Xiren was a pleasure to deal with: she replied almost instantly to any query I sent her, sent a very comprehensive information package before my arrival, and proved extremely flexible about check-in/-out times. The apartment itself is as per the listing - namely a very authentic-feeling, lived-in space that also happens to be extremely functional for visiting guests (and with a nice oblique view of the Manhattan skyline from the living room table). Unlike some listings I've stayed in, there are plenty of toiletries/coffee/milk etc. which guests are invited to use... being as it's stuff like that which really makes the experience different from a hotel, it's a very positive attribute. The location is classic Lower East Side, with a laundry below and endless gourmet delis and groceries on the doorstep. When I visited there were works going on inside the communal parts but they weren't particularly invasive and seem to be quite minor. All in all, this is a very slickly run operation indeed.