We stayed at Reuben's house for one week and it was really great. The connection between Manhattan and the house is no problem. You can easily travel by bus and ferry. You can also walk the distance between the house and the ferry, but great to know : the unlimited metrocard is also valid for busses in Staten Island. Besides transportation, a large grocery store is close by. We had quite a large bedroom and access to the whole floor + large TV in the bedroom as shown in the pictures. For the price you pay, you get a lot.