Norman's place is located midtown, and while it is several blocks away from the nearest subway station, it is still a reasonable distance from popular places in Manhattan (think 20-30 minutes). It is also near the Highline, which is great for taking walks on.
As for the neighborhood itself, NYC truly lives up to its nickname "The City That Never Sleeps." Between the radiator and surrounding streets, there was never a moment where the apartment was completely quiet. You can definitely hear sirens and construction in the distance several times a night into the early morning, and the radiator is one of the old-school radiators, meaning that it will hiss and gurgle frequently. If you plan on staying in the apartment for long periods of time, are a light sleeper, or are generally sensitive to noise, this is something to keep in mind. Personally, this just meant it took me a little longer to fall asleep.
The apartment building, like many Manhattan apartment buildings, has no elevator, so expect to carry your luggage up the stairs. The apartment itself is small/narrow, as expected of a Manhattan apartment, with simple and practical furnishings. There isn't a lot of furniture, but you can definitely tell that there was thought put into selecting each piece. Furthermore, the apartment has an abundance of natural lighting, especially in the guest room. This, in combination with the simple aesthetic as well as the location, makes the apartment a charming place to stay.