Top 20 Hostels in New York

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It won’t be an exaggeration if we say that New York is the most famous and popular city in the world.

It has numerous attractions and sights and can offer you a variety of foods, unforgettable experiences, and lots of great memories.

However, you need to know that the Big Apple is also one of the most expensive cities in the world so it can be a great challenge to find a cheap place to stay.

To make it easier for you, we’ve prepared a list of top 20 amazing budget-friendly hostels in NY.

In this article, you can find a variety of hostels that can meet the needs of any traveler.

There are options for party lovers, budget travelers, youngsters – just look through the article and find your perfect hostel.

Insider Guide to the 20 Best Hostels in New York

As we’ve already said it is very difficult to find at least something cheap in this city and, of course, hostels are no exception.

The minimal price for a dorm bed in NY is about $30 per night.

Of course, all cheap hostels are located in the areas that are pretty far from the central part of the city so don’t even try to look for really budget accommodations in Manhattan.

The great thing about New York hostels is that all of them are of high quality and offer a variety of services.

Usually, it is not so hard to find hostels that provide free storage, lockers, and even breakfast.

All these aspects and services will help you save a good amount of money.

Below, here is our list of top 20 great hostels in New York City.

Overall Best Hostel in New York – Chelsea International Hostel

• $$
• Free Breakfast
• Luggage Storage
• Bike Parking

Chelsea International Hostel is one of the biggest and one of the most well-known hostels for backpackers in the city.

It is a great place that is known for its friendly and fun atmosphere.

The hostel offers various freebies to its guests including free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and even free-pizza eves every Wednesday.

You can use lockers in the hostel for free just make sure to bring your own padlock.

The list of facilities includes seating in the courtyard, a dining area, a lounge, two kitchens, and bathrooms on each floor.

Considering everything listed above, it’s not a surprise that this is the best hostel in New York.

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in New York – Jazz on the Park Hostel

• $$$
• Games Room
• Tour Desk
• Key Card Access

While being a pretty price hostel located in the Upper West Side, Jazz on the Park Hostel can offer you a bunch of benefits.

Staying there, you can enjoy an amazing atmosphere, great location, and a bunch of excellent facilities.

Surrounded by some great attractions and located not far from the subway, it is great for solo travelers.

During your stay there, you can relax at the lounge or coffee bar while chatting with other travelers.

In the summer, there are various events such as BBQs and pub crawls where you can have lots of fun.

Also, you can address a tour desk in the hostel to book a tour around the city.

Best Cheap Hostel in New York #1 – Q4 Hotel

• $
• Travel Desk
• Luggage Storage
• Book Exchange

Q4 Hotel is the best budget hostel in the city that can provide you with some great benefits.

This just renovated hostel is located in one of the most lively parts of Queens.

The hostel has not only shared kitchen, dining area, and a comfy lounge, but also a book exchange, a game area with pool and ping pong tables, and even a movie room with a huge screen.

The hostel offers both mixed and female-only dorms of various sizes.

Also, you can book a private double room that has a separate bathroom.

Another great thing about this hostel is that most dorms there have their own bathrooms so you don’t need to wait in long queues every morning.

Best Cheap Hostel in New York #2 – International Student Center

• $
• Housekeeping
• Luggage Storage
• Cable TV

International Student Center is another great budget accommodation in the Big Apple.

It is located in the center of Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

The hostel can accept up to 40 guests and offer mixed rooms for 10 people and female-only dorms for 8 people.

The important thing to remember is that this hostel has an age restriction and is available for people from 18 to 35 years old.

Decorated in a funky style, this hostel can offer you a relaxing, chilled atmosphere and friendly staff.

The great thing is that the hostel offers yoga sessions to its guests.

Best Cheap Hostel in New York #3 – The Brooklyn Riviera

• $
• Free Breakfast
• Laundry Facilities
• Lockers

The Brooklyn Riviera is known as one of the cheapest accommodations for travelers in NY.

There are mixed and female-only dorms for 4-6 people.

All beds are equipped with power outlets, reading lights, and even privacy curtains.

Also, each guest can use one of the lockers to keep their belongings safe.

There is free W-Fi, and breakfast is included in the price as well.

Speaking of the facilities, you can relax in a common room while watching TV or playing Wii or have fun outdoors in the yard.

Best Hostel for Couples in New York – The Broadway Hotel and Hostel

• $$$
• 24-Hour Security
• Tour Desk
• Housekeeping

The Broadway Hotel and Hostel is a snazzy hostel that is located on the Upper West Side.

