My stay was easy. The apartment was exactly as promoted in the listing. I didn't have any issues.
To reiterate what you've read in other reviews, this listing is a good value for the space. The kitchen was stocked with all the necessary cooking items; there is plenty of space to hang out, work, lounge and sleep.
As you can see in the pictures, it is in the basement, but there are windows in every room to allow natural light. And there is plenty of lighting throughout the place. The ceiling is somewhat lower than other apartments, but still plenty of room unless you are super tall.
The neighborhood is all families and culturally lovely.
You can get to the city fairly easy with a ride on a bus to the subway, and then a simple transfer to the train. Use one of the transit apps to see the bus times and subway times.
Astoria is a wonderful area full of culture, variety of foods and things to do.
Astoria park is about 2 miles from the apartment (straight down Ditmars via bus or a good walk/ jog) and the park has plenty of places to walk around, watch the boats, play tennis, run around the track, have a picnic or try your tricks at the skate park area (there's even a pool, but you need to look at the rules and times, as I don't have any info on that).
Note: if you are hot natured, or if you are there in the middle of a heat wave, as indicated in the listing, there are no AC units in the apartment. But there are several fans placed around.
Otherwise, enjoy your stay there if you can book it.