I was in NY because a family member was having major surgery at NY (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital (he's home and doing well), not for a vacation. The apartment is less than a 10-minute walk to the hospital, less than 5 to the pediatric section. I was happy to be a block or two from 2 supermarkets, a major drug store, a McDonald's, a Chipotle, and several other restaurants. Only 3 short blocks to the subway - 20 minutes to Penn Station or Times Sq, and not much longer for my one indulgence - the 9/11 Museum (see it!).

I didn't really have to talk about what's nearby because Wendy has done something extraordinary. After your reservation is confirmed, she'll email a 5-page PDF, her own personal guidebook of stores and restaurants in the area, places to visit near subway stops, etc. If I had been doing normal tourist stuff and not already been very familiar with NYC, it would have been a great help. My familiarity allows me to vouch for its accuracy. Also, Wendy was very open to my suggested addition, so it might be there waiting for you.

Unfortunately, I didn't meet Wendy. I slept in her immaculate room on her very comfortable bed while she was visiting family. (We kept in touch via frequent emails.) I did meet her roommates, and, as someone old enough to be their grandfather, I enjoyed talking with them. The basic rule of cleaning up after oneself was followed. I rarely observed a dish in the sink, and they didn't last long.

One other thing that I found amazing: all around the apartment were post-it notes identifying mostly "guest storage" and other relevant areas for my use.

One other point. There was a time when parts of the area between Columbia's main campus and the hospital weren't safe. That's no longer true. My cousin, who works at the hospital and lives near the main campus told me that she doesn't hesitate to walk home after work.