It is a great option for couples who come to NY for romantic vacations.

The hostel has very stylish decorations and funky designs.

It is perfect for couples as there are not only dorms but also private rooms for 2 and 4 people.

Fashionable double rooms are very comfortable and equipped with a coffee machine and a TV.

All guests have access to such facilities as the library, lounge, kitchen, and even business center.

Moreover, the hostel has numerous housekeeping services and even a bellhop who will carry your luggage for you.

It sounds like a luxurious hotel instead of a hostel for backpackers, doesn’t it?

Best Party Hostel in New York – Hostelling International New York

• $$$
• Café
• Pool Table
• Laundry Facilities

Hostelling International New York is a cool hostel that is located in a very beautiful building.

It is a perfect option for any party lover as almost every night various events are held there.

It’s your chance to enroll in a free bar crawl and party all night long in a castle.

During the weekends, you can enroll in one of the clubbing tours offered at the hostel.

Every night, the hostel holds various music events, comedy eves, and shows.

Also, there are numerous daytime tours around the city so you can explore the Big Apple.

Speaking of the facilities, the hostel has great common areas, a well-equipped huge kitchen, a movie room, lounges, a games room, and a patio.

Coolest Hostel in New York and Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in New York – The Local

• $$
• Bar-Café
• Laundry Facilities
• Tour Desk

The Local is an award-winning accommodation and one of the greatest hostels for digital nomads in the city.

There is not only free Wi-Fi but also a quiet room equipped with computers where you can work.

During your free time, you can have fun with other guests in the bar, relax on the roof terrace while enjoying the sunset, or enjoy a good movie in the lounge.

Also, a bunch of exciting events is held there including such options as wine tasting, comedy evening, and so on.

Moreover, there is a tour desk so you can book one of the great tours around New York.

Best Hostel with a Private Room in New York – Jazz on Columbus Circle

• $$$
• Lockers
• Luggage Storage
• Steam Room

Jazz on Columbus Circle near Central Park is a great option for young travelers.

The hostel is very clean and comfortable as well as absolutely safe.

There are lounge areas on each floor so guests can relax and communicate with each other.

Each guest has its own locker as well as a key card so they can enter the building or their room.

The hostel offers mixed and female-only dorms for 4-6 people as well as a private en-suite room for two people.

NY Moore Hostel

• $$
• Games Room
• Tour Desk
• Luggage Storage

NY Moore Hostel is the best option for solo travelers who want to visit New York.

While offering pretty small dorms, this hostel is great for those who want to meet new friends.

There are a comfortable common area and a courtyard where you can chat with other travelers and relax.

In the common room, you can find a pool, foosball, a PS3, and a board-game playoff.

Among the available facilities, there is a well-equipped kitchen, a book exchange, lockers, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and bike parking.

In the hostel, you can also find a tour desk where you can book some great tours around the city.

Finally, the hostel has 24-hour security and even housekeeping service.

Blue Moon Hotel

• $$$
• Onsite Restaurant
• Luggage Storage
• Tour Desk

Blue Moon hostel is known as one of the best and highly recommended hostels in New York City.

Located in the Lower East Side, it is surrounded by numerous trendy shops, great attractions, cool cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Also, it is situated right near the metro stations.

While there is no kitchen in the hostel, it has a great restaurant where you can have a very tasty meal.

There is free Wi-Fi in the hostel and you can surf the Internet or update your Instagram while relaxing in the comfy common room.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can also sit in the courtyard.

The hostel has both private rooms and dorms that are mixed and female-only.

Flushing YMCA

• $$$
• Free Breakfast
• Swimming Pool
• Laundry Facilities

Flushing YMCA is a great option for those who look for a hostel not far from  JFK and La Guardia.

Also, there is a subway station not far from the hostel so you can easily reach any part of the city.

Flushing YMCA is more like a hotel than a hostel as there are only private rooms for 1-4 people.

Nevertheless, it can be a perfect option for solo travelers, couples, or a group of friends that travel together.

The hostel has a laundry facility, gym, swimming pool, and even a sauna and a steam room.

The price includes free Wi-Fi access and breakfast.

Harlem YMCA

• $$
• Swimming Pool
• Games Room
• Free Luggage Storage

Harlem YMCA is located not far from several subway stations and has a whole bunch of great facilities.

Guests have access to the gym with high-tech equipment, a steam room, a sauna, and a swimming pool.

