Bob and his place are wonderful. He met us at the door, warm and welcoming, and showed us around to get us settled in for our 6-week stay. He was immediately responsive to our infrequent needs, and helpful when we had questions about his neighborhood, where we now think to look for our own apartment.
The apartment is on the first floor, just inside the front door. Parking was almost always available on the street, often where we could see it through our windows. It is a spacious studio, comfortably appointed, and anticipating most needs for a long-term stay. The queen bed is comfy, the kitchen well stocked with equipment, and the TV and wifi always working. We appreciated that Bob left us wine, fruit, chocolate, and coffee. Also, many, many towels!
The neighborhood is residential, quiet, safe. The street feels like a cul de sac. The building is architecturally significant, and the neighborhood historical (check out the signs on the street and the Buddhist shrine around the corner). Within a few blocks is a good laundry, 4 great grocery stores, and several good places to eat, especially: Absolute Bagels, Mama's Too Pizza, Jerusalem (best falafel), Yakitori Sun-Chan (best Japanese, and we were the only non-Japanese there), Metro Diner, Ellington's, and Ellington in the Park (for a drink at sunset).
We walked most days along Riverside Drive, took chairs and books to read in the park in the afternoons, and explored Columbia, Riverside Church, St John the Divine, and the whole Bloomingdale neighborhood. (So many monuments in the park!)
Two blocks from the 1 train (Broadway local), which is very convenient. More of a hike to the C train (Central Park West). Fabulous bus, M116, almost door to door to the East River Center (Costco, Planet Fitness). 96th Street shopping not far (Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's). Demographically kind of a mix of Columbia grad students and retired long-time residents.
A great find in a terrific upper west side Manhattan neighborhood.