I have really enjoyed my stay at Daniel's place in Astoria. If you need to go to Manhattan but you don't necessarily want to stay in the city area, Astoria is the place to be.
It is very close to Steinway St station, which will take you to the city in 30m or less. There are supermarkets, a dollar tree, a drug store, cafes and places to eat within walking distance. You get to lock your room before you leave the apartment which is nice too. There is no elevator so you need to bring your luggage up the stairs to the 3rd floor. Overall I had a very great time here, and Nancy was very nice as well.