Fantastic hosts and a very non-touristy NYC experience. I stayed in the flat for 12 nights while in NYC for work (I’m a playwright). Ivana and Maja were excellent with all communication, and Ivana was in frequent contact during my arrival day to ensure she was at the flat when I arrived. The flat itself is a very good sample of real life for average New Yorkers. It is long and narrow, and full of natural character which Ivana has beautifully augmented with stylish modern furnishings and decor. It features very old hardwood floors and a deliciously-pink tile bathroom. Everything in the flat worked properly. The neighborhood felt reasonably safe—it is a good example of old-style city living where residents hang out on their buildings’ stoops and sidewalks just to socialize and be outside. While the neighborhood (mostly) doesn’t feel gentrified, a Whole Foods grocery store nearby tells a different story. There are many eateries nearby showcasing Harlem’s long and diverse African-American history, and I particularly enjoyed the curry chicken roti and mac ‘n cheese at Sisters Caribbean just down the block. The flat’s location is a 30-45 minute walk and subway ride (combined) away from most well-known New York tourist attractions (once you’re actually on the train, midtown/Times Square/Broadway theatre district is about 20 minutes via subways). I actually walked to/from midtown a few times and it required apx 2 hours—but the walking routes I chose included wandering the entire length of Central Park, strolling along the Hudson River, and exploring the highly-gentrified Upper West Side…each a very cool NYC experience. The flat is ideally located between 2 major subway stations and a regional train line. A huge bonus is easy access to LaGuardia (LGA) Airport via a bus with no transfers necessary. JFK Airport was more complicated but still doable via subway in just over an hour.
For reference: I have been an annual (or more) NYC visitor for over 30 years, and have stayed in various types of accommodations all over Manhattan, including many airbnbs.