Aya was a remarkably kind and attentive host. She met me at her apartment, showed me around, talked about the neighborhood and her favorite places, and just chatted a bit too. She was very responsive to our questions during out visit and went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed.

The apartment is equally remarkable: for once I can say emphatically that the pictures do not do it justice. It is marvelously spacious and at the same time cozy, clean and sparely but charmingly furnished. We stayed for two weeks there and would happily have spent another month. It's located near a busy street (and, conveniently, just a block from a subway station) but inside was nice and quiet and the garden too.

Within just a few blocks of the apartment are a great coffee shop, a cafe (Brooklyn Standard) with a remarkable array of delicious vegan sandwiches, a 24 hour grocery with organic produce and natural foods, and lots of interesting bars and restaurants.

I would highly recommend Aya as a host for anyone looking to explore New York City from a serene, comfortable, well-located base.