Moreover, there is free Wi-Fi, book exchange, free luggage storage, TV lounge, garden, and even a business center.

One other great thing about this hostel is that there is an elevator so after a long walk around the city you don’t need to climb stairs.

The hostel has rooms for two with twin beds or bunk beds.

Also, there are enough bathrooms to avoid queues in the morning.

American Dream Hostel

• $$$
• Free Breakfast
• Lockers
• Luggage Storage

American Dream Hostel is a great place to stay during your visit to New York.

Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, this stylish and comfortable hostel is surrounded by numerous famous sights and attractions.

The hostel offers rooms with bunk beds for 2 and 3 people.

Also, there are bathrooms on each floor so you shouldn’t worry about long queues every morning.

Moreover, there are single rooms so it is great for solo travelers.

The hostel has a comfortable kitchen, security lockers, and a common area where you can chat with others and enjoy a board-game.

The list of offered benefits includes free Wi-Fi, as well as free breakfast for each guest.

Adventure Residence JFK/NYC

• $$$
• PlayStation
• Lockers
• Tea and Coffee

Adventure Residence JFK/NYC is located in Brooklyn and known for its warm, home-like atmosphere.

The hostel is located not far from numerous famous sights and offers mixed dorms for 8 people each.

It has a spacy lounge area and two balconies where you can chat with others.

Also, there is a BBQ area where you can make smth delicious and get to know other travelers.

For those, who want to save some money and cook their meal, there is a well-equipped kitchen.

Speaking of the benefits, the hostel has a PlayStation, Wii, and free Wi-Fi.

International Student Residences

• $$$
• Café
• Games Room
• Laundry Facilities

International Student Residences is located not far from the center of Manhattan and near the subway.

This cool hostel has a big, modern kitchen, a cool terrace, comfy common area with foosball, a pool table, and a TV.

Also, there is a book exchange for those who want to read smth exciting.

Royal Park Hotel and Hostel

• $$$
• Swimming Pool
• Luggage Storage
• Elevator

Royal Park Hotel is located in Upper West Side, Manhattan.

It has a whole variety of private rooms including en-suite and rooms with shared bathrooms.

The great thing is that the hostel offers round-the-clock reception so it is great for travelers who have a late arrival.

Located far from busy streets, this hostel is great for people who look for a quiet and peaceful place. 

Moreover, the hostel has its own swimming pool and even a steam room.

Vanderbilt YMCA

• $$$
• Swimming Pool
• Laundry Facilities
• Tour Desk

Vanderbilt YMCA is a great backpackers hostel that is located in Manhattan’s East Side.

The hostel is surrounded by a variety of cool bars, restaurants, trendy shops, and some of the most famous sights.

This hostel is a perfect option for solo travelers or a group of friends.

It offers private rooms for 1-4 people and has some great facilities including a common kitchen, two swimming pools, a gym, and laundry facilities.

Hotel & Hostel Vetiver

• $$$
• Bar
• Fitness Centre
• Tour Desk

Hotel & Hostel Vetiver is located not far from N and Q Train and known as a stylish hostel in NY.

It is a great option for trendy young people who like hip places.

The hostel has private and en-suite rooms, and those located above the 3rd store has a balcony.

There are rooms for 2-5 guests.

While the hostel doesn’t have any self-catering facilities, the hostel bar offers a cheap breakfast daily.

Also, there is a whole variety of cool restaurants and amazing cafes around the hostel.

Moreover, there is room service so you can get your food right into your room.

Among other amenities, there is a tour desk and a fitness center.

Greenpoint YMCA

• $$
• Fitness Centre
• Swimming Centre
• 24-Hour Security

Greenpoint YMCA is a very popular hostel due to its comfy rooms and great location in Brooklyn.

While being rather a budget option, the hostel has a bunch of great facilities and features.

There is a modern fitness center with a variety of hi-tech equipment, as well as a swimming pool and even a sauna.

The hostel has housekeeping services so you don’t need to worry about cleaning your room.

Moreover, the reception is open 24/7 so it is great for travelers who have late arrival-time.

Why you should travel to New York

Planning a trip to New York, you can expect one of the most unforgettable and amazing experiences in your life.

Nevertheless, you need to remember that it is an expensive place to see, so try to track your spendings properly.

Using this article, you’ll be able to find budget accommodation and save a bunch of money.

There are hostels for any taste so you can easily find the one that suits your needs most of all.

The only thing you need to do is to decide what attractions to visit and where to eat.

New York City Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: New York City Safety Review

Safety Index:

67

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW