It's all true. At Skip's place, you'll be living in the neighborhood like the locals do. There's lots of street noise, so it's not quiet. You'll stay in a room up 1 flight of stairs in an old house that Skip has lived a little over 50 years. It's an old house with character, but the bed was quite comfortable for me and the bathroom, although clearly rebuilt in the 1970's, it is a clean bathroom. Let's say "vintage". And Skip is a regular New Yorker. He's friendly and an expert at casual conversation, making him a fantastic host. He estimated he's had around 400 guests over 5 years or so. He does give you your privacy, but he's happy to chat for hours if you have the time. His 3 cats are friendly, but not too friendly. And yes, I would stay here again. :-)