Nicole was an excellent host. She mentioned that even though this is her first Airb&b she has been hosting grad students and researchers in her apartment for quite some time.
Nicole met me at the front door, showed me how to work the various keys and locks. Her boyfriend helped me get my suitcase up the stairs. She showed me around the space and made me feel very welcome. The space was small (normal size for a Manhattan apartment), but spotlessly clean, beautifully furnished and exactly like the photos. Her furnishings clearly showed off her interests and personality. All lovingly curated.
I felt safe in the apartment and in the neighborhood after dark. With the windows closed the space was warm, fresh smelling (but not artificially scented thankfully) and very quiet. She is definitely the most personable host I have stayed with. Very responsive by text before and after my stay. She was even flexible enough to let me keep my luggage in the apartment in the evening so I wouldn't have to drag it across New York before leaving town. I highly recommend this site. This will definitely be my first choice the next time I am in the city for work.
Oh and there was a taxi company up the block so there were a million easy to hail taxis just waiting.