Chelsea Spot Hostel

A small spot in the big apple, Chelsea Spot Hostel offers a helpful and happy staff, a full-service kitchen, and a place to crash after a long day scaling the Empire State or watching the live version of the Lion King. The rooms are small and dim, but the hostel is clean and friendly.

The Location

Located on the west side of midtown Manhattan, the Chelsea Spot hostel is within walking distance of Times Square and the metro system--twenty minutes from both. From Times Square guests can take the metro to any of the neighborhoods that they would like to explore.

The hostel itself is difficult to locate due to a lack of markings on the outside of the building. It must be located by the number of the address and not by its name. This can be frustrating for those who are unfamiliar with New York and it is best to plot out where you are going beforehand.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms were reasonably clean, but felt somewhat dim and cramped, without much space for bags or movement. On one hand, this encourages guests not to stay in their rooms, but to head out and explore or hang out in the common area and meet other hostel guests. On the other hand, it makes for a more frustrating stay to attempt navigating a crowded little room.

The bathroom is shared with the hallway and there was only one shower for every six or eight people.

Common Spaces

Unusual for New York, this hostel has a backyard. Chairs and a table out back allow for a nice wind-down area out back and the lights of the city illuminate it perfectly. Before reaching the backyard the guests will find themselves in the kitchen and dining area, which is exceptionally clean, quite large, and nicely decorated with the chelsea spots in the hall leading up to it.

Summary

Slightly out of the way on a quieter street the Chelsea Spot Hostel is a great fit for those not planning to spend much time there. The rooms are small and encourage people to go out and see the city. It is, after all, New York City. There's always something to do.

by Gigi Griffis

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review