Niki is a perfect host, helpful, quick responses to questions, left detailed instructions about check in, apartment use, and local recommendations. It is only three flights up, not four as stated in other reviews. The street can be noisy but the bedroom was surprisingly quiet and the bed very comfortable. Shower is a bit funky but there is plenty of extremely hot water. We especially liked the multiple coffee makers in the kitchen. In the heart of LES, I would add two recommendations: Davidovich Bakery for great bagels and pastries, and the incomparable Russ and Daughters for smoked fish, herring, and cream cheeses.