New York City is an expensive destination, but luckily there are quality hostels that offer a fun and affordable alternative to the pricey hotel scene. Although there aren’t many hostels in New York due to local regulations from a decade ago, there is still a selection of options for every traveler’s tastes. We have handpicked the ten most unique, stylish, and cozy hostels that will surprise travelers with their quality and price. These hostels are a part of the unforgettable experience waiting to be discovered in the City That Never Sleeps.
10 American Dream Bed and Breakfast
If quality service is the priority, American Dream Bed and Breakfast is a great choice. The comfy vibe and warm hospitality will make weary travelers feel right at home. This hostel is unfussy about the interior details but extravagant in service and ambiance. Practical needs like computer workstations and a sunlight-filled kitchen are all provided. Quirky accents and Americana memorabilia enhance the character of this space, so the stay feels like a visit with friends in the city. This cozy and friendly hostel is located in the Flatiron District, near multiple subway stations and the New York Comedy Club.
9 Jazz On Columbus Circle
Discreetly tucked away along busy 8th Avenue, Jazz on Columbus Circle is ideally located for exploring iconic Midtown Manhattan and Central Park. The price and location make this hostel an easy choice, but the amenities are the cherry on top. The hostel offers lounges on multiple floors, so guests can meet fellow travelers and shaded balconies to recharge and reflect on the day's adventures. The walls are adorned with massive black and white images of New York and bright, comfy furniture, adding to the dynamic vibe.
8 Interfaith Retreats
Proceeds from all guest bookings at Interfaith Retreats help to fund free and nutritious food for the homeless. Guests are invited to help distribute these meals, too. The homey feel of this unique hostel is complemented by a palette of soft colors throughout and religious wall art from many faith traditions. Interfaith Retreats is located in Midtown Manhattan, mere steps away from the Empire State Building and Penn Station. This is a particularly good choice for travelers with a vegetarian diet, as there is a strict policy disallowing any meat or meat products within the hostel.
7 NY Moore Hostel
The massive mural on the building's exterior is a sign of what's to come at NY Moore Hostel. This is the ideal haunt for traveling artists and art lovers. The interior walls are covered in various styles of art – from framed pieces to murals to graffiti. This hostel's design embraces the creativity and youthfulness for which the Williamsburg neighborhood is known and loved. The location off Bushwick Avenue is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Brooklyn and all of New York, too.
6 Chelsea International
Enjoy the luxury of being connected to all New York has to offer while relishing the peace of a cozy Chelsea address. Chelsea International is a long-timer on the New York City hostel scene, operating as a hostel for nearly thirty years. The space has been continuously updated and sports serene, freshly-painted cornflower blue walls throughout. Here, guests wake up just a stone's throw from the High Line, delicious local eateries, and multiple subway stations.
5 Hosteling International (HI) New York City Hostel
Representing a long-time stalwart of the hostel industry, this Hosteling International branch is all about New York style – big, social, and unique. There is ample lounge space, a massive kitchen, and one of the largest private outdoor patios in Manhattan. Relax after a day of sightseeing with a movie in the private theater or play a few rounds at the billiard table with new friends from all over the world. Just beyond the beautiful brick walls of this hostel, more memorable experiences are waiting for visitors. Stroll in Central Park, just down the street.
4 La Sienna
This delightful and homey boutique hostel prides itself on exclusively offering single rooms and a peaceful respite from the pace of the city. The converted home is quintessential New York Brownstone, dating back to the city's gilded age in the 1920s. Original details like carved engaged columns and luxurious fireplaces enhance La Sienna's elegance and charm. What's more, La Sienna is in the heart of historic Harlem and just down the street from the Apollo Theater, surrounded by a collection of restaurants specializing in uniquely American dishes. This is an ideal choice for budget-conscious history buffs.
3 Nap York 24/7 Sleep Station - Central Park
Sleek and functional design characterizes Nap York 24/7 Sleep Station - Central Park, and rooms are called "sleep pods." There are also charming touches like indoor plants and a ceiling that looks like a starry night sky. Workspaces and quiet booths make this an ideal option for business travelers and digital nomads. Nestled in the hustle and bustle of 8th Ave and West 56th Street, the address is in the center of it all. Book this peaceful, unfussy, and sophisticated accommodation for a little Zen amidst the noise.
2 The Local
Ultra-modern and industrial, sun-drenched and chic, The Local is unabashedly hip while fully embracing the industrial past of its neighborhood. The open, airy lounge greets visitors warmly. There is a co-working area just beyond, with dedicated computers for public use, tables, and comfy chairs. Off to the right is a charming bar with an exposed brick interior and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop lounge boasts a stunning view of Midtown Manhattan and the Queensboro Bridge. Located in Long Island City, Queens, a stay here will help travelers experience New York like a local.
1 Freehand New York
The experience awaiting guests of Freehand New York can best be described as modern yet timelessly elegant. From the subtle luxury of the polished oak bar to the mesmerizing and carefully curated art found throughout the building, the decor references the artsy and complex history of the building and its neighborhood, Gramercy Park. This former hotel has inspired literary giants and the creative community in the Flatiron District for decades. Freehand New York is more than comfortable and well-appointed accommodations; it’s a peak into the ever-changing and eternally youthful soul of Manhattan.