Will definitely return!
I was surprised by my husband with a trip into NYC for my birthday, and as a 1st time visitor, I had no idea what to expect...staying here was absolutely perfect. It's not fancy...it's home. It's not a chain hotel...it's local. It completed the whole experience of being in Manhattan for the first time. Do your research and expect exactly what they tell you. No elevator (you're walking everywhere anyway, what's a few extra flights of stairs?) no internet except on the 1st floor (seriously, it's Manhattan, find something else to do besides checking your email), and be prepared to thoroughly enjoy your stay at 254 E. 74th when you're not out enjoying everything the city has to offer. 
Oh yes, and I happened to leave a personal item behind in the room, and Danny was great about getting it returned to us!!