I did not meet Roy in person, but he was quick to respond via email. The neighborhood was safe and busy with people, a very quick walk to Penn Station. Convenient to market, pharmacy, and at least 4 tasty bakeries, all within a short walk down Ferry St. Roy let us borrow two MetroCards to refill to get us to and around Manhattan. About the house, everything was clean, orderly, simple. There are only hand towels, none for regular use (very helpful to note while packing!) and hot water is not consistent from the kitchen or bathroom sink taps- there is only a single knob and occasionally warm water came out. (Bathroom taps are also the push kind, so they don't stay on long, FYI.) Shower was plenty hot. When we arrived, only the bottom bunk was dressed though the picture advertised both beds, so if you anticipate using two beds for two people, perhaps you should ask ahead. The bed and pillow were plenty clean, about average comfort. Blinds let in quite a bit of light, might need an eye cover if you're sensitive to light like me! It felt like a reliable hostel, and, for the price and location, it served its purpose exactly as it was supposed to. Oh, and 24 hour check-in was very handy when our delayed flight didn't get us in till 2am!