The host was promptly responsive to emails. He was away when I visited New York, but his friend Stephen was available when I arrived at about 11PM, and he was wonderful. The neighborhood is ideal....both convenient to the subway and eateries, and quiet, restful and safe. It was great to have wi-fi in the building. The building itself can best be described as very faded grandeur and the room itself was roomy and moderately clean, but very basic, although it did have a handy little fridge. The bathroom had plenty of hot water, but again, cosmetically faded. This is a good place to stay if you plan on being in primarily only to shower and sleep.