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Even though New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for accommodation. We are here to help you find affordable accommodation with our handpicked list of the best hostels in New York City. All the hostels listed below are clean, affordable, and conveniently located within walking distance of subway lines and popular attractions. With all of them providing free WiFi, your style and location preference will determine which one of these hostels will be the best fit for you. No other city offers opportunities like New York City. There is always something new to discover, and we’re excited for you to experience “the city that never sleeps” while staying in one of the best hostels in New York City!
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The Local NYC
New to the edgy Long Island City neighborhood, you can think of The Local as your New York home. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and you can take your pick of a dorm room, private quad, or your own personal double/twin room. Coin laundry is on-site, and luxury linens and towels are included. A stay in New York City wouldn’t be complete without a view of the city’s breathtaking skyline, which you can enjoy from the rooftop terrace. The bar is well-stocked with gourmet snacks, coffee, local beer, and signature cocktails for your enjoyment. You’ll appreciate the event space where they show movies, display local artwork, and host other events to help you meet other guests. Don’t know what to do while in NYC? No worries. The staff will not only provide you with the typical things to do in New York City, but also with attractions you won’t find in your guidebook. Your experience here will more than convince you that The Local NYC is one of the best hostels in New York City.
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NY Moore Hostel
If you’re looking for a trendy hostel with luxury comfort and convenience, this will be one of the best hostels in New York City for you. Situated in East Williamsburg, an artistic and up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood, NY Moore Hostel is a great fit for any traveler. The bustling neighborhood has walls decorated with street art and murals, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by cafes, music venues, art galleries, bars, nightlife, gyms, and shops. Choose your preference of a private room or a dorm room, with a private bathroom and daily housekeeping service. Linens, blankets, and pillows are provided, and you also get complimentary use of hairdryers and irons. At NY Moore Hostel, you can also drink as much coffee and tea as you want as it’s free and unlimited. If you’re looking to take a break from the city that never sleeps, then stay in and enjoy a movie night with NY Moore Hostel! Whatever you do, you will definitely enjoy your stay here.
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New York Budget Inn
Smack dab in the middle of Manhattan, New York Budget Inn’s location makes it super easy to explore sites like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and much more! New York Budget Inn also stands out because of their thoughtfulness. They provide guests with a welcome package of complimentary soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Two computers are available for complimentary use, and a luggage room is available for a small cost. Each room reflects the personality of New York City. Rooms sleep up to four people and some have private bathrooms. Daily housekeeping, fresh towels, and a 24-hour reception and security desk are all part of the package at New York Budget Inn. The concierge service will ensure your itinerary is full of things to make your visit to NYC as perfect as possible.
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HI NYC Hostel
HI NYC Hostel is housed in a landmark, historic Victorian Gothic-style building in Manhattan’s famous Upper West Side neighborhood. In the concrete jungle of New York City it’s hard to find green spaces, but at HI NYC Hostel you don’t need to worry, as it’s situated near the beautiful Central Park and has the largest privately-owned patio and green space in Manhattan. The patio is a great space to relax, enjoy nature, hangout with friends and meet other travelers from all over the world. You will appreciate the free programs and events the hostel provides to help you get familiar with the popular tourist attractions as well as the hidden gems loved by locals. At HI NYC Hostel, you have the option of staying in either an all female or all male dorm, if you don’t like the idea of sleeping in a co-ed room. There are also family rooms available, and they have complimentary additions like itinerary planning, daily tours, and in-room lockers. Although sleeping bags are not permitted, you will receive complimentary linens, pillows, and blankets. With a fully equipped, 36-burner kitchen, laundry facilities, a game room, and common rooms, this hostel has everything you need to have an unforgettable and affordable stay in New York City.
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Q4 Hotel
Located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, foodies will really appreciate the diverse cuisine surrounding the Q4 Hotel. Cuisines in Queens include Thai, Irish, Mexican, Brazilian, Greek, Asian, and Indian. If you prefer to cook, Q4 Hotel has a full guest kitchen and dining room. At Q4 you can choose from a single sex or co-ed 4-6 bed dorm with a private bathroom and locker. If more privacy is your thing, private ensuites are also available. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax in the TV lounge area, have some fun with new friends playing pool or ping pong, or enjoy the many other amenities Q4 offers. Q4 Hotel’s exciting calendar of events not only lets you know of all the cool things happening in the hostel, but also around the city. In-house events include karaoke nights and comedy nights, while current local events include free trips to the Bronx Zoo and the Museum of the Moving Image. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for accessing the best of New York, Q4 Hotel is the place you want to be!
