Visiting New York? Short on cash but still need a safe place to stay? May we suggest hostels in New York?

The Hostel
So what is a hostel? A hostel has all the same letters as hotels but it does not have all the high prices of a hotel which will be easier on your pocket and provides budget-oriented accommodation where you, the guest, can rent a bed, for two (2) to three (3) weeks. At times, a bunk bed in a dormitory is given and guests shares a bathroom, lounge and sometimes the kitchen.

The Rooms
The rooms can be mixed (both male and female) or single-sex, although private rooms (at a higher rate) may also be available. Hostels are generally cheaper for both the owner/operator and you, the occupant. Although hostels cost are low, the rate will increase once you add the 15% hotel tax which includes the state, city and room tax.

The Jobs
Need a job? A few hostel in New York employ their long-term residents (a commitment period may be required) as desk clerks or as housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation so if you are planning to move to New York or extended vacation, these NY hostels with work exchance programs can be your ticket in finding a quick job and boarding. If you are an international visitor, please note that you may may denied if you visit using the visa waiver program or if you are a (New York resident) New Yorker.

The Requirements
Here are a few hostels that you may want to check out. Before reserving, be sure that you meet the minimum age requirements for the room & will not need to stay longer the the hostel permits. Some hostels limit you to stay up to fourteen (14) days while others will permit you to stay twenty-one (21) days or twenty-eight (28) days or less and can include a two (2) day minimum stay.

The Alternates
Along with the hostels, you may also want to consider some Bed and Breakfast in New York (often called Motels or Inns) as well. B&B’s will cost less than a hotel and provide a better rate than hostel with a private room and bathroom. Couples who would like to be intimate on their visit in New York often choose these so they may be in short demand on the weekend and especially near Valentines Day.

The List
Amsterdam Inn (Closed)
340 Amsterdam Avenue
(between West 76th & 77th Street)
1-212-579-7500

Candy Hostel – New York
315 West 94th Street
(between W. End Avenue and Riverside Drive)
New York, NY, 10025
1-888-646-7835

Central Park Inn 18+ with Locker Storage
19 West 103rd Street
(between Manhattan Avenue and Central Park West)
1-212-678-0491

Chelsea International Hostel 18+
251 West 20th Street
(between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
1-212-647-0010

Chelsea Spot Hotel
341 West 30th Street
(between 8th and 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
1-212-239-9030

Fifth Avenue Spot Hotel
35 West 126th Street
(between 5th and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10027
1-212-289-6405

Greenpoint YMCA‎
99 Meserole Avenue
(between Manhattan Avenue & Lorimer Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
1-718-389-3700

HI – New York Hostel
891 Amsterdam Avenue
(between West 103rd and 104th Streets)
1-212-932-2300

Jazz On the Park 18+ Locker Storage
36 West 106th Street
(between Manhattan Avenue and Central Park West)
1-212-932-1600

Lafayette International Hostel‎
484 Lafayette Avenue
(between Franklin Avenue and Bedford Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
1-347-551-0480‎

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast
80 Rutland Road
(between Flatbush & Bedford)
Brooklyn, NY 11225
1-347-351-9065

Metropol Hostel
133 North Fourth Street
(between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
1-888-529-2826

Pink Hostels (For Females – Closed)
137 West 111th Street
(between 7th Avenue & Malcolm X Boulevard)
New York, NY 10026
1-646-371-9369

The Big Apple Hostel (Closed)
119 West 45th Street
(between 6th and 7th Avenues)
1-212-302-2603

The Seafarers and International House
123 East 15th Street
(between Irving Place and 3rd Avenue)
1-212-677-4800

Vanderbilt YMCA
224 East 47th Street
(between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY 10017
1-212-912-2500

Village Inn Hostel
27 East 7th Street
(between 2nd & 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10003

West Side YMCA
5 West 63rd Street
(between Columbus Ave and Central Park West)
New York, NY 10023
1-212-875-4100

Wanderers Inn West Hostel (Closed)
257 West 113th Street
(between 7th Avenue & Frederick Douglas Boulevard)
New York, NY 10026
1-212-222-5602

Still need more? Be sure to check out the hostel directory for New York.

Join us in our New York Forum if you have any comments or questions.