I stayed in Golsana's loft apartment for 1 week in March together with my wife and 18 year-old daughter. The apt was exactly as advertised - spacious, creative atmosphere, fun. As winter, it was an enjoyable place to come home to after working/roaming all day. A few days prior to flying to the US I received a notice from Golsana explaining she's travelling and won't be able to greet us on arrival, and indicated her sister would be there to hand over keys. She was happy to arrange an early check in, though regrettably, due to heavy snow the previous day and overnight, I was 15 mins late getting to the apt. Golsana's sister had to leave for work which meant I had but 2 minutes to get a rundown on the apt.

Instructions were left on how to fold out the sofa bed and a few other notes regarding the apt and security, clean towels and sheets provided. What was lacking was there was no help regards the local neighbourhood: no suggestions of where to shop for groceries, dining, directions to subway, laundry service (there's no washing machine), options of where to eat or go to local bars. This would have made for a welcoming gesture and a big difference when you're on a tight schedule and want to get your bearings. On asking via email Golsana quickly replied with dining/bar options, but perhaps it'd be easier if she were to make this info available to guests on a print-out guide and leave in the apt.

The East Williamsburg area seems safe enough, it's a 6 min walk to Melrose St subway and 15 mins to Union Square station on Manhattan. There are a few local deli’s in neighbouring streets, and a few blocks away a cool bar (Duck Duck) while cafes are near the Melrose subway.

If you're more than 2 people, take note. Our biggest problem was to find the sofa bed totally uncomfortable to the point it was unusable. The innersprings weren't padded and even placing a quilt over top didn't lessen their impact. Luckily I had a friend who helped by giving us an inflatable mattress to get us by for the rest of the week. Central heating isn't adjustable, and the air gets very dry (and hot if sleeping in the mezzanine) - open a window to ventilate. There's no microwave which again is a great convenience for a traveller wanting quick meals, a broken TV (though it's advertised as not having TV anyway), no washing facilities. It seemed to us that more effort could have been made to prepare for guests. I'd recommend the space to fellow travellers but I think the host needs to consider providing the basics for guests: clean out fridge beforehand, clean toaster oven, prepare a welcome pack with neighbourhood map/suggestions - all little things that make a difference. I new sofa and a microwave may be good investments.