If you're looking for a good-value place to stay during your stay in New York that's still close to the action and offers a fantastic chance to meet fellow travellers, then the HI is for you.
Located in Upper Manhattan, the hostel is just a short walk from Central Park and good public transport links provide a frequent, convenient link to the downtown attractions. There is a bus stop right outside the hostel, served by buses travelling north from Times Square. Alternatively, a subway station can be found just one block away and is served by 'B' and 'C' trains. This is especially useful if you want a very cheap transfer to/from JFK airport. At the airport take the shuttle bus to the parking lot which stops outside Howard Beach subway station. From there just hop on the 'A' train to Manhattan and get off at Penn Station (34th St). Stand exactly where you get off and wait for the next 'C' train to come along and this will take you to 103rd St., your stop for the hostel. The hostel is just around the corner on Amsterdam Ave/103rd St (check map at subway station).
The hostel itself is large and spacious. Dorms are clean and a locker (bring your own padlock) and bedding is provided. The bathroom facilities are tidy and there never seemed to be a need to queue for a shower even in the peak summer season. Another nice feature was the water fountains that could be found on each floor, saving a long hike down to the kitchen if you get thirsty. There are also plenty of payphones on each floor.
Other facilities include a cafe, kitchen, laundry, shop (selling souvenirs, postcards, and discounted attraction tickets), TV room, and a help desk in the lobby area. This is staffed by volunteers who can be very useful and can really help you to make the most of your time in the city by recommending good attractions and restaurants etc. They also weekly activity schedule offering walking tours to show you different areas of the city from a local's point of view and also a chance to meet fellow travellers.
Unfortunately they charge to use the internet terminals, and they even charge a fee to use the internet over wifi (currently $10/day)! Hopefully they'll eventually make wifi free for their paying guests since it costs them almost nothing to provide the service.
Check-out is at 11am, allowing a little bit of a sleep in. However, should you want to dump your stuff earlier or leave it there longer, there is a locker room (costs a few dollars) where you can keep your belongings secure while you get out and about. Security in the hostel is very good - you have to show your key to get into the main hostel from the lobby.
This hostel is highly recommended - stay here to get the most out of your stay in New York at a price that can't be beaten for value.
— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
February 2004
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