How bad are cheap hostels in New York?

[UnderOpenSky]

I mean, will I wake up with someone licking my toes? When I stayed in Sydney, I had a chap curl up over my feet. After a few gentle kicks, I decided it was easier to just sleep where he should have been. But that was 22 years ago...

So I'm curious. I'd love to travel the US, but it's never made sense financially. However, I'm going to a family wedding in Colorado next year and as the flights go through New York, it would seem a real waste not to see the city for a few days. However, the trip is already costing me more than I want to think about right now. So I'm wondering if it's possible to do a budget trip in a rather expensive city or rather how unpleasant would it be?

 

[blairsh]

Never been but judging by what i know through other people in recent years, and my own experience, "cheap" isn't a likely option... although that depends on your idea of cheap/budget

 

[blairsh]

editor ?

 

[farmerbarleymow]

will I wake up with someone licking my toes?

People probably pay money for that kind of thing.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Never been but judging by what i know through other people in recent years, and my own experience, "cheap" isn't a likely option... although that depends on your idea of cheap/budget

Cheap for NY. Which ironicaly would have been a half decent hotel and meal out for both us on mainland Greece in September.

But I'll be by myself so am happy to just walk huge distances for a few days and eat street food. It's the accommodation I'm a bit nervous about.

 

[emanymton]

People probably pay money for that kind of thing.

How much do you charge?

 

[farmerbarleymow]

How much do you charge?

That's commercially sensitive - wouldn't want you to undercut me.

 

[emanymton]

That's commercially sensitive - wouldn't want you to undercut me.

I'll have you know I only offer a premium service.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

I'll have you know I only offer a premium service.

That's not what I've seen on review sites.

 

[weltweit]

UnderOpenSky Motels are quite good value in the US. The cheaper ones are more grotty and they probably won't help you in NY, but if you plan to drive around they are very helpful.

 

[skyscraper101]

I’d be very reluctant to do a hostel in New York myself but I wouldn’t want to discourage you from visiting for the first time. It’s a great city to experience on foot, especially in the summer. Can’t really advise not knowing your dates and budget but it is possible to get a couple of nights in a 3-star hotel for around £200 in Manhattan. For whatever extra that is to a hostel I’d really rather the security, private bathroom and peace of mind knowing I won’t be sleeping with a crackhead or a snorer.

 

[AHunter3]

This one has mixed reviews but sounds like a place I would take a chance on:

Google Maps

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www.google.com

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I’d be very reluctant to do a hostel in New York myself but I wouldn’t want to discourage you from visiting for the first time. It’s a great city to experience on foot, especially in the summer. Can’t really advise not knowing your dates and budget but it is possible to get a couple of nights in a 3-star hotel for around £200 in Manhattan. For whatever extra that is to a hostel I’d really rather the security, private bathroom and peace of mind knowing I won’t be sleeping with a crackhead or a snorer.

Yes, me as well, but thought I'd be looking at $200 a night for my room.

So it's a weird situation. I really really don't need luxury, but if it's too grim, I'm not sure if I can be bothered.

 

[editor]

editor ?

I'm kinda done with Airbnb in big cities but you can bag some decent deals if you look in the less trendy areas of Brooklyn or further afield. It's worth looking around on the various hotel sites as I got a bloody amazing deal last time I was there (around $160 night for a really upmarket place with posh roof terrace).

 

[littlebabyjesus]

I stayed in a cheap hostel in Manhattan 30+ years ago. It was something like 12 dollars a night. Something like that. It was a dormitory with thin single beds. I didn't have anything nicked from me while I was there. That's about all I remember of it.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Thanks all. Looks like I'll be shelving this, unless anyone knows any special info beyond checking different price comparison sites?

Weirdly my flight from Denver to Manchester with a stop in New York is less then half the price then the flight from NY to Manchester. The flight from Denver to NY is quite cheap.

 

[emanymton]

I don't have any experiences to share, but have you looked into those pop or capsule hotles or whatever they are called? So you at least get your own room just on the small size? Although I have no idea how cheap they are compared to normal hotels, especially somewhere like New York.

 

[Brainaddict]

I stayed in a cheap hostel in Harlem 20 years ago but even then it wasn't possible to be in New York cheaply. I blew through a week's budget in 3 days.

 

[xenon]

Prob not much help as was 25 years ago but stayed in this place. It was fine, back then, at least.

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[xenon]

I can't remember how much anyway but was a student group visit so price included flights, coach from Newark.

 

[AverageJoe]

Isn't petee from that neck of the woods?

They might have some advice

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

I stayed in a cheap hostel in Manhattan 30+ years ago. It was something like 12 dollars a night. Something like that. It was a dormitory with thin single beds. I didn't have anything nicked from me while I was there. That's about all I remember of it.

I did something about one up from that about 22 years ago.
Tiny single room with just a sink. Shower and toilet shared. I don't know where it was but it must have been quite central (manhattan) as I didn't use the subway to get around, just went on foot. At least that's what I think I did. Saw roaches scuttle when I turned on the lights, but figured that was the norm. It felt safe enough and was pretty cheap (or I wouldn't have gone). I think only £20 - £30 a night. Long time ago though, but I assume slightly more expensive versions in slightly less convenient locations still exist.

 

[Plumdaff]

Chelsea International Hotel

Stayed here with my sister about eight years ago. Tiny rooms but clean and safe, loads of families stay there. Great Manhattan location too.