If you want to stay in a real Tokyo apartment in one of the area's best spots for local bars, and nerd/culture-shopping (see Nakano broadway), this is the spot.
Nori keeps a very tidy apartment with a soft futon that you can just fall right into, solid wifi, a kitchenette, and nice electric water-boiler.
Personally I think Nakano is a great place to stay, because it's super close to places like Shinjuku, but also a little removed from the big crowds and sky-scrapers. There is no shortage of amazing restaurants and cute, tiny bars. While the apartment building is part of a busy night-time neighborhood, it is on one of the less crowded streets and wasn't too loud for me.
Nori was a steadfast communicator and got in touch with me right away, even though I booked well in advance, with all the information I needed to get started. He was there anytime I had a question, and recommended multiple places to eat nearby.