We had a good time at Chao's place in New York. He was especially accommodating of our late check-in time (3am) and was easy to get in touch with. Just as the description says, you do really have the place to yourself and the bedroom and attached bathroom are bright and comfortable. Frank the cat is a definite plus!!
Just be aware there is no natural light in the living room (it's the room with the leather couch in the photographs, actually- there is no leather couch either)- the windows seem to be boarded up. Given that we spent very little time in the apartment this was not really a problem for us- we still had a good time staying with him. Just don't expect it to look as in the pictures (or keep in mind that Chao seems an excellent photographer and runs a business... ;)).
Heading North, the area is a bit poorer (Reconnect Cafe there is definitely worth a walk though, serving great breakfasts and good coffee) and largely; heading South, you find a number of nice bars and food.
Overall Chao's place is a comfortable and decent place to spend a few days in Brooklyn.