How to Find a New York City Hostel

This is NOT your average hostel room, but a private room available at one hostel, the Chelsea Star Hotel.

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Staying in New York City can be prohibitively expensive, and many people avoid traveling there because of the high cost of hotel rooms. Finding a hostel can often cut the cost of staying in New York by at least by 50 percent, often more than that. This is especially convenient for young people between the ages of 18 and 24, who don't mind staying in dormitory-like rooms.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

The flexibility to live in less-than-stellar accommodations in exchange for low rates.

Step1

Do an internet search for New York City hostels, which will provide you with many choices. Or go to www.hostelnewyork.com, a convenient website that lists the city's many hostels, describes the rooms and surroundings, and includes reviews from individuals who have stayed in the hostels.

Step2

Read all the reviews you can about available hostels and visit their websites. It's important to view photos, to read about the neighborhood, and to see if they provide incidentals like towels, housekeeping, wifi and security. Make sure your choices are close to the sights you would like to see, important landmarks and mass transit.

Step3

Check the hostel rates. Some hostels, like the Chelsea Star Hotel, also offer private rooms for guests who would prefer staying alone, including a private bath. These rooms are ideal for traveling families looking for a bargain. The Broadway Hotel and Hostel offers private rooms at $199 a night, and the Chelsea Star offers single private rooms at $109 a night and deluxe rooms at $269 a night.

Step4

Check to see if any hostels you're interested in offer discounts to students or to holders of the HostelWorld Gold Card. Membership in this annual plan costs $10 and is good for a year of traveling. It's particularly enticing to traveling college students who plan on staying in hostels around the world.