From bowling alleys to "Zen rooms": Parsing the difference between good and gimmicky amenities

… that residents barely use and those thatll cost extra … WHATS MOST USEFUL … When it comes to building perks less … the Caroline Its crazy fast and a good price so worth it … WHAT BARELY GETS USED  … Relaxation spaces … News flash … were $100 or less per month some as low as $15 Related See all Perk Check columns When it comes to building perks …

By Alyse Whitney |September 5, 2014 - 8:59AM
At 10 Hanover Square, a romance-worthy roofdeck and ho-hum rock climbing wall

… building … 10 Hanover Square  in the Financial District  … What youll pay …   Rentals available now   range from a … worked in other places other doorman buildings and they seem to really love it here  Warren As far as amenities go … The technology conciergeand 6 other amenities wed like to see What matters more location or amenities … Rent … The …

By Polly Mosendz |August 22, 2014 - 8:59AM
One Carnegie Hill's staff gets top marks, but the extras aren't worth the moolah

… 215 East 96th Street between Second and Third Avenues … What youll pay  … Rentals available now   range from a … all very personable and funny and very timely They always seem to know when we are going to arrive with groceries Its … The technology conciergeand 6 other amenities wed like to see What matters more location or amenities   … Live … …

By Polly Mosendz |August 15, 2014 - 8:59AM
Nickel and dimed at Stuy Town? Renters love the green space but hate the endless fees

… Avenue to Avenue D and from 14th Street to 20th Street … What youll pay … Rentals available now  range from a … family did use the garage once when they visited and they seemed to have a good experience It was way easier than … Plus theyre only a block away over on 14th so I really dont see the point of paying all that money to have the gym here …

By Polly Mosendz |August 1, 2014 - 9:59AM
The Platinum's "social sauna" and Zen room — more perplexing than pampering for residents

… The building …   Platinum 247 West 46th Street Midtown  … What youll pay  … Apartments for sale now start at $135 … my thing Also Im not very Zen so whatever a Zen room is seems silly to use  Carina  I havent tried the Zen or …  I was sort of surprised by the people here Everyone seems so fancy and important Makes me feel more important …

By Polly Mosendz |July 25, 2014 - 8:59AM
Bocce ball, Saturday cartoons and adult swings: Castle Braid renters size up Bushwick's luxe artist collective

… available start at $2400 a month for a onebedroom and go up to $2865 for a twobedroom … Amenities …  Gym screening room … try it and if it wasnt on the calendar we would try to add it like movie showings of crap movies But now we have … because of it Joseph I think its the only building with a  Twitter dedicated to hating it So at least Ill always have …

By Polly Mosendz |July 18, 2014 - 8:59AM
At Arias Park Slope, a "disturbingly clean" yoga room but subpar staff

… building … Arias Park Slope 150 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn  … What youll pay  … Rentals currently available  start at … in my apartment I mean I was pleasantly surprised to see other yoga lovers here Lai Im surprised we have a putt … The technology conciergeand 6 other amenities wed like to see What matters more location or amenities … Live … …

By Polly Mosendz |July 11, 2014 - 8:59AM