I had a long vacation in New York City and stayed here for 18 days through Christmas and New Years. Dana is a great host and the apartment has everything you need. The living room is bigger than it looks in the photo (maybe, double the size) -- the ceilings are high and the other side fits a desk, dining table, and piano! I stayed on the futon and was pleasantly surprised that the living room isn't a throughway in the apartment, so you can close a door and won't be disturbed at night if anyone is moving through other rooms. Winter nights averaged 30 F, but the heating pipes keep all the rooms toasty. I recommend ear plugs for sleeping since this place is on the first floor you will hear street noise.

Dana knows New York City well and offers a local's perspective on activities and events. She is friendly and helpful, but knows when to give space too. Read all the house rules, I personally had a hard time waking and tidying the futon on time every morning.

I didn't know the area that well and was a bit concerned about staying near Harlem before I arrived. I felt safe walking around during the day and semi-safe walking home late at night alone. Good thing the apartment is next to a police station and less than 5 minutes away from an express line.