Cons:
1. IT IS NOT A PRIVATE ROOM, it is an area in the common room separated with a curtain. I had sleep problems – every night when host came from work (1-3 AM) because of noise.
2. THERE IS A CAT and it is very ill-mannered. You have to lift your mattress when going out otherwise it will pee on your bed.
3. THERE’S NO FURNITURE FOR YOUR STUFF – a tiny table & hanger only. Be prepared to keep everything in your suitcase.
4. KITCHEN IS VERY DIRTY, with stains all over (microwave, counter etc.)
5. LEAKAGES IN THE BATHROOM (water coming from the ceiling upstairs). Almost every day there were pools on the floor. It is dangerous (there’s electricity etc.) but the apartments’ owner doesn’t do anything with it.
Pros:
1. VERY CHEAP. For $20 a night you could have lived in a refrigerator box on your street but you live in an apartment with water & light.
2. CLOSE TO MANHATTAN. It is still Bronx but it takes only 30-40 minutes to get to midtown. Subway lines 2, 5 & 6. Bronx has a bunch of spectacular and / or just nice places to visit too.
3. HOST IS A NICE PERSON who responds really quickly, she is really friendly and kind. I had great time talking to her.
To sum up, it is a great option to save some money for city attractions if you are not picky.