MANHATTAN'S slightly bohemian Upper West side is home to more than 250,000 people, many of them artists, actors, journalists, politicians and sports stars.
Edgar Allen Poe composed his poem The Raven there in 1844. Humphrey Bogart once lived there. Lionel Hampton lived there, close to New York's world renowned Lincoln Centre and Central Park.
Nestled among the Romanesque revival and early 20th century houses is the Lucerne Hotel on West 79th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway; the site of the current controversy among Aer Lingus transatlantic cabin crew, who are threatening to strike if they are forced to stay there. "We are not racist, but it is very close to Harlem," a SIPTU official previously told The Irish Times.
Built in the early 1900s, the Lucerne is in fact 31 blocks south of the official southern boundary of Harlem, which begins at 110th Street. That makes it approximately 1 1/2 miles away. In terms of lifestyle it is a world away. As one police officer familiar with the area said: "I'll take them to Harlem and they'll see the difference."
The neighbourhood surrounding the Lucerne bustles with activity and tourists, and the streets and avenues are lined with fashionable boutiques and restaurants. And New Yorkers vie to rent apartment space in the beautiful pre war buildings and brownstones which abound.
"It's so close to Columbia University on 116th Street," said Ms Mary Flynn, who lives on 108th Street. "People would give their eye teeth to live around 79th Street. Just try and get an apartment anywhere near it."
The hotel is accessible by subway and bus, and the journey to John F. Kennedy Airport considerably faster for Aer Lingus staff, who previously stayed in White Plains in Westchester County, some miles north of New York city.
The Lucerne Hotel has been in, operation for only a year; the building was previously used as dormitories for students at Columbia University. It has a sign welcoming Aer Lingus staff in the lobby. Its 250 rooms and suites - some boasting a view of the Hudson river - are spacious, immaculately clean and secure.
The price of a single room at the Lucerne begins at $130 (£79) a night, and a suite costs a minimum of $175. According to a hotel, spokeswoman, many tourists stay there because of its proximity to attractions such as Central Park, the Lincoln Centre and the museums. The hotel does not offer room service, she said, but does have a restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it has a fitness centre.
The restaurant, Chaz Wilson, situated right next door, is leased by the hotel. Posted in the window is an article from the New York Times recommending Chaz Wilson for its food.
Asked about a problem with crime in the area, the hotel spokeswoman seemed surprised and unconcerned. "This neighbourhood is very touristy," she said, "Crime is not a big problem." Not too many New Yorkers can dismiss crime so lightly.