We loved this place. The common areas are gorgeous, the room is spacious and well-decorated and comfortable. René was a great host; not much interaction with him (but we like to just do our own thing, generally) but he was very friendly and accommodating. Check-in was a breeze and we even had help from his friendly cat Phoebe.
Note that this is a heritage building with mostly period decor and amenities. We had no issues whatsoever with this, but others may be looking for something more modern. Temperature control, for instance, may be an issue for some. We were there during a cool, rainy week so it was not an issue but it seemed like the 3rd-floor room might be a bit hot in the heat of summer. Can't be sure, though.
I've stayed in close to half a dozen NYC airbnbs now, and this was the closest I've been to the subway. The nearest station is just a 2-minute walk away and the A, B, C, and D trains stop there. The next nearest is a 5-minute walk away and the 2 and 3 trains stop there. Plus, if you're considering using the M60 bus to/from LaGuardia, it stops at the aforementioned stations as well. You are very connected to all of Manhattan and NYC in general at this location, despite not being anywhere near midtown or lower Manhattan.
As for proximity to food/nightlife/sightseeing, we didn't check out much in the area since we had visited Harlem before and checked out some other stuff around NYC instead. That said, we grabbed breakfast at Bo's Bagels on nearby 116th st. every morning (highly recommended!) and there seemed to be a number of other dining options around there. And there is certainly fun and food to be had in the greater Harlem area.
We felt relatively safe in the neighbourhood and had no trouble. Ignore what you hear about Harlem's reputation esp. from those who haven't been to NY in years (or at all). Although 125th st. is often filled with activity (and not all of it on the up-and-up) at all hours of the night, the rest of the area is just a residential neighbourhood, full of families and people of all ages just going about their lives. I mean, as with anywhere you're thinking of staying in a city like NY, do your research and make sure that the area is for you.
Overall, if you want a historic Harlem/New York experience, you simply must check this place out, but be aware of what is offered and what you're looking for in a stay.