YMCA West Side

I have just left the West Side YMCA after a four-night stay. I have to say that from reading comments, I was really worried about what to expect -- dirty communal bathrooms, smelly tired rooms, dirty mattresses. The YMCA was quite to the contrary, we stayed on the twelfth floor in a twin bunk bed room which was basic but what can you expect for that money. Most importantly to me it was clean! The sheets were made daily and fresh towel were provided daily. The bathrooms were at the end of the corridor but were single rooms with a large shower, toilet, and basin, and again they were clean! The location is awesome -- just about one hundred yards from central park. As we had a room at the end of the corridor we had the most amazing view of the park and the city. Ironically one of the buildings was named Essex House. The staff were friendly and polite and really tolerant, which was handy as we were a large group of eighty and used the main foyer to meet together a lot. Overall I give the West Side ten out of ten and next time i'm in the city I will be staying there.

Just stayed at the w-side YMCA for ten nights. Price was great, Location is the best place to be in the City, felt 100% safe at all times. Room was small but clean, just good for one person. One comment -- the female bathroom was nasty, I saw a girl bathing her self from the face basin or sink what ever you want to call it , and she was just messing up the floor with water when there were three showers available. Also some of the women where not flushing their mess in the toilet. But overall I enjoyed my stay at the YMCA. "Tony from Ecuador" was the best, helpful, and friendly at all times.

The hostel was affordable, but the room wasn't very clean; the paint on the walls was peeling, and the carpets in the corridors were stained and smelly. The bathrooms were uncomfortably steamy and hot. The location was great - right next to Central Park (and the Natural Museum of Natural History), and close to several subway stations. Safe boxes were available at the front desk. When it rained, the raindrops made a lot of noise on the airconditioning. Internet was VERY expense and slow. Try to find a public library nearby.

Fabulous location; walk out the door and land in Central Park. A few blocks away is the subway station, so everything is extremely accessible. If you are paying for budget accommodation don't be expecting luxury. But I found this hostel to be worth every penny. The security was strict at the reception area, so I felt safe, and the rooms themselves, although quite small, were comfortable enough. The staff were absolutely great! I definitely will be back as soon as possible!

I thought this place was disgusting. First impressions make you want to turn around and go somewhere else before you even set foot in the building. The bedrooms were like prison cells; the bunk beds are falling apart and cannot hold any weight. The beds are lumpy, the heating was not working and when it did, it was too hot. The bathrooms were vile, to an extent where there was dirty underwear in the sink while you were brushing your teeth. Shower curtains were pointless, as they did not cover you; the hot tap water was a brown color and looked like piss. The rooms needed more furnishing, and the windows needed fixing. All in all, this place was a sh*t tip. If it weren't for the fact we were a large group to raise morale, then I would have found somewhere else to stay.

I came here with 40 college mates on a trip; the hostel was perfectly situated and cheap, too! The view was beautiful and a reason to get up so early. Who wants to spend lots of money on accommodation with so much to do and see in New York? All you need is a powerful hot shower and a bed, which the Y provided. Bathrooms and rooms were clean and fine. What do you expect for the price?

I stayed here in 1990 with a mate in a bunk bed. I was 20 at the time and I found the communal showers a worry, but every 20-year-old man does. It's a man thing. Yeah, I found the whole experience a bit overpowering, but was that because of the 'Y' or just New York? It's hard to say. We both quickly relaxed into our two-week trip with gusto. It was the best time of my life without a doubt. I would recommend the Y on 5 West 63rd St. to anyone. It wasn't always the easiest of places — the rush hour Tube was scary for a start — but the positives make the negatives negligible. Go, take it easy, understand that all you need is a bed (and at these prices you really are laughing) and see a great city! Go on!!! Oh, by the way, I am going back in April 2005. I haven't got my accommodation yet but I know which place is top of my list. Peace.

Hello you dudes, My stay at the West Side YMCA was impeccable and worth every cent. Nothing more, nothing less.

I stayed there for ten nights. You pay for what you get and that is "value for money." It is in an excellent location. The staff are fine and the facilities are satisfactory.

I had to stay here a week. It wasn't the best place to take your shower but the people working here are so nice and friendly!!! It's very close to Central Park and Times Square. Remember you're not in New York City to sleep but to enjoy, visit and meet people.

Awful, absolutely terrible. People broke into my room while I was sleeping, and the staff assaulted my friend in his sleep with hair clippers. If you want to have the worst week of your life come here. After my stay here I felt like crying. I lost all money and my mates were terrified. Apart from that, what a great holiday!!!

This hostel is well located, but be careful about thefts!

The people running this place are real jerks. The rooms are small. Although there are some good points, the people who work here are awful. The heaters and air-conditioners don't work, and the employees absolutely do not care. Horrible staff.

Where to begin? I must say I have never encountered such a crooked and corrupt style of business ever in my travels. Honestly, to anyone who has been conned or blindly guided to such a cesspit, please think again. My stay was AWFUL--Theft, dirt, rudeness, noise, and uncooperation on a very important matter. I shall inform you on the theft: It was by one of their honest, hard-working EMPLOYEES, who let themselves into our room, rifled through our things, and then stole a large sum from our saved MONEY which we obviously did not want to carry around the city with us (common sense). I was told I had not "been sensible" with the money, which we had locked inside our prgoes on inside hotels," having worked myself as a housemaid, I find very insulting!!! PLEASE do not lose your money on an overpriced, immoral establishment--You will seriously lose out in the long run!!!

I stayed in this hostel from August 13th till the 15th. I booked a single room from this site. I liked staying in this hostel. I got more than I expected. Everything was clean. Many things made it look as though I was staying in a good HOTEL. There was good and fast transportation to JFK Airport. I recommend this hostel to everybody who wants to get quality for a low price.