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Jazz on Columbus Circle
Nestled next to Central Park, Jazz on Columbus Circle has an ideal location in the center of New York City. Here, you’ll quickly become part of the fabric of New York as the hostel is surrounded by restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping, bus/bike tours, and art galleries. With themed floors and rooms, you can take your pick of a shared, private, or family room. All rooms have daily housekeeping, a private bathroom, and free in-room lockers, towels, and linens. Jazz Hostel also has thoughtful additions like storage shelves and reading lamps. With 24-hour reception and security, you can rest easy knowing your stay will be as seamless as possible. If you’d like to stay in for the night, you can chill out in the lounge area with cable TV and enjoy the coffee bar. The staff organizes outings and events so you can get to know the city better and meet other travelers and locals. They are excited to welcome you to the Big Apple 🙂
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American Dream Hostel
American Dream Bed & Breakfast is a family-owned business located in Manhattan’s historical Gramercy Park and Flatiron District neighborhood. No need to worry about getting to popular destinations, as American Dream Hostel is only a short distance away from popular attractions like Madison Park and Union Square. This hostel stands out from most as all the rooms in American Dream Hostel are private and equipped with a sink, mirror, air conditioner, heater, and TV. Linens and towels are included for your convenience, and you can also take advantage of amenities like security lockers, a common room, meeting rooms, and a steam room. Every morning you can enjoy the complimentary breakfast with fresh homemade waffles and a variety of other delicious goodies to help you start your day off right. Housing travelers for 15 years, the staff of American Dream Bed & Breakfast look forward to being your home in New York City and providing you with a warm and friendly atmosphere for your stay.
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Broadway Hotel & Hostel
If chic and boutique are your styles, then Broadway Hotel & Hostel may be a perfect fit for you. Located in the Upper West Side neighborhood, this hostel will offer you the real New York experience. You’ll be surrounded by world class restaurants, live music, comedy clubs, and famous landmarks without having to break your budget. An elevator with bellman service and a 24-hour concierge are great perks to ensure you have a smooth stay. They offer private and shared rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms. An inviting mini-kitchen and plush guest lounge provide you with great spaces to hang out with friends and meet people from all over the world. If you get excited at the thought of a new book, you will love the book exchange offered here! A mini-supermarket and meals are available on-site as well as 24-hour reception, security, and a tours/travel desk. Security lockers, a steam room, and an airport shuttle are just a few more reasons Broadway Hotel & Hostel is New York’s hottest boutique hostel.
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Chelsea International Hostel
One of the original and oldest NYC hostels, Chelsea International Hostel has a lot to boast about. Great for students, single travelers, groups, couples, and families, it’s situated in one of the safest districts in New York City. Chelsea sits south of Midtown Manhattan and just north of Greenwich Village. Chelsea International Hostel has great amenities like complimentary continental breakfast and a spacious outdoor courtyard. At Chelsea, you can cook in one of the two kitchens, eat in the dining room and make friends or relax in the lounge. Behind the front desk you will find true locals who can help to personalize your experience in New York City. Depending on your room preference, you can choose a private or shared room that sleeps between one and four travelers with the option of an ensuite or shared bathroom. Best of all, there are no bunk beds! Chelsea International Hostel has great weekly events like free all-you-can-eat pizza on Wednesdays and free comedy nights to keep you entertained and having fun throughout your stay.
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Blue Moon Hotel NYC
This crown jewel of Manhattan is in the trendy Lower East Side neighborhood. A blend of preservation and design, Blue Moon Hotel NYC is bordered by the Financial District, Chinatown, SoHo, East Village, and Greenwich Village. Prime shopping, dining, drinking, and sightseeing are all just a few steps away. Take the elevator upstairs to your beautiful room with high ceilings that’s adorned with antiques, and enjoy the breathtaking views if you chose a balcony room. You can also take advantage of the ensuite mini-bar, microwave and mini-fridge. The restaurant café and outdoor terrace are great places to chill out with new friends, and the multi-lingual staff is on hand to meet all your needs and give insight on events and activities throughout New York City. If you’re an art and history lover looking for a boutique hotel with historic detail, this is the one for you.
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And there you have it! These are the best hostels in New York City and one of them has your name written all over it. We want you to have an amazing time in New York City without having to pay an arm and a leg for accommodation. If you are looking for tips on how to make your NYC less expensive, check out our article on how to save money while traveling.
If you want to learn more about NYC and its attractions, make sure to check out our list of the best tours in NYC worth paying for.
This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. If you own a hostel in New York City that you would like to add to this list, email us at contact(at)roadaffair(dot)com with the subject: Best Hostels in New York City.
If you are looking for things to do in New York City, check out some of the guides below!
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