I was checking out vacation-rental site VRBO.com a few weeks ago, when I typed in “Tribeca” to see what would come up. (That’s something I tend to do a lot these days.) There were 20 listings, and they were fascinating if only because looking at other people’s apartments usually is. Here are some of the highlights…. P.S. The blurred edges that VRBO puts on every photo don’t exactly class things up.

“This large, 2,000 sq. ft., luxurious two-bedroom/two and a half bathroom loft with 17-foot high ceilings is owned by a fashion and interior design couple and is situated in the heart of the most sought after area of Manhattan—trendy and quiet downtown Tribeca.” The owners are also identified as “owners of several retail stores and café.” The apartment is in a wonderful old building on Thomas Street, but what they don’t tell you (and what they cropped out of the photo) is that it’s next door to a particularly ugly McDonald’s. (#304644)

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While the previous listing is purely a rental property, others appear to be the owners’ residences. “I am a writer and I live in NY with my husband and 10-year old daughter,” writes this owner. “This gorgeous two-bedroom/two-bathroom 1800 sq ft loft is located in a landmark historical building in Tribeca, Manhattan fanciest neighborhood, both trendy and quiet. The spectacular 6th-floor loft features an extra-large living space with six oversize windows overlooking other landmark 19th-century buildings, and a rare vaulted ceiling that adds to the historical charm of the place. The furniture, a mixture of contemporary design (Noguchi, Bensen, Eero Saarinen) and of Danish Modern, is as comfortable as elegant. The art on the wall includes lithographies from Dali and Braque.” Presumably because the owners live there some of the year, it’s only available on certain dates—holiday weekends, in particular. (#293749)

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One lesson I learned is that owners should absolutely fill out the Owner’s Profile section, because it makes the listing come alive. Plus, when you rent a place you’re really trying on someone else’s life for a few days, and it’s nice to know who that someone is. Wouldn’t you want to know who was behind the bathroom pictured above? “I am an Italian architect headquartered in New York City since 1970. I design residential and hotel projects, exhibitions and interiors. I have extensive experience in urban design, restoration, and sustainable development. I have founded and directed two non-profit organizations focused, respectively, on art & landscape, and urban & environmental advocacy planning. I am currently involved in the design and development of an eco-friendly tourist resort in the island of Vieques (PR), the restoration of a small 17th Century fortified settlement in Sicily (Italy) to be converted into an Artists’ Village, the design of an Autistic Village in Ponce (PR), and the design of a new waterfront residential community in Cartagena (Colombia).” The listing goes on to say that the apartment “has been published in the New York Times and in several architectural magazines, and it has also been used as a stage for movies and TV commercials.” (#240916)

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Of course, that leads to the occasional mystery…. Check out the description for “Lovers’ Nest in the Heart of Manhattan”: “This is a unique mini-loft designed by an Italian architect as a restful place to think, write and design.” How many Italian architects rent out apartments in Tribeca? (#246372)

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We all know how outrageously expensive New York City hotels are, and renting really can be a good deal. Compared to $300 a night for a crappy little room, paying $600 per night for up to six guests for a “newly Renovated 2000 sq. ft (200 sq. meters) LOFT in Tribeca —one of the most prestigious areas in the city” seems pretty sweet, even if it means dreaming of being attacked by lilac-gray parallelograms. “Loft features—4 separate bedrooms with queen size beds, each sleeps 2, 2 full bathrooms, extra high ceilings 15 ft., over sized windows, hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer in the apartment, high definition cable TV, wireless internet, elevator.” (#289399)

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This place may not look like much, but $165 a night plus a $50 cleaning fee for a “studio + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)”—presumably the bath doesn’t sleep two—ain’t too shabby. What I really want to know is how to get in touch with the cleaning service that charges only $50. (#276549)

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I certainly wouldn’t mind a private roof deck, at least in the other half of the year. (#243819)

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Most are kind of crappily furnished, unsurprising for rentals. Every now and then there’s one with flair. (#317931)

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Most don’t say which street they’re on, so when one does it’s rather exciting. “This large, luxurious two-bedroom/two-bathroom loft with 17-foot high tin ceilings is owned by a filmmaker and is situated in the heart of the most sought after area of Manhattan—trendy and quiet Tribeca. You’ll have a jaw-dropping sense of arrival as the elevator opens directly onto the top floor and into a 2000 square foot loft. You’ll be greeted by palm trees and antique Nepalese chairs with guardian dragons to protect you, along with cool stairs leading out to the fire escape balcony with wind-chimes and a birdbath. The comfortable living room has incredibly high ceilings and sunlight pouring in through 3 immense windows overlooking Walker Street, which has served as the setting for many movie locations and celebrity sightings.” (#132797)

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And then there’s this one. The owner wouldn’t say which street it’s on, but a reviewer referred to it as “Laight Street Loft.” (#325049)

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“Our family of five has enjoyed this apartment and all the city has to offer for many a summer, but the kids are older now and ready for summer camp,” wrote these owners. “Us too! We are embarking for parts north.” For July and August, they’re renting their 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in “Tribeca’s famed American Thread Building, an address many celebrities, super models, rock stars, and filmmakers have called home” for $9,000 a month. “Serious inquiries” will learn about the celebrities who live/have lived there. (#303321)

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Those of us who live here can’t resist trying to guess exactly which building some rentals are in. “This überpenthouse is fit for a film star. Located in the heart of Tribeca this three bedroom Penthouse is towering over Manhattan. The Penthouse is staffed to a five star hotel standard and included in the price is a housekeeper for 4 hours per day. You’ll wake up to the world’s most exhilarating skyline—oh, those skyscrapers! But it’s the 1,500-square-foot terrace that clinches the deal: It has a Jacuzzi, outside dinning for 12, lounge and sunbed & outside lounge seating for 30 and even room for the ultimate cocktail bash. The views stretch over Manhattan and include the Statue of liberty, Empire State and even close up views of the Woolworth building.” Based on its height and location—other pics offer more clues—I’m going to go with Barclay Tower. (#312767)

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And this balcony could only be in Independence Plaza. Interestingly, the apartment is owned and rented by a company called Herrick Guest Suites, which has apartments all over the city. I’m not sure I would love having that on the floor of my building. (#304870)

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Meanwhile, I’ve deduced that this is most likely Tower 270, a.k.a. 270 Broadway. (#321995)

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And this has to be 50 Murray. (#316434)

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Naturally, a bit of “Gotcha!” happens now and again. Even the broadest definition of Tribeca doesn’t include the area east of City Hall. Moreover, I don’t know where you’d have to be from in order to consider the area “trendy.” (#262250)

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The density of the buildings outside this apartment’s windows screams Battery Park City. I suppose “Tribeca” has more cachet with travelers than “Battery Park City”—to non-New Yorkers, the word “City” must make it seem very far away…. (#318656)

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After I was done with VRBO, I moseyed over to AirBNB, where people often rent out rooms in their homes. Even the least inspired apartment above was preferable to this situation. “We have a 600 sq. ft. studio that has separate sleeping areas but NO SEPARATE ROOMS. You will have a semi-private sleeping area behind a privacy screen. The area where we sleep can be curtained off from the living area. We have a futon that folds out and can sleep two, a queen size air mattress that can sleep two, and a couch. WE also have our bed, a queen sized bed, available for those dates in which you rent the entire apt. We have a separate kitchen and a nice sized bathroom.” (#13935)