So this is in 3 parts.
First Richelle & Pela's home and the accommodation. A genuine two bedroom unit with a comfortable lounge to relax in and a well equipped kitchen. Plus a modern bathroom that included a walk in shower. Lots of extra touches such as quality bed linen and towels plus some basic essentials waiting in the fridge on arrival made us feel really comfortable. The only issue to highlight is that, as described in the website, are stairs to the unit, not a major problem if you are fit and healthy but it might be a challenge if you have small children.
Second is the location. This is a Brooklyn suburb where you are staying amongst people who live and work in New York. Walking distance to the Metro. The line takes you into Manhattan and also to/from JFK, (although there were 3 of us and with long haul flights we Uber'd from the airport) There are also some amazing neighbourhood restaurants, and many to choose from all within walking distance. We actually ate out locally 3 times and twice in the apartment. Only once did we bother to eat in the centre of New York
Third AirBnB vs a hotel. This was our first visit to New York. However like many visitors to the USA we have experienced New York through TV shows and movies. Our stay in Richelle and Pela's home made us feel like we were part of the real New York something I don't believe staying in a hotel in Manhattan would provide. Walking through the neighbourhood we experienced community life as participants, unlike what you would get if you were located in a central hotel as a tourist.
We would highly recommend this to anybody wanting to visit New York