I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in New York City and here's what happened
Written by Nour De Wilde Salhab| Last update: Aug 21, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
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Can a “design hotel–hostel mash-up” actually feel friendly to solo backpackers? Freehand New York surprised me—in the best way.
I got a nice bunk, rooftop views, and instant exploration buddies without blowing my bagel budget or worrying about safety. Here’s the review.
Top Picks: The Best Hostels in New York City
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Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in New York City
| Total number of hostels | 23 |
| Typical dorm bed prices in New York City | $21 |
| Private room costs in New York City | $159 |
| Cheapest hostel in New York City | The Brooklyn Riviera for only $35 |
| Popular Party Hostel in New York City | NY Moore Hostel (8 hostels for partying in total) |
| Where to stay in New York City on a budget? | Manhattan - Upper West Side, Manhattan - Chelsea, Brooklyn |
Location – Flatiron Hub, Subway in Every Direction
The building sits on Lexington Ave at 23rd Street, wedged between Gramercy Park and the Flatiron. Walk five minutes west to the 23rd St (N/R/W) station or two minutes south to the 6-train—Times Square, SoHo, and Brooklyn all land within 15 minutes.
The block is well-lit, packed with late-night pizza, and patrolled by campus security from nearby Baruch College. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe ducking out for 2 a.m. halal-cart fries.
How much are hostels in New York City?
Let's talk about hostel prices in New York City. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in New York City
Average Private Room Price per Month in New York City
Social Vibes – Rooftop Cocktails & Artist Energy
- Lobby lounge hums with freelancers by day and board-game groups after dinner.
- The Broken Shaker rooftop bar hosts DJ sets and view-gawking sunset crowds—guests skip the velvet-rope line.
- Nightly “Freehand Friends” events range from gallery walks to karaoke in Koreatown.
- I joined a trivia night, lost gloriously, and still ended up grabbing dumplings with my new team.
- Overall vibe: creative, chatty, but you can retreat to your bunk when jet-lag hits.
Rooms – Bunks With Boutique Flair
- Dorm options: 4-bed mixed and 4-bed female; each pod has a reading light, outlet, and privacy curtain.
- Mattresses are plush, linens hotel-grade, and housekeeping does a daily refresh.
- Under-bed lockers fit a carry-on; bring or buy a padlock.
- All rooms—including privates—have A/C, free Wi-Fi, and quirky murals by local artists.
- Shared bathrooms sit right across the hall; hot water handled a full floor at rush hour.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in New York City
- American Dream Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Big Apple Hostel
- The Pod Hotel - POD 51 Hostel - best for Capsule Hotels, Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller
- HI New York City Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- International Student Center New York - best for Couples, Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Amenities – From Free Coffee to Rooftop Views
- Complimentary drip coffee each morning at Smile To Go café downstairs.
- Two bars on-site: George Washington Bar (craft cocktails) and rooftop Broken Shaker.
- Guest kitchenette with fridge, microwave, and basic utensils.
- 24 h fitness nook with Peloton bikes and yoga mats.
- Self-serve laundry room—detergent sold at reception.
- Fast Wi-Fi everywhere; plenty of outlets in communal spaces.
Safety – Keycards, Staff, and Busy Streets
Keycard required for elevators, dorm doors, and bathrooms. Front desk is staffed 24/7, and security guards patrol the lobby at peak bar hours. Female dorm sits on a separate coded floor, which eased my mind when heading to showers in PJs.
Looking for a specific district?
Check out hostels near the following landmarks
- Alphabet City
- Empire State Building
- Midtown West Side
- 125 Street (Broadway) Subway Station
- 14 Street – Union Square Subway Station
- 23 Street 6 Avenue Line (F and M trains) Subway Station
- 34 Street – Herald Square Subway Station
- 34 Street – Hudson Yards Subway Station
- 34 Street – Penn Station Subway Station
- 42 Street – Bryant Park Subway Station
- 42 Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal Subway Station
- 47‑50 Streets – Rockefeller Center Subway Station
- 57 Street – 7 Avenue Subway Station
- 59 Street – Columbus Circle Subway Station
- 5 Avenue/ 53 Street Subway Station
Price – Spend-Smart for Manhattan
Bunks cost more than no-frills hostels in Queens, but less than most Midtown hotels. The price includes linens, Wi-Fi, housekeeping, morning coffee, gym use, and guest-only rooftop access.
Towels, laundry, and late checkout add small fees, and breakfast pastries are pay-as-you-go. For a central address with design touches and built-in nightlife, I found the value solid.
9 Hidden Gemz in New York City (by Hostelgeeks)
Final Verdict
8.5 / 10. Freehand NYC blends boutique polish with hostel soul: comfy pods, inspiring art, and nightly events without forced fun.
Meeting people is simple if you ride the elevator to Broken Shaker; sleeping is peaceful once you pull your curtain. I docked a bit for the small guest kitchen—and NYC food prices—but street-corner slices fill that gap.
Pro tip: Reserve female dorms and weekend dates early; the rooftop’s Instagram fame means beds sell out as fast as Broadway tickets.
Backpacking New York City? Here’s What You Need to Know
These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!
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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab
A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.
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