For a year, my wife and I lived in this floor plan, with our infant daughter: http://www.halsteadnewrochelle.com/redsimages/floorplan/unit.... It was a totally inefficient 420 square feet, with lots of unusable space in that hallway and giant bathroom. Comparable to a well-designed 350 square foot space I'd say.
Living-wise, it was great! These places aren't designed for people who like to hang around at home. We were out all day--my wife would wander around Manhattan while I was at work, and we'd spend all weekend shopping/traveling/etc.
The summer before that, before the baby, we lived for three months in an extended stay hotel room, which was 240 square feet. Enough space for a bed, small bathroom, kitchen, and table with two chairs. Cheaper finishings than I would prefer, but otherwise quite comfortable. The summer before that I lived in a 150 square foot bedroom/bath where I didn't have access to the rest of the house. If the UWS wasn't so filthy in the summer it would've been great.
Living-wise, it was great! These places aren't designed for people who like to hang around at home. We were out all day--my wife would wander around Manhattan while I was at work, and we'd spend all weekend shopping/traveling/etc.
The summer before that, before the baby, we lived for three months in an extended stay hotel room, which was 240 square feet. Enough space for a bed, small bathroom, kitchen, and table with two chairs. Cheaper finishings than I would prefer, but otherwise quite comfortable. The summer before that I lived in a 150 square foot bedroom/bath where I didn't have access to the rest of the house. If the UWS wasn't so filthy in the summer it would've been great.