mis-management.”

“I have lived at this apartment for 4 years & I love living here. My apartment is beautiful, lots of closet space, and extremely spacious 1 bedroom. The building is very well maintained. The common areas are always spotless. Recycling / tash space on every floor is very well organized and it taken out immediately. Any maintenance problem is taken care of the same day 100% of the time. The doormen are very friendly & helpful. The night doorman, Ernest, is the best of all the doorman. He always greets you with a smile, remembers your name, has your packages ready for you as you come in the door. The Theatre district is full of tourists but is very close to everything you want in the city. The owners of the building can be very rude on the phone because they are just rude people but when you are renewing your lease they are very fair with rental increases & allowing changes to your lease if you ask for it. After looking at 20 apartments before choosing this one, I am still confident I made the right choice.”

“I don't understand the complaints about the doormen at this building. They are always helpful, personable and professional. Lazy is not a word that applies to any of them. The renovated lobby is lovely. The super, the porters/maintenance staff have done a stellar job this winter keeping the pavements safe and clear of snow and ice.”

“Its that time of the year when the morning & afternoon doorman start working. I can not believe how LAZY these doorman are. The only great/good doorman at 888 is the night doorman. He always has a smile on his face. All I have to say is these doorman better get there acts together the rest of the year before I get a bunch of tenants together & go to management so that something could be done... Wake up IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“I've only just moved in to 888 and I did read the reviews here before I moved in and would agree with most of them. The day doormen do nothing and on top of that seem to willfully give out dodgy information - do NOT ask them stuff - I'd wait for Ernest to get on shift (unfortunately at 10pm) to ask anything of any meaning. Having said that, my apartment is great and the location just can't be beat with most things within a 4 block radius and the trains down to the village not very far away. The Laundry room is also clean and well stocked with machines. I've had no issue with noisy neighbours but I can hear the trains through the floor but I am assured this is a NYC wide problem by other friends who have been in NYC for longer than me. The downsides, other than the doormen (which REALLY let this property down) are the lack of visitor parking or space for people to park if they are delivering/helping to move and the trash section at the back of the block where the alarm seems to go off randomly at night and can sometimes last for an hour or so before its turned off.”

“I've noticed that the day doormen don't do anything,they just stand there.In December they open the door and do all their work and kissing people's asses just to get their Christmas money.The rest of the year they just stand there with their dumbs up their asses.The Night doormen is always running around busy and opening the door for everyone. He does this all year round,but the day doormen just do in it december for their money”

“It's Christmastime!The day doormen are alive and want their money! there about to do everything you want them to do. but you know what, THEY AIN'T GETTING ---- FROM ME!”

“I've had an infestation of Palmetto bugs in my alcove studio! Maintenance keeps spraying but they keep coming up the drain in the bathroom. Other people have had issues with bugs in the past as well. THIS IS DISGUSTING!”

“I have been living here for 4 months and I am really happy with my studio. I have seen a few studio/alcove units in the building and they are some of the most spacious studios you can get in Manhattan for the price, and with lots of windows and light (my studio has 7 large windows!). The units are all renovated and in perfect condition. Parking: Central parking is in the same building, and ICON is across the street. It could not be more convenient (for Manhattan). Noise: Since I have been here, I have not heard a single sound (except the occasional outside street noise). I have neighbors that are very noisy, I know this when I go out in the hallway, yet surprisingly from inside the unit I cannot even tell that they are in. Doormen: The doormen are easy going. This means two things: they are all very friendly and helpful, on the other hand I believe it would be quite easy for someone to sneak past them. Building maintenance. The overall appearance of the lobby and hallways is so-so, nothing special. However the place is kept clean, recycling is taken out daily, there's no weird smell in the hallways, etc. The elevators are snappy. Overall, perfectly acceptable. Location: this is a very convenient area to live in, groceries, ethnic restaurants, and subway stops are everywhere. Entertainment in the immediate vicinity consists of Broadway musicals, a comedy club and a number of irish pubs. I am happy with this building. I have seen a few in this price range. I would say that the units here are a bit bigger and brighter than others and I have had zero complaints with maintenance and management.”

“The building security is low - doormen are frequently not attending to the front desk or are busy chatting with tenants. The lobby and fixtures are run down, ie. fake plastic trees and crooked elevator buttons. There is a skitzophenic woman living next door to me...the walls are so thin that I could hear her screaming every evening! The lobby staff reassures me that there is nothing that they can do. But, the maintenance staff are attentive and will fix any problems with 24 hours. No parking is available.”