Olivia was a great host, really easy to get in touch with and quick to respond to any queries or questions (especially about the shower. Even after reading previous reviews, I managed to forget. PULL THE BOTTOM OF THE TAP OUT.)

The flat was absolutely brilliant. It's in a great location, and there's loads to do/see/eat/drink in the neighbourhood, and it's ten minutes stroll from a couple of subway stops. The apartment has everything that you might possibly need staying in NYC - cooking facilities, a fridge, MASSIVE bath/shower, comfortable bed and cable TV. Pretty perfect. The loft bed isn't ideal for everyone, but we managed it (including a pregnant girl!). Although you could sleep on the couch, you woudn't have any privacy if there were three people staying, or two who weren't sharing the bed, so best to bear that in mind.

The area looks a bit sketchy on google maps/streetview, but actually isn't, especially if you're already comfortable with cities - there's a lot going on at night, and lots of pedestrians and residents around. There's some noise from the street, but nothing unusual for a city, and the apartment isn't near anything noisy, just the occasional horn honking or emergency siren that you get all over.

There's wifi, but our iphones struggled to pick it up (although you can get it if you're at the back of the house) - it worked on the laptop everywhere though, so no problem.