Chelsea International Hostel

Situated in the heart of Chelsea and just north of Greenwich Village, the Chelsea International Hostel offers basic, affordable beds in a coveted location near vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants and funky cafés.

The Chelsea International Hostel provides a whopping 350 beds in a variety of configurations from private singles and doubles to two- and four-bed dorms. Rooms are furnished with beds (mostly bunks), lockers (bring your own lock) and sinks—nothing else. Some singles, doubles and two-bed dorms have private bathrooms, while the cheapest share facilities. All four- bed dorms have private bathrooms. Linens are provided, and some rooms are equipped with air conditioning, but beyond that rooms have no amenities. 

The Chelsea International Hostel does offer the usual communal perks one can expect from a youth hostel. There is a basic communal area and a dining hall that reminded us of summer camp with its wood-paneled walls and picnic tables. The guest kitchen is adequate for preparing simple meals.

Perhaps the best feature at the Chelsea International Hostel is its urban courtyard, complete with vibrant cityscape mural. The hostel also throws a pizza party each Wednesday, free to all guests.

Breakfast is also included in the room rate. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas only, and shared computers are available for a fee. Note that while there is no curfew and reception is open 24-hours, the common areas (and thus Internet access) are only open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Also, note that the Chelsea International Hostel has lots of stairs and no elevator.

Location

What the Chelsea International Hostel lacks in charm it makes up for in destination. This is one sought-after zip code, marked by leafy residential streets and plentiful options for restaurants, art galleries and gay hotspots

Two avenue blocks west of the hostel the High Line — New York’s coolest urban escape — looms above the streets. We suggest a stroll along the elevated railroad tracks down to the popular food arcade, Chelsea Market, where you’ll find any number of cheap artisan eats. Farther south (below 14th Street) begins picturesque Greenwich Village and the uber-trendy Meatpacking District, and to the north the Midtown business district provides quick access to transportation hubs Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Transportation

Subways: Local 1 trains stop at 18th Street, about three blocks away from the hostel. The A/C/E lines can be accessed six blocks south at 14th Street and 8th Avenue.

JFK: To reach the Chelsea International Hostel from JFK, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach Station, then the A express train 14th Street. Walk north along 8th Avenue to 20th Street. Riding in the front of the train will put your exit closer to the hostel.

LaGuardia: From LaGuardia, the easiest way to reach the hostel is to catch an airport bus service to Penn Station, then take the downtown 1 train three stops from to 18th Street.

Newark: To reach the Chelsea International from Newark, take the AirThereTrain to the NJ Transit station, and then any NJ Transit train into New York Penn Station, where you can transfer to a downtown 1 train to 18th Street.