Throw the first stone who never had prejudices about hostel. For those that are not familiar with the term, a hostel is a type of accommodation that is characterized by an affordable price – and the socialization of guests, with shared rooms and bathrooms. A hostel ends up being the choice of those traveling alone – for the chance to meet new people – and who is on a tight budget but do not want to postpone travel plans.
As it is not news to anyone, accommodation in New York is very expensive, so I talked to some girls who have stayed in hostels here in the city, to learn a little more about their experience.
Priscilla Grans – she stayed at New York Budget Inn for 10 nights.
Address: 200 E 34th St – near to 6 subway line.
Price: $55 / day
“I found out about New York Budget Inn by Hostel World website. I researched on various websites, such as Booking, Google, but none pleased me. I tried some apartments and rooms on Airbnb, but I was a little afraid to stay in a stranger house in another country, so I chose one hostel. When I found this one, what attracted me was the location and to stay close to a subway station. I was a little afraid and I had a certain prejudice against hostels. I had been in a hostel in Rio de Janeiro and it had not been at all pleasant, but as it was my only option to be able to travel on vacation, I decided to try. Once there, I was surprised with the service. I arrived several hours before check in and the staff were extremely attentive and kept my luggage with identification tags and I could walk around the city. When I returned, they explained to me how the place worked and I went to my room. I shared a room with three other girls. in the room, there were two bunk beds and four cabinets, locked, and a fridge. The hostel offers bath towels, shampoo, conditioner and soap in all bathrooms, the beds are arranged every day and staff aspire carpets daily too. In the morning (near the lunch hour) I noticed that the bathrooms are washed and also at nigh. In addition, there is Wi-Fi on all floors and it works very well. No breakfast, but, at 8 am, they offer some complimentary donuts, coffee and hot chocolate (but you need to run because they are few). The staff are very attentive and friendly. They always wondered if everything was okay or if I needed something and they informed about the schedule, like pub crawl, karaoke … “
Conclusion: I liked because it surprised me a lot and because I could meet people from other cultures and places. And mainly because I did not spend a lot and stayed in a place with excellent location where I could use subway or walking and rarely used taxi. And mainly because New York is amazing and exciting!
The coolest part: meeting people from around the world and making friends. I’m the type who loves to talk. In my room, there were two Korean girls. One spoke a little English so we changed sightseeing tips, but the other didn’t speak a word! I still found a way to communicate, Rs.
The negative part: as I imagined, it is sharing the bathroom. But it’s not something sooooo bad. It’s something you get used to it and it becomes normal in three or four days.
What’s your advice for those who think about type of accommodation? Go for enjoying the experience, the trip and thinking about saving to spend on other things in your trip. Do not be afraid or imagining dangers that some people who have had bad experiences are talking about. I think sympathy is essential for you to get along with your roommates.
Thais Rodrigues – she satayed Jazz at Columbus Circle for 10 nights.
Address: 940 8th Ave – near to 1, A, B, C, D, N, Q and R subway lines.
Price: $50/day
I already was in New York, staying with a family and, unfortunately, the experience was being disastrous and I decided I needed to get out of there urgently. Luckily, I met a Brazilian who was staying in this hostel and told me that it was very good. I ended up checking the place and I decided to spend the rest of the trip there. The building is hidden and has a very small entrance (slightly larger than a door), but it is very new and very spacious inside. I was staying in a mixed room for 4 people, which had two bunk beds, four small cabinets with locks. In my room, there was also had a very large balcony with a table and some chairs. The bathroom was inside the room and was incredibly clean. Between the bathroom door and the bedroom, there was a room with a large sink (two taps), mirror and a hairdryer. Lastly, the hostel does not offer a breakfast option, but there is a coffee machine in the hall, where guests can get coffee, tea and hot chocolate for free, whenever they want. The internet was also free and I saw something about social events between guests, promoted by the hostel.
Conclusion: I really enjoyed! Exiting your comfort zone of traditional hotels and sharing a room with people from all over the world is a unique experience!
The coolest part: Meeting people and make friends from different cultures.
The negative part: The fact that the towels were not changed often.
What’s your advice for those who think about type of accommodation? Before making your reservation, make sure you are really willing to share a room and bathroom with strangers, and, of course, make sure that you are able to accept all kinds of culture.
Renata ALves – she stayed at Jazz at Columbus Circle and YMCA West Side (1 night each)
Address (YMCA): 5 W 63rd St – near to 1, A, B, C, D, N, Q and R subway lines.
Price: $50 Jazz at Columbus Circle / $106 YMCA (2 people)
I found out about these two hostels on the internet (Booking, TripAdvisor and Hostel World) and by recommendation. At Jazz, I was in a female room with bathroom inside. I shared a room with 4 girls, but we didn’t relate. There was wi-fi in all facilities, complimentary coffee maker, no breakfast. The staff were helpful, I left my luggage before check in and there was no charge, but, at the check out, they charge $4 to keep your bags. At YMCA, I shared a room with bunk with my friend. There was internet all over the place (we were on the 8th floor and it worked fine). There was no breakfast and they charge $2 per bag to keep your luggage.
Conclusion: It was the first time that I shared room with strangers, at Jazz. The fact that the bathroom was inside the room helped a lot and I had no problems regarding the use. I also realized that they are careful about noise. It was a good experience. At the YMCA, the shared bathroom bothered me a little, because it was cold, and you can not take a shower and run directly to your bed, rs. The ladies bathroom had a locker: it was necessary to put a password to get in. The rooms are very small and there was a TV (but I did not find the remote control) and, as the rooms were very close, you could hear sounds from other rooms. As I shared the room with my friend, it was very fine.
The coolest part: low cost, mainly. I’ve been in New York four years ago and paying a hotel alone is complicated. At Jazz, some people invited me to go somewhere, but as it was my first day and I did not speak much English, I didn’t go. But the cool thing is to know everybody and sharing experiences.
The negative part: no privacy, no breakfast(which would be great in NY).
What’s your advice for those who think about type of accommodation? If you are in the same vibe that I was – just wanted to use the place for resting, bathing and using internet – the price is very interesting and worthwhile. In other cities, I have stayed in private rooms alone, but it was not the case with this trip. Being in a room with friends also helps.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
