In short: if you're visiting NYC, stay at Carol's place. As many know well, the NYC hotel market is a total mess, and the AirBnB options are increasingly following closely behind in its over-priced wake. As such, this stay was a breath of fresh air. I find the Upper West Side to be the best place to stay in Manhattan, whether for work or sightseeing, and this apartment is right where you want to be in this part of the city. Moreover, in contrast to AirBnB's seemingly endless march towards becoming a professionally-managed, serviced apartment distributor, it was such a pleasure to stay again in a home that was clearly lived in (in all the best meanings of the phrase).
A few other things worthy of note: the place was really clean, the bed was comfortable, the WiFi was fast, the Netflix worked without a hitch, and Carol answered all the questions I had prior to my stay in very quick order. Just beware that it is up a few flights of stairs, and wouldn't suit someone with mobility difficulties. You certainly get your daily work out when you traipse through the entrance after a long day in the city!
All in all, Carol's place is a real bargain right now, comparable with many one-bed places in the outer boroughs, but better located and really well looked after. Can't wait to come back on my next trip!