We highly recommend staying at Emiliano's place. It was exactly as described - very clean, spacious, and cozy. The bed with its duvet was very comfy and warm (it was quite cold when we were there :), and in the kitchen was everything you need in order to prepare your own breakfast/dinner. Just across the street are a small supermarket, a bagel shop, and a restaurant/bar ('Sisters') - again, everything you need.
The only small downside is that every now and then you can hear the subway and/or planes passing, but I guess that shouldn't keep you from staying in this neighborhood. Finally, you're in NYC and not out in the country :)