HI NYC Hostel

The Hostelling International New York—one of the largest youth hostels in North America—is ideally situated in a stunning historic building just a few blocks from Central Park. Like most HI properties throughout the world, the New York location is clean, safe and reliable, with lots of extra services that will appeal to backpackers and budget travelers.

The HI New York City has a total of 624 beds spread across a variety of dorm rooms. All rooms are simple and sparkling, with metal or wooden bunks and carpeted floors. Each bunk has a personal light, and rooms are equipped with lockers, an A/C unit and surprisingly comfortable mattresses.

Rooms at the Hostelling International New York come in three types: “Economy” rooms have 10-12 beds, “Standard” dorms have eight beds and “Premium” rooms have four or six beds. All rooms types come in either mixed or single-sex options (note that solo travelers may only stay in single-sex dorms).

Common spaces are welcoming and plentiful. Guests have access to a well-equipped kitchen, laundry room, comfy TV lounge, library, pool table and cozy café. And, best of all, the hostel boasts Manhattan’s largest privately owned patio, a vast brick number with picnic tables, twinkle lights and plenty of greenery.

Wi-Fi is free throughout. Breakfast is included in the room rate for Premium rooms.

Bathrooms

A few rooms at the HI New York offer private bathroom facilities, but most rooms share facilities in the hallways. Either way, the bathrooms are quite clean. Towels are included for all rooms, and premium rooms also offer shower slippers.

Hostel

Like many Hostelling International hostels, the HI New York is situated in a fabulous and historic building, in this case it's a gorgeous 19th-century mansion that was once the headquarters for the “Relief of Respectable, Aged, Indigent Females.” Its red-brick Victorian Gothic exterior has been preserved, and inside, beyond a few wine-cellar-esque brick archways, renovations have rendered things much more modern.

The HI New York also has an impressive event calendar, offering everything from free comedy and poetry nights to pub crawls and “clubbing” outings with cheap drink specials. The friendly staff can also book tours throughout the city.

Location

The Hostelling International NYC’s Upper West Side location is great for travelers who want to stay where locals live, yet remain close to major attractions. Dining and shopping options cluster along Broadway, and the nearest subway stop is just a block away from the hostel.

The HI New York is situated within three blocks of both Central Park (to the east) and the lovely Riverside Park (to the west). Columbia University, Morningside Park and the impressive Cathedral of St. John the Divine are also within easy walking distance, and Times Square is a short subway ride away.

Transportation

Subways: The 1 train stops at 103rd Street and Broadway, just one block from the hostel.

JFK: Take the Air Train to Howard Beach Station, then the Manhattan-bound A express train to 59th Street-Columbus Circle. Transfer to the Uptown 1 train to 103rd Street and walk one block to the hostel.

LaGuardia: The M60 public bus stops outside the airport terminals on its way into Manhattan, where it travels west across 125th Street. Take the buse to its final stop at 106th Street and Broadway, and walk about five minutes south to the hostel.

Newark: Take the Air Train to the NJ Transit station, and then any NJ Transit train into New York Penn Station. From there, take an Uptown A or C train to 59th Street-Columbus Circle, and transfer to the Uptown 1 train to 103rd Street. The hotel is a short walk from the station.