Although I never met the host, she had great communication. The apartment was clean and had lots of little perks like coffee and snacks. Plus, the modern air pump air conditioner was a plus in such unbearable muggy weather.. Being a basement flat was a plus in the dead of august. The neighborhood was safe and hip, with tons of incredible restaurants (check out Oxomoco and Llama Inn) within walking distance. Midtown Manhattan was only 30 minutes away and the subway stop was within 10 minutes by foot. I highly recommend this apartment.