The host (Emilie's mother Victoria) was very welcoming... The place was very clean, tidy and very spacious. There was no personal stuff of the owner so it was practically like staying in a apart hotel. We were only 2 people and used the place basically to sleep only but it can accommodate up to 2 or even 3 couples or large families. Despite that we arrived so late (past 11pm) Victoria was so kind to wait for us and give us the keys. She also let us leave the luggage after check in until late afternoon.

The Harlem area may seem slightly unsafe at first (specially at nights) but we didn’t have any issues except for a couple of (drunk or homeless looking) people approaching for cigarette/coins late night, though they seemed harmless. There is some garden work right next to the building so you might wake up after 8am (weekdays only) if you are a light sleeper like myself.. The subway is round the corner with frequent access to lower Manhattan. Otherwise the cab rates are very reasonable (20-25USD) to lower Manhattan.

Overall it was a very pleasant stay.. I definitely recommend it.