Be very careful booking here if your plans might change. I canceled my reservation and received…read moreverbal confirmation that my deposit would be returned. Four days, two emails, and two phone calls later, nothing has been processed and no confirmation email has been sent. Because they are failing to honor their verbal agreements, I am now working with my bank to force a chargeback. Very unprofessional staff follow-through.

My worst travel experience ever was staying here. The staff is rude, they charged a $100 deposit on…read morecheckin and then when we had a small emergency in the room and came down 20m after checkout time, stole the $100 deposit. For God's sake (haha), look elsewhere. I'd sleep in a cardboard box before coming here again.

Jeff is the real deal - the man is in the trenches confronting the most horrific cruelty and…read morerefusing to turn away. Those of us who support Jeff understand that extraordinarily few people could undertake this kind of rescue effort under the most dire of circumstances and maintain their sanity. But Jeff emerges intact and more committed than ever to ending the dog-meat trade once and for all. He is made of better stuff, as is his team. Not all heroes wear capes.

Our family adopted a dog from one of NDLB's Chinese Sanctuaries in East Asia 7 months ago. I have…read morenothing but praise for all of the staff encountered throughout our adoption process, (which from start to finish took a little more than three months). NDLB is an incredible 501(c) (3) non-profit and their global mission of rescuing dogs and cats from immense suffering and complete abandonment, along with their exceptional care and concern for each survivor (no matter the gravity of each animal's injuries), is nothing short of outstanding. The dog we happened to adopt is a Japanese Akita Inu and happens to go by the name Romeo because he happened to be saved from slaughter on Valentine's Day (on February 14, 2020). The founder of NDLB , Jeff Beri, and his crew actually risked their lives twice to save our dog. Once (due to the strict Covid-19 Restrictions in China at that time and a second time to challenge the people who were about to slaughter him). I personally found all of the NDLB staff I interfaced with during the adoption process very personable and easy to connect with. More importantly, I found the staff demonstrated great care and concern for their animals throughout the adoption process. While waiting for Romeo's freedom flight to New York, we received multiple videos and photo's along with ongoing communication from the NDLB Chinese staff who were with him daily. The New York staff made sure I (along with my husband), understood all the possible challenges that came with adopting a dog from overseas and wanted to make sure we were up for this type of challenge. All I can say is Romeo has completely changed our family's life. Our family over the years has had three dogs. Romeo was our first overseas adoption, by far, he is the most considerate dog we have ever had the pleasure of owning, and is always looking out for our well-being. One last positive has been, over the past months, being able to maintain on going contact with Romeo's team in China, and being able to send photos and videos of him here having all sorts of fun in the USA. (See Romeo enjoying sunbathing below).

Doctors Without Borders is another organization I'm sure I reviewed. Can't say enough about this…read moreorganization and the need around the world. Without food and health care we can't survive as a species. These medical professionals put their lives at risk for others. I'm recommending you donate when you are able.

Doctors Without Borders is a global organization that has been doing the work of saints for almost…read more40 years on, healing the sick in nations ravaged by imperialism and all that comes with it, including endemic disease. If you believe in the human race, you'll donate. If you believe that lives can be saved even in the most dire circumstances, you'll donate. If you believe that evil and despair can be countered with compassion and hope, you'll donate. If you believe that medical treatment is a fundamental human right, you'll donate. If you believe that angels grace the Earth with their deeds borne of Light, you'll donate. If you believe that the strong and able must protect the weak and vulnerable, you'll donate. If you believe that it is far more courageous to rescue people than it is to maim or kill them, you'll donate. If you believe that the poor are to be helped and not feared or resented, you'll donate. If you believe that the Third World needs antibiotics and vaccines instead of bullets and bombs, you'll donate. If you believe the Third World needs more physicians and nurses and less generals and soldiers, you'll donate. Cut them a check from time to time. Your conscience will thank you and our large, variegated family of morally imperfect bipeds may have a shadow of a chance after all.

Everything needs improving!!!! The staff is very unprofessional and to think that you go into…read moreoutreach or work close with the homeless and less fortunate that you would have a sense of humanity!!! Nope not these men and woman that operate this facilities. The way I seen the staff mistreat and talk to (clients, because essentially there having them use there health insurance for some of the services they offer) clients in such a way and treat them in a way that seems almost criminal. I pray that this once great place that helps the less fortunate thrives again and revamps there system.

I love this place. Everytime I go I am treated like a king. The food is alwys hot and hearty. They…read moretake you to a wonderful church to sleep at night with a welcoming family full of lots of glorious love and holy blessings. They have a game room on the 2nd floor where clients and staff gather to play board games for prizes and practice. They have showers downstairs where clients geniuely are able to clean themselves in privcy with decency and respect. I love them and I feel the same way in return.

New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one…read moreorganization that helps the youth and any one else that needs assistance for whatever reason. When I worked in social services I referred many people and youth to their offices. NY Cares is a great place to volunteer or work off community service requirements! You can do anything from serving food to tutoring children. I'm highly recommending you contact them when you are in need or if you want to volunteer. I still donate to the annual winter coat drive.

