Of course, those of us who are committed AirBnB-ers know that staying with a highly-rated AirBnB host means that a) you can count on clean, attractive accommodations and prompt, helpful interactions with your host or his/her agent; b) you get great value for your travelling dollars, as you can live like a local and explore a neighbourhood in a way that's often not possible otherwise; and c) you get the expertise of an actual resident to draw on for tips on getting the most out of the area. You get all of this at Mark's gorgeous restored Bed-Stuy brownstone, but it's the extras that aren't listed under "description" and "amenities" that made our stay there so satisfying and memorable. Many of the areas I'm interested in and want to learn about don't feature a Holiday Inn, Marriott, or Travelodge. They are actual residential neighbourhoods, not tourist zones. People live and work there, they don't just serve outsiders then go home to their real lives. Mark exemplifies this difference. He is genuinely interested in his guests, and offers an ever-expanding (and literal) book's worth of suggestions and recommendations to newbies to help them navigate the area and optimize their stays. I admit it, choosing Bed-Stuy as the base for our Brooklyn and Manhattan adventures felt like a bit of a risk. But the photos of Mark's stunning parlour-floor apartment, its two bedrooms and sheer size, the optimal location, close to restaurants and an express subway stop, as well as Mark's reassuring e-mails and my unquenchable lust for brownstones convinced us to give it a try. How did it work out, you ask? We certainly felt welcomed by the neighbours and the local businesses when we tried out several terrific places nearby (e.g., Peaches just down the street—guests can check Mark's extensive recommendations binder for specifics). The short walk from the subway felt as safe in Mark's area as in many others in NYC, keeping reasonable precautions in mind. The beautiful, quiet apartment more than lived up to Mark's detailed photos and description, and the kitchen was stocked with enough supplies to encourage you to dine in. But the true thrill was seeing the renaissance of this amazing neighbourhood, wandering the seemingly endless streets of brownstones, and being a part of getting the word out about it. Act now, folks. This place is about to hit the big time. Mark was more than attentive and available, and handled a few minor mechanical issues swiftly. I regret only that our schedule was too jam-packed to allow us to really relax and hang out with our charming host. (Ditto exploring more of the area.) He kept graciously inviting us to join him and his other guests upstairs, promising conversation and home-made treats, but we were always staggering in in the wee small hours and never did manage more than e-mail and stair chats. Next time I'll build in the time, Mark, I promise. So keep the oven on. I'll be coming back for that...