Staying at MaryEllen's place on the upper West Side exceeded my expectations: probably one of the most convenient locations in NYC, and the apartment was beautiful. I got bumped up to a large room with its own bathroom, and the bed, towels, everything I used was high quality and comforting. MaryEllen and family were terrific hosts, knowledgeable about the city and interesting to talk to. I will definitely stay there again when I return to New York.