Staying at Amanda's place was an excellent experience. The flat is clean, cosy and stylish in a classic NY building, probably in the most vibrant of all Manhattan's neighbourhoods.
It is just a stone's throw from some of the basic underground lines, there are many options for food/ drink/ going out and is about 10 mins walk from what became two of my favourite NY places: Hudson river with its piers (breathtaking views of the New Jersey skyline) and Washington square park (with its alternative feeling, check out for impromptu jazz concerts in the afternoon/ evening).
I cannot recommend it highly enough!