Marina's apartment is the perfect place to explore New York and the surrounding areas from.
The apartment itself is pretty, private and practical with everything you could want for a long or short stay.
Marina is an excellent host, informative about the area and how to get around whilst also letting me get on with things myself.
It is easy to get from Staten Island to Manhattan by bus and Ferry (I found it quicker to take the S78 from the corner of Tompkins and Hylan rather than the S52 - the route is shorter). On the days you don't want to make the trip there is lots to do on Staten Island or you can easily take the bus to Brooklyn.
Overall, this was my ideal place to stay, if I am ever back in New York I will most definitely stay again!