Seems superfluous to repeat all the good things other guests have had to say about this elegant, beautifully appointed, walk out basement apartment in an excellent location with easy access to Manhattan by train.
The most remarkable thing about this apartment is that it is an oasis of quiet on one of the noisiest corners of one of the noisiest places on earth. Astoria drivers seem to think of their car's horns as an extension of their very gas pedals. My daughter has lived in the same apartment two blocks away for 20 years. She sleeps with ear plugs. Later, after having been here, she said -- to her surprise -- that she had forgotten she was in NYC! Even in November, we enjoyed the back yard. There were still Iris in bloom, and as an outdoorsy girl who studies native plants and wildflowers in my home state of MO, I had fun trying to ID all the free form plantings and volunteer native wildflowers I spotted. This is a pollinator's dream spot in a pretty dense urban location. I hope Vasili and Beatrix leave it like it is, and don't try to fancy it up.
The next thing to advise future guests about is the food! The late and great Anthony Boudain deemed this neighborhood the World Food Capitol of the World. The Astoria restaurant he produced one of his episodes from is a four block walk south on Steinway. Airbnb forbids it so I can't name it, but it one of our two favorite restaurants in NYC. Northern Egyptian. Our other favorite is an Italian Trattoria on 21st Ave. A ten minute walk. There is an authentic Irish Pub across the street in the next block, and in ours and an Athens restaurant owner friend's opinion, the best Greek food in Astoria is five blocks east on Ditmars. There is a multitude of good eating places in Astoria. These are just our faves.
Finally, I do feel compelled to mention one caveat about this apartment. If you have any mobility issues and/or large heavy luggage, the entry way and stairs down into the apartment can be daunting. They are not kind to geezer knees, hips, and arthritic hands. Steep with a high rise on the steps. This will by no means keep me from staying here again. In fact, I hope it is available the next time I am in town and my son-in-law's home office situation -- thanks, Covid! -- precludes my staying with them. Just be prepared for them.
Finally finally, this apartment really is an unexpected jewel in one of NYC's safest and most diverse locations. Highly recommended