Apartment is exactly as depicted on listing. Very clean and well organized. Lightning fast, reliable WiFi. Plenty of hot water. Fully equipped kitchen. Large dining/work table set up in front of the windows is a nice touch.
Some previous guests have complained about the size, but for a NYC apartment in this location and for this price I would actually consider the unit quite spacious. Easily big enough for 2 people unless you plan on breakdancing inside.
Communication with host Francesco was excellent with very fast turnaround. Check in instructions and house instructions are very easy, clear, and concise. Francesco certainly deserves the title of Superhost.
As an added bonus there is a nice view out the window of St. Paul’s Catholic Church (1908) across the street, especially beautiful at night.
You can walk to one subway station in less than 5 minutes. Can walk to a second in about 10-12 minutes.
I will check to see if Francesco’s apartment is available each time I plan to stay in NYC because pound for pound it’s the best place for me and I really like the neighborhood, especially the food. But, to be fair to potential guests who don’t think like me and who may not be familiar with New York City, East Harlem isn’t necessarily the best option for every traveller. What one person considers a semi-gentrified, diverse, culturally rich, vibrant gem of a neighborhood, another person might consider gritty, unsafe, and unappealing. While it’s home to some of the hardest working people in NYC, there’s no denying that East Harlem also struggles with a disproportionate amount of social problems such as poverty, crime, homelessness, drug/ alcohol abuse, and mental health disorders - It’s borne out in the statistics and is on display in the streets. While this should be a non-issue to a street-smart experienced traveller, just be aware of where you’re booking in case this isn’t what you’re looking for.