If you want to experience the real american life in NY, stay at Sam's apartment! The apartment is a big loft, the living room comes with giant windows and it's very bright. My room was comfortable and spacious, equipped with everything I could need. The bathroom is comfortable as well.
Sam is very nice, she gave me tips about the city, shops, restaurants and activities people from NY usually do in their free time. This is the place to be for young people looking for a trendy with an underground touch neighboorhood to stay, plenty of cosy places like restaurants, bars and shops. You can have a 10 min walk from the house to the east river, from which you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Manhattan.
The apartment is less then 1 minute from Bedford Avenue subway station. From Bedford Ave it will take around 20 minutes to go to Manhattan.