In terms of location, Shell's place couldn't be much better when you consider the price you are paying. Come out of the apartment, take a left and you are already gazing on the Art-Deco style of the Chrysler Building. Opposite that then is Grand Central Terminal and from there, the world is your oyster!
I would suggest its an hours walk south to Brooklyn Bridge although there is a subway station just round the corner which will take you to downtown Manhattan and if you get a pass for the Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour, conveniently placed stops for travel south.
In truth, we did not spend much time at Shell's place as we were too busy sightseeing but the time we did spend there was absolutely spot on. The bed is particularly comfortable! Listen, it is a little noisy on the street outside but remember, you are in New York! If, like me, you need silence to get to sleep, take some ear plugs but other than that, there's nothing else to worry about! The bathroom was clean and the shower hot which is exactly whats needed when walking the miles you will should you also be sightseeing!
One thing to note it access to the building... I found that getting into the apartment block with the key needed a little bit of work but do not panic, the key will work! Shell had colour coded the keys and as memory serves me, blue is the one you need to get into the main building (yellow to the apartment - no problems with this key).
All in all, full marks for Shell and her lovely place... Would recommend to anyone (well, as long as they can navigate a couple of flights of stairs!).