My wife, our two kids and myself had a great time staying at Joel's place on the Upper West Side in August 2021.
It's hard to imagine getting a better place in this price range in NYC.
The location is amazing: very close to Broadway and Amsterdam Ave, where all the restaurants and stores are; moreover, it is only steps away from the beautiful Riverside Park, with lovely playgrounds for kids, such as the Elephant Playground or the River Run Playgrounds, where our kids would spend hours doing water play, running around or climbing on the play structures. The place is also within walking distance to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, subway stations and bus stops.
The apartment itself is very nice and spacious and has everything a family with kids needs. The backyard is amazing, there are plants and a tree, a grill and chaises-longues.
Joel and his family were great hosts, very responsive whenever we had questions and very helpful. We would definitely stay at Joel's place again in the future if it is available.