Florence’s place is just right for getting to stay in Manhattan, in an up and coming area with everything you need. Stay in Harlem before its completely gentrified – the location is great, subway a couple of minutes walk away, great restaurants / supermarket / coffee mere blocks away. Ignore everything negative you may have read about Harlem – we stayed nine days at Florence’s place and got very comfortable with the area, using it as a base for both downtown and upstate discovery.
Florence’s place itself is open and bright, with all amenities for a comfortable stay. The two full size bathrooms is a definite plus, the main bedroom is large and self contained with doorway separating you from the living area and other sleeping area. This nook, with bunk beds, fitted our needs fine (we had late teen / early twenties who found it plenty private enough with the separating curtain). The lounge and kitchen are great to come back to after a long day exploring the city, and Florence supplies everything you need in the kitchen.
Florence herself was very accommodating with our schedule changes – always in touch, and amenable to our fluid checkin needs.