The Pink Hostel is billed as New York's first female-only hostel and it lives up to its name. With pink walls, decorations, and even pink pipes that carry hot water to the upper floors, the pink hostel is bright, cheerful, and very clean.
Staffed by women who live in the hostel, there is always someone to talk to, and they're more than happy to give recommendations to restaurants or other types of entertainment. You can even meet friends to go sightseeing with if you spend some time in their common room, which includes a television, kitchen, Internet access and comfortable seating. Rooms start as low as $19 per night (as of February 2010).
Pink Hostel
137 W. 111th St.
New York, NY 10026
646-371-9369
pinkhostels.com
Central Park hostel offers a coed hostel experience at a great price. From just $25 per night (all rates are as of February 2010), you can stay just one block from Central Park West and have easy access to the B and C subway lines.
This hostel includes all linens in its price and has an area with secured lockers, but you must remember to bring your own padlock. It also offers Internet access, a television, kitchen area and a pool table.
Central Park Hostel
19 W. 103rd St.
New York, NY 10025
212-678-0491
centralparkhostel.com
Another coed hostel, the Times Square Dream Hostel lets you stay right in the center of the action and is only two blocks from Times Square. With a variety of rooms that range from six-person dorms to private doubles, there's something for everyone.
Amenities include a microwave and refrigerator, free coffee and tea, Internet access and free long-distance domestic calling. Rooms start around $50 per night.
Times Square Dream Hostel
572 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10036
timessquaredreamhostel.com
Located mere steps from Broadway in midtown, the Big Apple Hostel allows you to stay near tourist attractions and public transportation. Prices start at $35 per person and change depending on the season.
There is a backyard with a barbecue and a fully stocked kitchen so you can prepare meals. With free wireless Internet and free linens, the Big Apple Hostel is a great place for the traveler on a budget to rest his weary head. This hostel is recommended by both Frommer's Travel Guides and Lonely Planet.
Big Apple Hostel
119 W. 45th St.
New York, NY 10036-4043
212-302-2603
bigapplehostel.com
Located close to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, Jazz on the Park is a coed hostel with amenities like lockers, Internet access, coin-operated laundry and a free continental breakfast.
There are outdoor terraces and nightly events in the basement lounge, which can help you get to know other travelers. Prices start around $30 per night for the 12-bed dormitories.
Jazz on the Park Hostel
36 W. 106th St.
New York, NY 10025
212-932-1600
jazzhostels.com
The Manhattan Broadway Hotel is one of the most inexpensive hotels in the city. With a convenient location in the Garment District, you'll have easy access to the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Times Square. If you're looking to see attractions located farther away, The Manhattan Broadway Hotel is close to Penn Station, which connects you to the rest of the city.
Each room has a private bathroom with a marble bathtub, air conditioning, a television, and an armoire. The lobby is staffed 24 hours per day. You can use the hotel's pre-paid high-speed Internet or access Wi-Fi for $3 per day. Standard double rooms start at $99 per night, but if you stay for three or more nights, that rate is cut to $66 per night for two people, a bargain in Manhattan. (Prices as of February 2010).
Manhattan Broadway Hotel
273 W. 38th St.
New York, NY 10018
212-921-9791
nymbhotel.com