We're all here on Yelp reminiscing and writing awesome reviews about what we had done the day/night…read morebefore. Don't get me wrong, this is important and I don't know what else I would do with my work day if Yelp didn't exist! But next time before you and your buddies decide to go to whatever bar it is you want to get drunk at maybe think about what else you could be doing with that time. NYCares is a non-profit organization that simply put, is a place where people can get together and help out the community. It only takes an hour or 2 of your time for most projects and you have your choice of what you want to do. Personally, I'm not great with kids but I definitely feel sympathetic to those underprivileged so I sign up for projects like the sort and patch where you just iron on little patches onto ripped clothing that they later give to kids from low income families. I like to work with the elderly so I also enjoy going to homes for the aged and hanging out with them. Theres projects where you can get crafty or work in gardens and even go to animal shelters to walk the dogs or clean out cages (I can't do this bc ill want to take all of the animals home with me...eek!) There really is something for everyone. Even if you have kids, theres tons of family friendly projects to participate in. Give it a shot. Not only does volunteering help the community but it also helps you grow as a person. I leave the projects and I feel reborn. Its such a good feeling. I'm sorry if I came off as preachy here. I just feel very strongly about this and I love this city so much and I want to take care of it and as residents I think that if everyone gave just an hour or 2 of their time once a week/month/year this city would be a much better place to live.

The first public squash facility in NYC. Don't need to be a member of any elitist social clubs to…read moreget access to squash courts now. The courts are well maintained with a locker room and showers. The height is a bit low and two of the courts have support beams that will interfere with a match, but besides that, it's a terrific community. Hope they open up that cafe/bar area soon. It's a pity that that has been unused for the past four years.

Open Squash is the place exemplifies the word "open." The club is a community that is open to…read moreeveryone. Cost: Open Squash tries to make playing squash more affordable by providing a membership-reduction program. The club also has free programs for children from disadvantaged families. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Peter: Peter is intelligent and kindhearted. I call Peter a "Duracell bunny" because he is always moving - I often see him on a treadmill or yoga mat. The way he himself trains inspires me to think of my physical preparation for games. Peter's teaching is suitable anyone with 2.5 rating or above. Peter is especially good at answering questions. He listens, diagnoses the issues, and explains everything in detail. He also suggests routines or exercises to help you better understand the issues and master the necessary skills to overcome problems. David: David is a very wise man. David often says, "Your swing should be effortless," and he helps you to achieve swings that are indeed effortless. Last year, I had tennis elbow but after David corrected my swing, I could hit more powerfully and play for longer. More importantly, I am injury-free. David has taught me how to move on the court, reduce my steps, and reduce unnecessary turns. David is also very good at answering questions, although he asks many more questions to push you to think for yourself. This is a great learning process, as all the questions help me think about my shots, positions on the court, and strategies. David's lessons are great for anyone who wants to improve their form and care about the fundamentals. Josh: Josh is a very energetic teacher with a big heart. He is good at working with all types but he is especially helpful with children and women. Josh's way of explaining forms is by paying attention to body position. This is great for people who do not have much experience of exercise and know little about how the body functions. Josh is concerned about the community and wants to introduce more people to playing squash. As Josh oversees the junior program, he encourages the mothers of the juniors to play as well and make playing squash a family event. Josh also teaches women-only classes where he creates a comfortable and less intimidating learning environment for women. A great coach for everyone especially pure beginners. Thaisa: Thaisa is our squash and fitness guru. She is a professional squash player and personal trainer and focuses on how to build a body for squash and prevent injuries. Before, I could barely do sit-ups but Thaisa has helped me to become stronger, to the point where I can now finish three sets of 12 sit-ups. Thaisa is known for creating various dynamic squash drills to train the students: Her drills are demanding but one learns so much from them. Even though Thaisa wants us to finish all the drills, she does keep an eye on us. Thaisa cares deeply for her students and is excellent with small children. She wants to build their physical health awareness and knowledge about nutrition. She especially has a great heart for disadvantaged kids: When she has an extra pair of shoes or T-shirts, she gives these to underprivileged kids and inspires them to continue playing squash. Asghar: Asghar is a compassionate and patient coach who is great with anyone. Before I knew him as a coach, Asghar had already coached me: During my first month at the club, Asghar came to me while I was trying to practice. In a caring voice, he told me: "If you can face the side wall when you hit, you will hit much better." Before I could say, "thank you," he had left Now, whenever I see him at the club, he addresses me in the same caring voice: "Keep up the good work." His positive energy makes the club a greater place. In his group lessons, he is good at quickly pointing out something you need to improve. He also creates drills to help students improve their shots and movements. Juan: Juan is a young, upbeat and accommodating coach. Juan first observes his students, understands their level, and then tries to give a lesson that everyone can benefit from. He has combined different coaches' approaches. Juan often plays with us and tells us what we should focus on. Even when we cheer for our classmates when we play against him, Juan is not offended. He often laughs with us and has fun, too. I believe Juan's lessons are for everyone but are especially great for kids. Once when I was early, I saw him teaching a kid. He was very patient and explained everything in detail. I can sense that kids love and respect him and that he cares for his young students. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash can be your new home.

City Harvest is such an amazing non-profit organization helping to feed thousands of those less…read morefortunate on a daily basis. They rescue perfectly good, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it for free to New Yorkers experiencing hunger. It's one of New York City's largest food rescue organizations. If you can volunteer for them its such a worthwhile cause. They are always looking for volunteers especially during the holidays. It feels good to give back and help out. We support this organization with yearly donations.

This week is volunteers appreciation week. I signed up for the 10am-12:30pm shift on Thursday…read more There were two corporations there that day, Ernst Young and Paul Weiss. I was shocked how many people signed up to volunteer. In the meeting room, it was packed. There were not enough chairs for everyone. The orientation was given by Alex. She gave us a brief history about City Harvest. Moreover, she gave us a guide on how to distinguish a good apple from a bad one. Also, she showed us how to tie the bag hence they don't fall out. The facility is spectacular. I heard it's only 2 years old. Also, the funds to build it were mostly donated by Rachel Ray. They have lockers, coffee machine and filter water fountain. It's easy to get to, the R train to 53rd street is close by.