Mercedes place will make you feel like you’re staying in a friend’s very comfortable apartment, with free access to a well equipped kitchen, bath & livingroom, but I never felt awkward or like like an interloper. My room was very comfortable & had a lock though I didn’t really feel the need to use it. There wasn’t a lot of natural light, but you’re in NYC so not surprising & not a big deal, I was out during the days. The area is easily accessible (2-4 short blocks) from the A, C & 1 lines. The express downtown gets you to midtown in 15-20 minutes. The 168th St line is an easy short 4 block walk & has elevators for the A and C lines if you have suitcases or bad knees. The apartment is first floor, requires 3 steps total, so very easy also. The area is full of many restaurants & very affordable bodegas. It also felt quite safe to me. Great value, particularly because the cleaning fees are reasonable.