I stayed one month in Julian's studio during hot NYC summer, and for me it was the perfect place.
It's a basement studio in a two story wooden house with a great backyard for your own.
Yes there are other people living there, and yes you will here them on the stairs and sometimes outside your studio door, but they are just living there, they are harmless :) and very nice & friendly neighbours. You absolutely have your own entrance and nobody will disturb your privacy. Also you don't have any people hanging out on the streets. Overall it felt very secure for me.
Being in the basement the studio was nicely cool during hot weather, and I actually used the A/C only in fan or dry mode, and was even able to turn it off during night time.
Comfy bed. Bathroom with window and hand held shower, which is rare. Kitchen with everything you need, but not for cooking big meals. Which isn't necessary anyway, because the 24h groceries store with integrated Deli is literally next door. Also there are a lot of good food locations like everywhere. The whole neighbourhood is very clean safe and super quiet. I almost missed the typical NYC background sound of sirens and horns.
Going anywhere else in NYC is incredibly easy! The metro station is a 5min walk away. To midtown it's only 4-5 stops. From there you'll reach the LES or Harlem or probably any other corner of Manhattan in about 15min more. Also you can take the ferry all the way down or back up the East River with the port being a 20min walk away, which is a great alternative to the metro.
Finding a place you like to stay at in NYC highly depends on your expectations vs. already excisting experiences with the unique atmosphere of this city. I read all the other reviews in advance and felt, even taking all the complaints into account, this would be a good place for me. And my expectations were exceeded. I highly recommend this place. Julian himself also was a great host in every aspect. Thank you! I'll be back, for sure!