We stayed in the Madison suite with visiting relatives (four adults total). The suite was lovely, spacious, and , particularly with the full kitchen, a great value. Terrific location on Upper East Side; easily walkable to midtown, Central Park, and Museum Mile, and very close to several subway lines. The staff was responsive and friendly. Their web site accurately reflects this beautiful place, and they provide many suggestions for dining, shopping, etc. in the neighborhood.

We arrived on a Saturday and followed the instructions we had been sent on how to get in to the property "after hours". We had no problem with this, and since we were told that no one would be there, we did not expect a greeting by anyone. However, I did expect (for the price - we had the Lexington Suite which was very expensive) flowers, or bottled water, or something to say "welcome after your long journey". The next day i went downstairs and asked the young woman in the "office" (a shabby set of rooms that looked like someone's basement more than an office in a bed and breakfast) if she could give me information on how to take the ferry to New Jersey. Her response is that she had never done it herself so she didn't know. I did not ask for her personal experience, I asked for her knowledge as an employee in a pricey hotel(bed and breakfast/rooming house. It is hard to tell really what this place actually is). The following morning we had nottoilet paper, so I had to go down and ask for some. This happened twice during our five day stay. When I suggested that it was time to put screens on the windows (we were bitten by mosquitoes all over our bodies), the same woman was incredulous, and said she had never been bitten by a mosquito there. again, not interested in her personal experience, but interested in making our stay more comfortable. She kept saying it was not possible, and when I suggested that the other alternative to mosquitoes was bed bugs, she conceded it may be mosquitoes.
When we left, there was staff in the office. We waited for a car service to pick us up so we were in the foyer for 10 minutes or so. Not one of the staff came out to say goodbye or to wish us a good trip or to ask how our stay was. The general attitude is that they do not care.
Another thing is that the B & B provides you with a book of rules. do this, don't do that. In the book, you can read that if anything is damaged, for example sheets or towels, you must pay for this. While going up the stairs there are signs asking you not to mar their walls with your suitcases (the staircases are narrow and steep and no one helps you). No one intends to mar the walls, Honestly, do we really need to be told this? and also, great that there is a little kitchen, but how about providing paper towels? or more than one drying towel, since the guests have to do all the cleaning up? It is not an independent apartment, it is a B & B.
Lastly, yes the pipes are old because it is an old house, but fix them! cold water or no water are not acceptable while paying a lot of money while on holiday.
Essentially, 1871 House is an old house on a nice street, in a great part of town. The house itself is nothing special. There is no service whatsoever. The "New York Style" B & b apparently means that you give them money, they give you a bed and you are entirely on your own.

After searching for weeks and finding nothing suitable, I stumbled upon the 1871 House web site. I contacted the property directly and talked with Leon, the Daytime Manager. Leon gave me a fabulous, last-minute price, and in the end was able to upgrade me to a suite!

The rooms are quaint, clean, very spacious, and comfortably decorated. I brought home a bunch of decorating ideas for my home! Mom and I were there for medical reasons (Lenox Hill Hospital is nearby), and the 1871 House gave us the rest and relaxation we needed.

We have recommended the 1871 House so many times in so few days - I just hope there's a room available for my next visit.

Was lucky enough to find 1871 House online after searching for hotels high and low with little luck. Stayed in the garden room on the second floor... with a large private garden/terrace off the bedroom; it doesn't get much better than that. Room is extremely spacious... probably 3 to 4 times the size of a normal NYC hotel room. Bathroom is a bit small, but quaint and not a problem. 12' ceilings are also amazing, especially when you're 6' 6" tall. ;)

Really unique place and an excellent alternative to the crowded hotels in midtown. Staff was quite friendly and accommodating. Reminds me of the hidden charms of NY... look hard enough and you find them!