Overall: Great host, Great location, Clean, Good (NYC) size for 1-2 people, Decent Value - Great Stay! I extended my two months for another two months(!) and then again for 1/2 a week. No prior detailed reviews so here's a long one.
Communication/Responsiveness: Raanan is a great host. Super responsive, non-intrusive, considerate. Helpful - changed light for me (ceilings high)/removed air conditioners (winter air leaking in) on fairly short notice; communicated well to coordinate timing of apt entry. He's more free to come on weekends so consider that if you're having issues.
Excellent stay/value at COVID prices. All NYC value = less at normal times. Great location - safe neighborhood (but NYC so always be aware), near several train lines/57th st bus (easy uptown/crosstown/downtown), Central Park, East river run/walk path; plenty of bars/restaurants, Vegetarian/vegan options nearby too, ok coffee shops. Back studio apt - surprisingly quiet for area. High ceilings - makes a small apt feel bigger. Good privacy (windows face the patio and no apt across patio - no-one looking in). Black-out curtain on bedroom window. Apt essentially surrounded by businesses (two different spas/massage parlors on two sides, one apt on one side, nail salon below). Fairly quiet neighbors above. Friendly/non-intrusive neighbors in general. Separate bedroom (ie- not a studio). Patio space huge for NYC. Bathroom updated & shower pressure good. Microwave/Toaster/Stove also TV all working well. Plenty of linens/towels. Decent amount/variety of kitchen/dining utensils, coffee maker, water kettle. Available for use: hanging rack for clothes (must be put together), portable heater/shopping cart/hair dryer (didn't use). Nice full length mirror. Comfy but very soft gel/memory foam bed (normally I like firm).
Cleanliness: Bathroom/Kitchen spotless when I arrived (including inside toaster/microwave/etc). Under bed/couch hadn't been swept (ie-old receipts there). Not a terrible issue but there is cleaning fee so shouldn't be the case. Raanan informed. Either way, I value clean kitchen/bathroom/bed more. NO roaches/bugs seen! No rats on patio (always a concern in NYC - especially w/restaurants below). Exterminator comes for building once a month (this is a good thing) - they'll knock but you don't need to let them in if no issues.
Cons: Cleaning issue mentioned above (minor). Biggest con was smell/greasy air of Chinese restaurant kitchen of adjacent building. Comes out of/from vent on roof but faces this bldg. Makes "would be awesome" patio, just OK. Sometimes wafts into apt - and that was in winter w/windows closed. HVACs also loud out there but that didn't bother me as much - but windows were closed. These things Raanan has no control over. Not a lot of table/counter space for working or food prep, nor much storage space for clothes. Suggested a larger table (and/or a small cook prep island) and a small armoire. Building front entrance key also unlocks door knob to apt - shouldn't be. Apt door also has bolt lock so I told Raanan but decided my privacy more important than having fixed right away. Toilet seat hinge broken (again I chose privacy over fix). Raanan informed - both should be fixed for future tenants.
Pro Tips:
(1) Pay close attention to the email/pictures sent re: Lockbox location. It's not on front door (safer). Even when u know where it is can be hard to find - gets camouflaged in leaves. (2) Water gets very/scalding hot. Bathroom sink particularly sensitive to faucet position - be careful. Shower also gets super hot but can take a while to heat up. (3) To lock patio door - turn handle up as you lock bolt. (4) buy/use a sealing container for wet food garbage - I didn't see ANY roaches but garbage is outside the door so risk is high. (5) No self-service laundromat in area. Small laundry around corner on 58th will do laundry same day if in by 1030am and is cheaper than one almost right below apt.