As I mentioned in the post about cheap accommodation in New York, there aren’t many reasonably priced options in the city. As it is a super touristy place with high demand throughout the year, hotel room rates, even those that are just for sleeping and showering, tend to be very high.
To get around this problem on my last trip, I decided to spend my days in hostels. How would I spend a week in Big Apple, I chose to stay in more than one so I could compare the options here on the blog.
I found the location super practical, and even when I went to Wall Street and the 9/11 memorial, which are in the southern part of the island, it took just a few minutes using line 1.
HI NYC facilities – The best hostel in New York
In a corner building, what strikes you at first glance is the size of the best hostel in New York. With several floors, the property offers rooms with 12 to just 4 beds, both male and female and mixed.
An interesting rule, which does not usually exist in other accommodations in this category, is that mixed rooms are only for travelers who are in the company of people of the opposite sex. Anyone traveling alone cannot make a reservation for one of these rooms.
Furthermore, only those who live at least 80km from the city are allowed to stay on the property. If I'm not mistaken, this is a law of the country itself, to prevent residents from staying in hostels. Those who are not members of Hostelling International also need to pay an extra fee to use the accommodation, which costs US$3 per day.
All areas, from the rooms to the common areas, have free Wi-Fi. O
Some of the activities offered on one of the days I was staying!
rooms
The room I stayed in was a 10-bed female dorm. My first impression was that it was a spacious and clean place, but with a smell of wet thing (mold, rs).
Other than that small problem, I thought it was great. Each bed had its own socket – actually two of them – and individual light. There were lockers for each guest, and they were big enough to fit a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. The padlock was not provided, but I used the one on my own suitcase and had no problems.
The bed was very comfortable, and the bunk beds didn't make noise or move much, which was great. There was also a full-length mirror, something many lack. hostels around. On my second day I also discovered that there was an air conditioner in the room, and when I turned it on the unpleasant smell practically disappeared.
Ten-bed female room at HI NYC Hostel.
Bathrooms
Honestly, what impressed me most were the bathrooms. In addition to being super clean, everything was super modern and new.. I confess that I was somewhat prejudiced against the HI network, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The women's bathroom had several cabins, and the shower cabins were super large, with space to put things. The water was hot, the pressure was great and there was even a system to check how much water you had used (interesting, right?).
As there were many rooms per floor, I had to queue for a few moments, especially at the beginning of the day. Fortunately, with a very large counter and several mirrors, there was space for anyone who needed to dry their hair (they have a dryer), straighten their hair or put on makeup. Occasionally there would be a lack of sinks, but then those who weren't using them just got out of the way and everything was fine.
As it is a very large building, there are several common areas where travelers can socialize and make friends. The main one is the cafeteria, where breakfast combos and other snacks are sold throughout the day, with several tables and places to sit. I saw a lot of people working with notebooks there.
There is also an area for watching movies, laundry facilities and a huge patio where barbecues are held from time to time. These events are organized by the staff of the hostel, and you only need to contribute financially to be able to participate. Another interesting rule is that alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the property.
For those who prefer to cook their own meals, There is also a complete kitchen, fully equipped and with plenty of space. Of all the hostels I've ever stayed in, this was certainly the most impressive kitchen I've ever seen, it really looked like a restaurant.
Part of the HI NYC courtyard.
My experience at HI NYC Hostel
As I mentioned, I was apprehensive about staying on the HI network due to its number of rules. I thought it might be a kind of place boring and where it would be difficult to make friends. I couldn't be more wrong.
From the moment I walked in the door, the atmosphere of the place was super friendly. Not only were the staff helpful and patient, you could also meet travelers of all types. I saw people with backpacks to some with two huge suitcases, and they were all well received. Many girls spent hours in the bathrooms putting on makeup while others just brushed their teeth and were ready, and no one was judged for being less.”Backpacker".
I'm not a big fan of hostels big ones, because I think it makes it difficult to make friends, but HI NYC proved to me that this isn't always the case. The spaces for socializing, despite being huge, were super cozy and inviting. It's no surprise that, in my experience, this is the best hostel in New York – or at least one of the best.
Apart from the unpleasant smell in the room at first, I have nothing to complain about my stay. On the contrary, I have nothing but praise for the organization, cleanliness and modernity of the facilities, and it will certainly be my first option for accommodation on my next trip to Big Apple.
