We spent Spring Break in New York and needed inexpensive but convenient accommodations. (I’m a Dad who had some business in the city and brought my two teenage daughters along). I’ve never stayed in Staten Island before. This is an older, working class area, but it is safe and very convenient, and a fraction of the cost of Manhattan or Brooklyn or even Jersey City. The ferry is close by (walking or two minutes on the bus), and it’s a free ride to the foot of Manhattan then one subway stop to Freedom Tower / 911 Memorial. The rest of the city is easily accessed by subway from the ferry terminal.
The unit is nicely appointed and had very comfortable mattresses and nice towels. There are two convenience stores in walking distance on Bay St for small grocery items but not much in the way of restaurants. Pizza delivery is an option. We are in Manhattan each day after grabbing breakfast at Au Bon Pain in the ferry terminal.
In terms of value for money this option can’t be beat. St George is an up and coming area. Once the Ferris wheel gets built it will be more touristy. But we enjoyed it and the hosts were extremely responsive to a few questions we had.