West Side YMCA

EuroCheapo Review email this page print this page

Throughout North America—nay, the world—YMCAs double as inexpensive guesthouses and hostels, places where the budget-strapped can find relatively cheap nightly accommodation. The West Side YMCA, located on West 63rd Street near Lincoln Center, is no exception to this rule. It is a high-volume dormitory.

The West Side Y's 360 rooms come in a few categories, from bare-bones to lower-midrange. None are luxurious; some, in fact, are frankly a bit ratty at the edges. Many rooms have cold looking linoleum floors and bare bones hostel-style bunk bed accommodations. Televisions are, somewhat surprisingly, omnipresent. There are rooms with both private and shared facilities.

For those who like privacy, we recommend the "premium" double rooms with semi-private bathrooms, which are about $15 more expensive than standard double rooms. This might be one of the better places to opt for a higher category of room, as the "premium" rooms are in far better shape than those of the standard variety.

Wi-Fi is free, though it can only be reliably accessed from the lobby. The final and completely undeniable perk is access to the YMCA's spacious gym and pool facilities. Tons of students and groups stay here, and the lobby is often chaotic. In addition to guests, there are also gym goers and others taking advantage of YMCA services passing through.

» Alex Robertson Textor

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor. This review is based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.