I would recommend staying at Raymond's place for several reasons:
1.) The location is really cool. This place is right down the street from some of the best food in New York (Sylvia's, Red Rooster, Harlem pizza, Harlem Shake, Sweet Hill Creamery etc.) Also a short walk from the Apollo Theatre.
2.) The property is very close to metro stops that service the 2 and 3 trains that can take you downtown to Manhattan or Uptown to the Bronx, so it's not far by train to either place.
3.) Ray was very courteous and responded quickly to our questions.
It's just an overall better way to visit New York if you want to see more than the normal tourist traps.