We didn't get to meet the host, but we arranged to pick up the keys to the apartment in the Bodega in the same building. No problems. Just past the Bodega is the entrance to the subway, so it is possible to get from the apartment to the platform in about 3 minutes. Very convenient. The apartment itself is nice, and you can tell that the host is a musician from the guitars, and the grand piano in the corner of the room. We didn't play on it, but if you want to you can! We needed to iron some shirts, and the apartment didn't have an iron. The host was able to supply one for us anyway, so great service there. All in all a great base for exploration of the city, and located just across the street from Prospect Park should you want some nature.