This post is about hostels in New York City.
We list the top five hostels in NYC and also hybrid hostels/hotels that offer private rooms but some have shared bathrooms to bring down prices.
- Top 5 Hostels in New York City
- Hybrid Hotel/Hostels
- Cheap Hotels in New York City
- NYC Discount Passes
- NYC on a Budget
- Free Tours by Foot
Top 5 Hostels in New York City
The Local NYC
13-02 44th Ave., Long Island City, Queens
Though the hostel is in Queens it is a very fast trip into Midtown Manhattan. The subway station is a 4-minute walk from the hostel.
The train to Times Square is only 8 minutes!
The Local has both dormitory style and private rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Linens and towels are provided. Each bed has its own reading light.
There is free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped common kitchen, and a computer lounge.
Two nice features are the rooftop terrace with amazing Manhattan skyline views and the onsite bar where you can grab a meal, a coffee or beer and mingle with other hostel guests.
In peak season (summer) a bed in a 4-bed dormitory (same gender or mixed) is just $60 plus tax.
There are also some double rooms and queen-ADA accessible rooms for $170 a night.
In the off-peak winter months, beds are $38 a night. Get more information.
NY Moore Hostel
179 Moore St., Brooklyn
Stay in the hip East Williamsburg/Bushwick area of Brooklyn, just a quick subway ride from Manhattan.
This artsy hostel is in a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants and plenty of nightlife.
Nearby is the Bushwick Collective where renowned mural artists contribute their art. Also, Roberta's pizza, one of the best pizzerias in NYC is right there.
The Moore has 32 large loft-like dorm rooms, each with its own bathroom.
The rooms are spacious and light and most do not have bunk beds, so you don't need to climb up into bed at night!
Each bed comes with a bedside table, lamp, linens, blanket and a locker for your belongings.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi and a small business center with computers.
There is complimentary coffee and tea, a fully-equipped common kitchen and a garden patio.
Dorm beds range from $56-$62 in the peak summer months and $40-46 in the off-peak winter months. Get more information.
West Side YMCA
5 West 63rd St.
This huge, all-ages hostel is known for its amazing location right off of Central Park and its incredibly low prices.
Some rooms have a view of the park so ask for one when booking!
Rooms are mostly singles and doubles with bunk beds. Some have semi-private bathrooms though they are located in the hallway.
If you want privacy, try to get the "Double Bed Room with Private Bath". They book up fast though.
Rooms are sparse and come with linens and a small towel. They do have flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.
A $10 daily Guest Room Membership Fee gives you access to their swimming pool, gymnasium and cardio and weight rooms.
Dorm beds range from $95-129 in the peak summer months and $86-103 in the off-peak winter months.
HI International NYC
891 Amsterdam Ave at 103rd St.
HI International NYC is located on the northern boundary of the Upper West Side and a 15-minute walk to Central Park and Columbia University.
It is a 10-minute walk to a subway station.
The old, castle-like building has 724 dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms.
You can choose a same-gender room or a mixed room. Linens, towels and housekeeping service are provided. Rooms have air-conditioning.
There are some private rooms like a quadruple with a shared bathroom and family rooms with a queen bed and two bunk beds with a private bathroom.
At around $200 a night, their private rooms are a bargain if you have four people in your group.
Free Wi-Fi is included. Other features include a snack bar, a movie lounge, a game room, a community kitchen and an outdoor patio and garden.
The hostel offers many activities including pub crawls, nightclub events and in-house comedy and variety shows. This hostel is a favorite among those who want to party
A bed in a dormitory room is $65-$75 in peak months of summer and $35-$45 in off-peak winter months.
Chelsea International Hostel
251 W. 20th Street
The Chelsea International Hostel is one of the largest independent hostels in NYC.
The location is great as it is halfway between Times Square and Greenwich Village. It is approximately a 20-minute walk to either of those locations or a 10-minute subway ride.
Two blocks away are the High Line park and the Chelsea Market, perfect for grabbing food to bring back to the hostel.
Note that this hostel is especially good for solo female travelers. A police station is across the street.
Dorm rooms sleep one to six guests in single beds with shared bathrooms.
The good news is that there are no bunk beds! The bad news is that the rooms are Spartan-like. They are functional and simple.
Linen and towels are provided. In the summer, there is air-conditioning.
The hostel has two shared kitchens, a dining area and a courtyard. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property.
In peak months, like summer, a dorm bed with a shared bathroom is $70, a private single room with a shared bathroom is $95, a private twin room with a shared bathroom is $135, and a private twin room with a private bathroom $145.
In off-peak months prices drop slightly. Get more information.
Hybrid Hostels/Hotels
Hybrid hostels/hotels are accommodations that offer private rooms but have hostel-like features such as shared bathrooms and common spaces to socialize.
Prices are higher than hostels but still lower than regular hotels.
The Pod Hotels
The Pod Hotels are reasonably priced and lean toward social atmospheres.
Some have common rooms to socialize and two have incredible rooftop lunges.
They have several locations: Pod 51, Pod Times Square, Pod 39 and Pod Brooklyn.
Prices vary depending on which Pod you stay at, the number of guests in your group and if you choose a room with a private bathroom or a shared bathroom.
Learn more about the Pod Hotels from our post on Cheap Hotels in New York City and our post on Where to Stay in NYC.
Jazz at Columbus Circle
940 8th Ave. at 63rd Street.
Jazz on Columbus Circle is in a great location in Midtown Manhattan just a few blocks south of Central Park.
This hostel offers both dormitory rooms and private rooms and all rooms have private bathrooms.
Linen and towels are provided. WiFi is free throughout the building and a light breakfast is included in the price.
Note that this hostel is part of the Jazz hostel chain.
They do have a traditional hostel located in Upper Manhattan called Jazz on the Park but reviews have dropped significantly and we can't wholeheartedly recommend it.
Check out our post 15 Ways to Find Cheap Accommodation in New York City for some tips on finding great deals.
