We stayed at Louise's place for 4 nights, and even though most of the things we had planned were in Manhattan, her place is so close to public transport, getting in and out of the city was not an issue. Also her place was far more affordable and nicer than anything we would have been able to get in Manhattan.
The neighborhood itself has a lot of character and history. We spent our last day in Brooklyn, and walked to nearby Prospect Park, which has a neat food market on Sundays.
Louise was also in constant contact with us, and always providing us with tips, transportation advice, and where to get deals like the locals. She also went out of her way, and gave us a walking tour of lower Manhattan.