Although I have been coming to New York since 1986 I have only ever stayed in Mid Town hotels. This was also my first time using airbnb (so apologies for any naive comments).

I chose the flat because it was round the corner from NYU where I was at Stern business school.

I chose airbnb because so many NY hotel rooms are small and the thought of spending a week in one wasnt great.

But Greenwich Village is a brilliant location to base yourself in anyway - will definitely come back.

The city was boiling the day we got there, so proximity to Washington Square and the fountains was very welcome.

First the flat is really big, and has a light and airy feel, particularly the top floor. Really well equipped kitchen with a couple of big supermarkets nearby - including Wholefoods on the Bowery but there are so many great restaurants around, you dont need to cook. And the owner gave me some great recommendations. And its not far from Prune where I have been before and really like so thats another plus point.

There are two decent sized bedrooms plus a big master bedroom. I found it a bit strange at first seeing someone else's clothes (airbnb ingenue) but the owner had left plenty of rail space and hangers for mine.

There seemed to be dozens of bathrooms - really great bath in one and excellent showers (I cant recall having big baths in NY hotel rooms before.)

Plus the flat is beautifully decorated, stunning artwork and some interesting books (see picture, arranged by spine colour then height - gives rise to some very amusing juxtapositions).

It is also cleverly thought out in terms of space - it actually feels a lot bigger than it is.

What are the downs - you couldnt use this if you cant climb three flights of stairs. And youre better off bring two smaller suitcases than one big one. The front bedroom is quite noisy at weekends - it is on Houston Street which is a busy road - but I got used to it quickly enough.

There was a cleaner but she wouldnt do less than a full day - I would have liked to have someone come in every day - this is probably more a worldwide issue - I would struggle to get my own cleaner in to my London flat more than once a week.

Oh, and no TV. Not that I watch a lot of telly - but may bother some.

I was probably not the best guest at the end of the stay. For complicated reasons (to do with a helicopter) I was still packing as the next guests arrived. So apologies to them. But thanks to them and the owner for letting me leave my luggage in the hall.

If this is indicative of airbnb lets, its a great service. I understand the owner had not previously let out the flat, so well done.