Elle is an amazing and friendly host. If you showed interest you will be having great conversations and tips about the city. She was so cool to invite me to a dinner with her friends, and wanted to taked me to other events too. Staying with Elle helped me have a genuine NY experience.
About the location I would say it was a great location in SOHO where you can have plenty of restaurants and cafes and whatever you might need. There is also a subway 20 meter away, so you have an easy mobility to the city and airport.