We were a family of 4, with 2 teens of 17 visiting Manhattan. The apartment is located near to the subway and it takes around 40 mins to the Brooklyn bridge station. Althought the neighborhood may look sketchy at first for European standards, it is safe to walk around. You even see Mercedes Benz cars parked at night along the street. I wouldn't describe the apartment as 'retro', but 'outdated', yet, all, kitchen, bathroom is in working condition. We found it clean, which is very important for us.