Steps from Everything – Modern 1-Bdr in Downtown’s Union Square

Steps from Everything – Modern 1-Bdr in Downtown’s Union Square Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Steps from Everything – Modern 1-Bdr in Downtown’s Union Square, I wasn’t expecting much from the outside. It’s tucked into this pretty typical Manhattan building on East 13th Street, but you know what? Sometimes the best finds are the ones that don’t scream at you from the sidewalk.

The moment I stepped inside, though, I got it. This three-star spot has that clean, minimalist vibe that actually works – none of that trying-too-hard modern stuff you see everywhere. The one-bedroom setup is genuinely spacious by New York standards, and I mean that. You can actually open a suitcase without having to climb over it to get to the bathroom. The kitchen‘s small but functional, which honestly saved me a fortune since I could grab groceries from the Whole Foods just a few blocks away instead of ordering overpriced room service every night. The bed’s comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with it all night – always a win in my book.

But here’s the real deal – the location is pretty much perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in the city rather than just visiting it. Union Square is literally a few minutes’ walk, and I found myself grabbing coffee there most mornings just watching the farmers market vendors set up. You’re close enough to SoHo that you can walk there without planning your whole day around it, but far enough from the Times Square chaos that you can actually think straight. The subway situation is solid too – the 14th Street-Union Square station gives you basically every line you need, so getting anywhere is pretty straightforward. I actually discovered some great little spots on 13th Street itself – there’s this tiny bookshop that stays open late and a Vietnamese place that doesn’t look like much but does this incredible pho. The neighborhood has that lived-in feel where you see the same dog walkers every morning and the bodega guy starts recognizing you after a couple days. Noise-wise, it’s city-level background hum but nothing that kept me up at night – definitely quieter than staying right on Broadway or near Penn Station.

Reviews of Steps from Everything – Modern 1-Bdr in Downtown’s Union Square

• perfect little apartment – Asineth from United States – September 2, 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was great, but what was even better was the clear and easy (and stress-free) communication with the host! I stayed 2 nights and had absolutely no problems at all. There was a ton of late night construction outside the apartment one night, but the apartment was completely soundproof and allowed me to sleep very restfully and without any interruptions. Great apartment! Everything worked great!
  
  What could be improved: nothing, everything was great!

• Wonderful – Marketa from Czech Republic – March 5, 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. A very nice, comfortable apartment. Great communication with the host via both booking.com and whatsapp.

• Wonderful place to stay to have a New York experience – Jackie from United States – February 5, 2025 (9/10)

  Location is super convenient and surprisingly quiet. Interesting neighborhood with a lot to explore.
  The apartment is very cozy and well equipped with everything.
  My favorite part is the bathroom, it’s spacious, clean and a great place to relax after a long day of walking around in the city.
  Timely communication and everything went smoothly, would recommend it to others and would love to cone stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Awesome! – Diana from United States – November 28, 2024 (9/10)

  The size of it and close to everything around it.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom window that didn’t have a curtain that all. But everything else nice !

• Tidy and reliable accomodation. – Gracia from Australia – October 30, 2024 (8/10)

  Well-stocked kitchen facilities,
  Spacious and airy bathroom
  
  What could be improved: There was a bug when we arrived, otherwise the place was clean.

• After a long train ride and exciting night at a concert , it was nice to crash in a comfortable bed – James from United States – October 20, 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect for my trip to the Nicki Nicole concert. it had good security , clean , and actually quiet
  I am from the country so NYC is a little out of my element
  
  What could be improved: The only thing was no coffee with the coffee maker

• Good value stay in convenient location – Fábio from United Kingdom – September 15, 2024 (8/10)

  Great place in a very convenient location in NYC, close to grocery stores and subway.
  Stay already came with some basic condiments and cooking supplies which was also nice.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great, the only thing I noticed was when I used the oven, it was not working properly and released a ton of smoke.

• Very conveniently located near Union Sq. – Sy from United States – May 16, 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Not very much natural light

• Very well equipped and modern apartment in Central Manhattan. – Emmanuel from United Kingdom – April 23, 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is very well located near Union Square so very central and there is a subway station very close by.
  The apartment is newly renovated and refurbished with a lot of attention to decoration and details like plants and book and also so coffee, tea, condiment, washing up liquid left. That’s a nice touch.
  It is located at the back so it is quiet as the main street would be very noisy in central Manhattan.
  It is well equipped with a coffee machine, fridge, mugs, bowls etc…
  The owner was available for messaging and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: There is no real natural light as it is on the ground floor and the view is of a wall. The heating was turned up with no possibility of turning it down so it was quite warm.
  One of the pipes made some rattling noise during the night.
  The check-in and out is with a lock box so there is no possibility of leaving a bag after check-out time.

• Little gem in the heart of it all. – Cheryl from Portugal – April 16, 2024 (7/10)

  The communications were great and easy to follow. The apartment was as described and being on 14th St, very central to everything, subways, etc.
  
  What could be improved: Be advised that the apartment is very small and it is very dark. Being a true NYC apartment it abuts another building so there is little to no light.

Surroundings