Ideally located and very nicely appointed, this is a great place to stay if you want to get a feel for what NYC is really like when you get away from the places everyone knows and into the richly diverse neighborhoods that (believe it or not) still remain even as rents rise and homogeneity sets in elsewhere. This apartment is within easy walking distance of both hip new bars, restaurants, and shops and ones that have been around forever. The streets are lively with the conversations and comings and goings of all kinds of different people. And it's a terrific place to stay — sleekly designed, nicely appointed, and comfortable, with a couple hosts who are there for you instantly if you need them (like, say, if you lose the code to the front door, as I did) but otherwise leave you to enjoy the space and the neighborhood on your own. It's pretty perfect.