Paula's place is in a great location and the room was clean and comfortable, however, Paula was not there when I arrived and as a result I stood outside the apt for ages trying to get in. I was tired and wasn't even sure I was in the right place, so this was very distressing. I rang all of the buzzers and finally someone buzzed me in. Paula had sent me an email when I was traveling to say that she wouldn't be home because she was going out to dinner. Not having data on my phone at this time I was unable to receive this message and came "after 5", which were her instructions (although I had hoped to arrive earlier). I came "after 5" as she wished and met nobody. About 30 minutes after my arrival I discovered the apt was left open and I found my room door also open. I found the key on the desk and was able to finally head out myself for my own dinner. All of this was very stressful and upsetting. Communication was not clear at all. I think a definite check-in time should be set if the host needs to go out for whatever reason. I ensured I followed her instructions and came "after 5", but clearly this didn't work. Overall, the apartment was fine and location excellent, but it was very eerie as nobody was around the entire time (except for one other guest, who informed me he hadn't seen anyone around the entire time either). He had to show me how to work the keys. This was another huge problem. I was really hungry, but had no idea how to get back into the bldg. I was lucky to run into the other guest because by this time I was close to tears and had climbed the three flights of stairs several times. I was worried I would go out and not be able to get back into the building. Once all of these issues were cleared up I spent a nice time there and I would stay there again, but I would definitely ask this host to give an EXACT check-in time... don't tell a guest "anytime after 5" when you won't be home. I felt I lost a lot of precious time in NY because of this mess.