I think that location is a bit of the beaten path for a 1st timer in NYC. Also there are risks with these apartment units, as mentioned here and on many other threads. Before you take an apartment, post the VRBO ID here so the resident locals can give you more specific feedback.

Radio City Apartments, midtown area, offers apartment type units with kitchenettes at a reasonable price, and they seem to be well received here. Affinia hotels also have apartment typed units that are very nice.

Restater, regarding finding a rental through VRBO, Did you read what nytraveler said about most apts being illegal or scams....that is excellent information that you should follow...stay in an apartment/hotel not an apartment.

i always stay at the Courtyard Marriott at 53rd and 3rd.We'll be there over July4th--rooms are big, convenient to subways,both uptown and crosstown,convenient breakfast bagel shops,clean and friendly.We're paying 290/nt for a suite--Oh and great view of Chrysler building

A) Do not call the subway a metro as it's a dead give away you are from Europe, and you will assuredly be covered with lettuce in no time.
The only place that is not crowded in NYC is Staten Island; it's that unknown island that no real NYorker has ever been to.
DO NOT visit Coney Island Fri-Sun. Tip: the Port Authority has bathrooms, and some nice places to eat. Tip: bathrooms in Central Park are ALWAYS out of service... got that ladies? [as men always go behind cars].

Thanks all for your suggestions and comments. This place in the Upper West Side worked out rather well. It's rated as accommodating up to five, but one could probably comfortably shoehorn in six.

http://www.vrbo.com/212856

You use the past tense "worked out". Have you already come and gone? Either way, you're not listening to what people are telling you about apts.

Come and gone, McL.- returned home last night. As far as listening to suggestions and comments, I'd disagree. Several factors and points of view were presented by the forum, and I found those most useful in my consideration of where to stay. Thanks to all who contributed.

Too bad that once again someone decided to ignore local laws and feels good about it.

Sounds like you had a good time visiting our City. Come again soon.