Hostel in New York

Q: Can you recommend a clean, central hostel in New York City for me in January. I would prefer to stay on Manhattan close to all the action, but I can't afford to pay hotel prices. - Rick Chetty

A: The largest youth hostel in America, the Hostelling International New York Hostel, is on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The 672-bed hostel is just one block from Broadway and a main subway line, and only minutes from Central Park. Accommodation comes from as little as $30 for a bunk bed with linens and a private locker. The hostel has its own coffee shop, convenience store and laundromat. In summer, the hostel offers a nightly outdoor barbecue cookout. Book at www.hinewyork.org or arrive early to get one of the beds they keep available for walk-in guests. One of the boutique-style hostels which are popping up all over New York is Broadway Hotel n Hostel on the trendy Upper West Side. It offers great facilities such as an elegant lounge, a lift (elevator), a library with a fireplace and a state-of-the-art cinema. There is a shuttle service from the airport and it is located two blocks from the subway and one block from the city bus service. Accommodation is available from 25 US dollars in mixed dorms, private dorm rooms for groups of friends travelling together and private twin rooms with bathroom. Book through www.hostelnewyork.com. If you want a private room in a hostel environment, you could try the West Side YMCA, which is located only a minute's walk from Central Park and 15 minutes from Times Square. A single occupancy airconditioned room with cable TV for around $110 per night. A bonus is access to the YMCA's health club and swimming pools. Book through www.ymcanyc.org website. (21/11/10)