Thikshan (who was not there in person) and co-host Vassilij replied very quickly to any questions we had. Picking up the keys from the key cafe was straight forward. The location is superb. I had been in the north of Manhatten previously. Midtown/south is much more interesting. With Union square etc to the south, the river to the west and all the Indian places around 30th St to the north in walking distance, everything is very convenient. There are 24 hour shops and bigger shops nearby for daily amenities. Since the flat faces away from the street and opposite is some industrial building it is completely calm. I did not expect that (and it is not that important for me). However, normally one cannot have it all. Close to the centre, without police sirens and traffic noise, so far seemed impossible to me. However, this place is as close as it gets to central but very quiet at the same time. The neighbourhood seems nice and safe. The only disappointment was the size of the place, in particular the size of the bathroom/toilet and the second "bedroom". This is more like a cupboard with a single bed just about fitting in. We also live in a prewar flat and so I expected something bigger. For instance, the whole flat would fit into our living room. But then this is Manhatten and things seem to be more cramped, at least at an affordable price. All in all we had a very positive experience and would stay in this place again.