I loved staying at Ellen's place! I was there for nearly a week. The neighborhood works well for me because it is central to the places I need to go for work but also for socializing while in NY. Love that it is within short walking distance to 3 great markets: Whole Foods, Fairway and Trader Joe's as well as many great restaurants, shops, the highline, etc.
To any who might hesitate b/c of the sofa-bed I have to say the bed is super comfy. I slept like a child. The apartment is small, but no smaller than a standard NY hotel room, and with bonus kitchen it just makes it such a much better experience. Though small and minimal in its furnishings, you will have everything you might need. It is very clean and quiet.
I never actually met Ellen but she was easy to communicate, prompt to respond to any queries and checked in w/ me a couple of times during my stay to make sure all was OK. The KeyCafe is convenient but it is 5 blocks away, so just something to consider if you have a lot of luggage or it's raining (as was my case). I had the taxi driver wait for me while I retrieved key and then take me to the apartment and it was no problem, though.
I would not hesitate to stay here again in the future. Thank you, Ellen!