The 5 Best Hostels in Manhattan

Part of the Jazz Hostels chain, Jazz on the Park on the Upper West Side may be a little pricier, but the quality services – including 24-hour reception and security, and free housekeeping – make it worth the cost. While there is no kitchen area, the coffee bar and warm-weather pub crawls and barbecues keep guests social and satisfied.

Born out of a chain that initially provided housing for railroad workers, The Vanderbilt YMCA has a longstanding reputation for affordable hospitality. Guest rooms offer a peaceful place to crash – a zen-style balance is achieved through bright white walls, simple wooden furniture and lots of space. There are also handy amenities like fridges, TVs and all-important air conditioning. Choose from budget-friendly dorms with shared bathrooms or opt for a bit of privacy with standard or deluxe singles; all come with access to the fitness centre and two pools. In the winter, go for a skate at the nearby Rockefeller ice rink or make the most of the summer sun with a trip to picturesque Bryant Park, a short walk away.

Etched into local history since its incarnation in 1896, the West Side YMCA is intriguingly medieval – a grand archway is guarded by concrete lions; communal spaces are dotted with ornate pillars and the building’s facade is reminiscent of a traditional castle with its battlement-style balconies. The interior is comfortably modern, with compact rooms sticking to a palette of white and soothing blue, while the basement gym includes an array of state-of-the-art equipment. When you’re not sightseeing, spend your day working up a sweat on the squash court, swimming in the mosaic-tiled swimming pool or shooting hoops on the hostel’s very own basketball court.

Housed in a Victorian-reminiscent red-brick building just a short stroll from the bucolic joys of Central Park, HI New York City Hostel is all about providing a welcoming space for its waves of nomads. Regular activities like free walking tours fuse city exploration with social mingling, while evenings can be spent unwinding under the kaleidoscope of fairy lights that canopy the private patio. Relax in cozy bunk rooms with bold turquoise and lime green walls before heading down to make dinner in the big and bustling shared kitchen and dining room. After that, while away the night playing pool with newfound friends or let your hair down on one of the hostel’s memorable nights out.

Just a couple blocks from the High Line, Chelsea International is one of the biggest independent hostels in the city. Stays at Chelsea International include not just free continental breakfast, but also free pizza on Wednesdays nights. With a courtyard, lounge, two kitchens and dining area, this hostel is particularly popular among backpackers as a great place to meet fellow travelers.