2/5 stars only because of the mouse in the bedroom. Otherwise, it would be a 5/5.
Mark is a host that gives you absolute privacy: I haven't seen him once in my 1 week stay. Online communication with him is great, he is responsive and always happy to help.
The place is just like the pictures, everything is modern, clean and new. The only thing not mentioned in the listing (or I somehow missed it) is the fact that the apartment is actually located in the basement of the house, so natural light is non-existent. The entrance is through the back door, which ensures privacy.
The noise from upstairs is almost constant in the mornings and evenings. The doors seem paper thin and you can hear everything: endless dog barking, dishes rattling and loud talking. On several occasions I was awaken from sleep by loud thumps on the staircase. A couple of times I was certain that someone is barging into my room. However, you get used to it after 2 days or so. It could even be said that the experience is not entirely negative, as it mirrors the noisy New York suburbs.
The location is great, just jump on the J train a few blocks away that takes you right into the heart of Manhattan.
I would give this stay a 5/5 if it wouldn't be for the mouse that surprised me on the last day. I can only hope that the mouse had not been there for the whole week before I noticed it. If I would notice it earlier, I would probably move out at once since I'm not sure I would be able to fall asleep peacefully again. This is the basement, after all, and who knows what lurks in the cracks and niches.
I hope that this is a rare and unfortunate event that won't happen again for future guests. Best of luck to Mark in sorting out this problem.