*HIGHLY RECOMMENDED* ****************************************************************************************************** We were 3 28-29yr old Canadians driving down from Ottawa. It was our absolute pleasure staying in Lillian’s home. She was very friendly, professional, accommodating, and had all towels, linens, and more ready for our arrival. I had searched many other possible locations to stay in the NYC area, but Lillian’s home stood out from the rest & I’m glad I chose it. This was our 3rd time in NYC and the best experience yet. I have added details below: ****************************************************************************************************** HOME: Spacious, welcoming, 4th floor walk-up ENTIRE apartment (not just a room in someones place). It is well laid out and colorful, with a private bedroom with a very comfortable bed and pillows. It had a full kitchen, microwave, dining table and chairs, bathroom with shower/tub, a big comfy leather couch, and a big wall mounted flat screen TV with HD cable. Wi-Fi was available from a couple free networks as well from her home. It really is a home rather than just calling it an ‘apartment’. ****************************************************************************************************** SUBWAY: Lillian’s home is ideally located less than a minute walk from the N/Q Subways on 30th Ave, which is approximately 10-15min to Times Square and the surrounding Area. Platform and Subway rides were clean, simple, and safe. Without transfers, you can quickly and easily get to 5th Ave., Central Park, Times Square, Canal St., Coney Island, and everywhere in between. Get your unlimited Metrocard & ride whenever, wherever! ****************************************************************************************************** AREA: Astoria really is a beautiful, pleasant, multi-cultural, safe and friendly place. We were around the area & subway platforms at all hours of the day and night and never once felt worried in any way. Any amenity you could wish for is not a far walk. We even made friends with one of her neighbors on her street, stopping by his garage sale multiple times. There are plenty of fantastic eateries, laundry mats, food markets, shops, alcohol, vendors, etc. ****************************************************************************************************** FOOD: So many choices! Lots of eat-in and take-out places, as well as grocery stores if you want to cook at home. The area had a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, Middle Eastern, Asian, American, and other foods, all within walking distance. There was a great 24hr diner on the corner under the subway with a well-priced menu and wide variety of items. ****************************************************************************************************** PARKING: If you are driving, parking is free in most places in the area except for the times listed for the street sweepers, which was mostly Tues & Fri 8:30am-10:30am on one side of the street, and Mon & Thurs 8:30am-10:30am on the other. If parking under the Subway on 31st, keep in mind the pigeon poop that will gather on your vehicles, but that can be washed off. Here’s a tip: take a look at Google Street view in the area for parking sign restrictions. Sure beats Manhattan at ~$70/day! ****************************************************************************************************** If you are thinking of going, choose this place over any hostels, hotels, etc. I’ve stayed at more expensive HOSTELS...