First, the room: It's located in a safe and eclectic area of Manhattan known as the Upper East Side. The building itself was quiet and the entry door is located right on the sidewalk. Walk up two flights of stairs and you're at Anna's apartment. Inside you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. The space is clean, quiet, air conditioned, and presumably heated in the winter. The bed was the best sofa-bed I've ever slept on, with a modern foam mattress and clean bedding. There's also a small table to sit at, a rack to hang up your shirts/jackets, and of course, a clean bathroom with a nice shower. And although I didn't use it, a TV sat across from the bed. I woke up the first morning and hardly remembered I was in the middle of a bustling city as it was so quiet inside.
Now the host, Darya. She's a beautiful soul who really knows how to be hospitable, who immediately made me feel welcomed and comfortable. She offered up suggestions and tips on what to do and where to go in the city which turned out to be great advice. She will come out and talk- maybe share a pot of coffee, but she also gives you some space and privacy. Staying at her home was natural and easy.