The Astor Apartments come by their old New York name honestly this distinguished pre-war structure was built by William Waldorf Astor in 1905. Of course, there's more to The Astor Apartments' unique charm than a classic Upper West Side address and elegant pre-war looks. While The Astor Apartments stand out on looks alone, even among the handsome blocks on this very desirable stretch of the Upper West Side, it is the building's combination of elegant living spaces and strikingly modern fixtures and amenities that makes it one of the singular no-fee rentals on the Upper West Side. Few apartments for rent in Manhattan can boast the combination of historical distinction and modern convenience of The Astor Apartments. The Astor Apartments have just renovated the lobby and built a brand new fitness center. Additionally, the building features a 24-hour doorman and concierge service, all amenities that discerning NYC dwellers expect from a luxury rental apartment on the Upper West Side. The Astor Apartments' gray brick and limestone exterior, which features numerous classic architectural elements, is as lovely today as it was over a century ago. A renovation in the 1980s removed the "modernizing" elements that obscured many of the distinctive design elements of the distinguished floor-through marble lobby; a second renovation in 2008 further updated the lobby and hallways. The dramatic lobby, complete with grand staircase, plaster pilasters and a tile mosaic floor, is now fully restored to its former glory, and the building's elevators and other common spaces now strike a similarly harmonious balance between classical design elements and modern efficiency. The rental units at the The Astor Apartments rate among the finest luxury rentals on the Upper West Side because of that very balance between pre-war graciousness and contemporary convenience. The generous floor plans in the spacious studios, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments for rent offer everything that New Yorkers look for in pre-war rental flats nine-foot ceilings, generously proportioned rooms and fireplaces, for starters. But the very contemporary kitchens and baths offer the best of modern conveniences the all-new kitchens feature breakfast bars, stainless steel appliances, Bosch dishwashers, granite countertops and custom cabinetry; the remodeled baths are similarly state-of-the-art. The Astor Apartments also has the advantage of a prime Upper West Side location. Central Park and Riverside Park are just short walks away, many of the city's best restaurants and finest shopping destinations are just outside the door, and the understated sophistication for which the Upper West Side is celebrated is all around the city's best food markets (Zabar's, Citarella, Fairway) are a short walk up Broadway; some of the city's best movie theaters and Lincoln Center are a few blocks downtown; the Museum of Natural History is just minutes away. The subway is nearby, as well, with express service on the 2 and 3 and local service on the 1 putting the rest of the city within reach. As effortlessly elegant as it was in William Waldorf Astor's day, The Astor Apartments are a true Upper West Side gem a rare combination of pre-war elegance and modern convenience, and one of the finest no-fee rental opportunities on the Upper West Side.