Being my first Airbnb experience, my stay at Kate's was fantastic! I didn't have a phone, so I couldn't communicate directly with Kate until I was actually in her apartment but we managed splendidly via email and the Airbnb email messaging. Last minute changes were handled really well, so I was able to let myself in no problem and I managed to work out the elevator functions. It is tricky and may be disconcerting for some but trust me it works!

Now, the apartment is a whole lot of funk! In a great way. What other place can boast a smashed NYC taxi panel as a hanging art installation? Or boast being a few hundred yards from the most spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline? Or be the actual epicentre of DUMBO? THAT you have to appreciate! It's right next to the Manhattan bridge so be prepared to experience the rumble of that. In a good way. Yes, it's freakin' loud right under it but once in the loft, it's a kind of wash of waves. The bedroom has glass French doors that help in providing extra sound-proofing. But seriously, if you can't handle traffic noise, then why come to NY at all? The bed was very comfortable and clean and there was plenty of space for me in the room, with various options of lighting. I had no problems with wifi (iPad and laptop) and Kate was extremely generous in allowing me use her phone to make some further travel arrangements. The bathroom was also clean (maybe a bit cramped but I didn't mind it) and the shower was hot, with two handles for the hot and cold, so getting the temperature right was a bit tricky. There was ample kitchen space although I didn't really have the time to make a meal - went out instead.

My stay was brief (too brief really) & I would've loved to have been there longer and maybe bribed my way to accompany Kate on one of her jobs, as it's probably one of the best ones to have in the city. I won't say anymore on that but you'd get to see a pretty amazing city if you did get the chance.

Kate made me feel extremely welcome - I came and went as I pleased and she's a wealth of knowledge about the area. Although I may have told her about some stuff in the vicinity she didn't know about - just got to be up early for that though.

So, to wrap up: I totally recommend Kate's place and hope that if I get the chance to return to NY and Brooklyn in particular that I can go back and stay longer too. DUMBO is certainly an eclectic neighbourhood and to be right amongst it is pretty fantastic. You get the opportunity to do the touristy things (walk the bridge, take a ferry etc.) but then can hang with the locals and really enjoy the space. Thanks, Kate!!