Althea was a warm and welcoming host. We were made to feel most welcome from the start. She was always there if you needed help or advice without being intrusive. We didn't explore the immediate area that much, though some good bars around Franklin 3 blocks away, and Park Slope was a good area for bars & restuarants (especialy the Broccolini, great imaginative Italian place very close to Atlantic & Broadway station). Nostrand Ave subway was really close with trains up to Grand central and Times Square, though beware of the express which DOES NOT stop there! But you could get off at Franklin (a major interchange) and walk the few blocks home. The apartment was spacious and comfortable. All in all a great base for our NYC trip.