Gen is a great hostess. She knows the area well and helps visitors find gyms, laundromats, restaurants, etc. She always welcomes guests to have meals her family and checks-in regular to be sure your stay is going well. The room is large with windows on two walls and the air conditioner works very well. The room is in the back corner of the building so you're shielding from much of the street noise. There is a laundromat in the front of the building next to a bank (you can do your own laundry or for a small fee they will wash/dry/fold for you). The security lights in alley outside the building are bring. I have light eyes so bright lights are hard for me at night but a sleep mask fixed the problem. For a room in Manhattan, it's quiet and private. There is a gym across the street, many cafes, and you're only 1 block away from the 1 train's 157 st. stop. This is a great home base for a vacation or work trip to the city.