If you've found this place it's because you're looking a budget apartment with all the basics, and that's exactly what you will get.

It is well-located and secure (the neighbourhood as well as the apartment / room). There is a full kitchen, bathroom and desk available to use. The bed is comfortable and the door locks, the neighbourhood is quiet except for emergency sirens, but you get them everywhere.

It is perfect as a launching pad to explore the east side and greater Manhattan. It's about a 10min walk to the subway. And walking distance from lower east side (LES) district & east village which means lots of bars, coffee shops, vintage and boutique clothes.

Edward doesn't live there any more but is very friendly and facilitated the check in with ease (he has been doing this for years) and gave us a few tips. The building manager lives there but you won't see him very very often.

A few downsides:
- as a basement apartment there is no natural light , so not good vibe if you're spending lots of time in there (but why would you be??)
- like all older buildings in NY, the heating turns on / off based on outside temp, so sometimes it is too cold or too hot
- because access is via the interior courtyard, you have to walk past rubbish dumps to get in (on rubbish days)
- a few baby cockroaches around, also unavoidable in basement apartments. The apartment itself is clean and well kept.
- we had a problem with the draft coming through the window because of the new AC unit but Edward is going to fix it.

All in all, great value, not for the fussy traveller, but great for anyone who is keen to get immersed in NYC and wants a safe place to sleep at night!