My wife and I were first time visitors to NYC. Rob's Place was perfect for us. It's a little farther north on the island than most, but we found it to be the perfect spot for us. There's a wonderful community in the area. We met many kind and helpful people during our visit. There are several restaurants in the area. We didn't find a bad one among them.
The apartment is spacious and comfortable, decorated tastefully, and fully stocked with what we needed for an enjoyable visit. Rob and previous guests provided a fully stocked kitchen with utensils, cooking gear, spices, and fresh ground coffee every morning.
Staying north of "the action" on the island allowed us to experience the transportation system (subway). Being first-timers, we enjoyed that experience. We were free to wander around the island, China Town, Little Italy, 9/11 Memorial, Broadway Musical, Times Square, all were in our reach. Then, we head back to Rob's for rejuvenation and rest.
Rob's is a little north, and well worth the trip!