I stayed at Katrina’s place in Washington Heights for a month with my little chiweenie. We both had an awesome time, and would definitely stay again. I wanted to provide a thorough review for other travelers, so see below if you need details. :)
This place is perfect for a solo traveler or an intimate couple. The bathroom (especially the shower) and kitchenette area are very small. Check-in was a breeze - Katrina’s communication is always crystal clear and well in advance. I’d recommend taking a taxi or ubering from whatever airport you fly through; there isn’t a fast or convenient way to get to it via public transportation. The room was spotless when I got there. There is an air conditioner window unit and ceiling fan that really put in overtime for me in August, but they totally did keep the place cool! And helped drown out the street noises. Yes, there are a few street noises, it’s right across from a fire station on a very active block right next to the train station. I didn’t mind as I can’t imagine it’s any quieter anywhere else!
The wifi consistently tested between 200 - 300 mbps / 10-20 upload. WOW! Worked perfectly for me while I worked every day. The kitchenette is not super well equipped for a long stay, but I did buy a bunch of spices, bowls, and pans and left them. There are also no knives or scissors!! It’s bring your own knife! Haha, I get it and always have a pocket knife with me that I made work. There’s also a toaster, drip coffee maker, and teapot. Ironing board / iron, extra set of sheets provided to me for my long stay, umbrella, hair dryer / curler, basic shampoo, towels we’re all provided. I did have to buy my own toilet paper, paper toweling, garbage bags, and cleaning products - these wouldn’t have been an issue for a short stay, but I ran out. No broom either, so the floor tends to gather lots of dust and dirt. If I would’ve stayed longer I would’ve bought one, but I try to be very clean. I did my laundry around the corner on Broadway - there are two laundry cards in the top drawer of the night stand, mine still has money on it if you find it!
The location is perfect if you want to spend most of your time uptown (assuming you don’t have a car - there is a parking garage across the street that would expand some horizons, at a cost). It’s at least a 40 minute journey downtown every time. I would justify the half hour travel time to Central Park area a few times a week, but going out downtown was a challenge. Going to other boroughs takes a long time. It is about a half mile walk to the hospital - and a small dog park! My dog and I went almost every day, otherwise she had to make do with the sidewalk to go potty (no grassy areas, she figured it out and seemed fine tho).
There isn’t a ton of interaction with other guests or Katrina. I really loved that Katrina left me to my devices but was always there if I needed her. She really is very chill and cool, I can imagine she has seen a lot! :D plus, she keeps the building absolutely beautiful. They redid the front area while I was there and the plants and ivy set on the brownstone really are something special.
As for the neighborhood, I am a young blonde haired blue eyed solo female traveler, and I felt safe the whole time, even late at night. It helps that Katrina seems to have an influence that protects her guests, too. I was at a local bar one night and some locals were chatting with me and asked why I was staying "in the hood" and told me to be careful, what corners to look out for, etc. It dampened my spirits a bit. The area is lower income and certainly not the financial district or UES, but I found it very authentic and charming. Basically, don’t be dumb and don’t draw attention to yourself you can’t handle and you will flourish. The 5 Estrella bakery on the corner has the best chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten. The silver moon deli (bodega) totally comes through for any quick snacks or late night food. The community is vibrant and I will deeply miss the "hola chee-wah-wah!!" my dog got whenever she walked by the regulars. This spot will me missed.