Hostelling International New York

Upper West Side & Central Park


This red-brick mansion from the 1880s houses HI’s 734 well-scrubbed and maintained bunks. It’s rather 19th-century industrial, but benefits include good public areas, a backyard (that sees barbecue action in the summer), a communal kitchen, a cafe and environmentally friendly initiatives throughout. There are loads of activities on offer, from walking tours to club nights. It's short-staffed, however, and reception staff can be stubborn.

There are three attractive private rooms with private bathrooms, too. The hostel is alcohol-free.