Hostels

Manhattan probably has some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, and finding a deal is hard. There are so many new hostel chains and some great older small ones that theres no reason to let money put you off going. The Europeans have all discovered that many of the hostels are several rungs up from the cheap hotels so anywhere you stay is going to have an international feel to it.

Finding the right hostel can take plowing through a lot of mixed reviews, but the Metropol seems to come out at the top of many lists. The problem with not knowing New York very well is that people will book into places like the Big Apple Hostel near Times Square. Its clean and all that and theyve got good security, but they dont have lockers and thats major draw back if you get into a room with people you dont feel good about. L Hostels is pretty popular and its up in Harlem which means its a little quieter. The rooms are good and a lot of people rave about how good it is but if youre worried about neighborhoods, it might not be for you. Downtown is a good place to be for all the clubs, NYU and a more laid back atmosphere than Midtown and Times Square, and the prices will be a little better too. Places like the Chelsea International are great. The neighborhood is safe and near everything including the subway, its got wifi and even a great outdoor courtyard in the summer months.

New York is one of those towns where it really pays off to have done a little research before you go, and make a reservation if you can. If you show up over Thanksgiving weekend youll stay in the suburbs because there are never any rooms available. But some of the outer boroughs like sections of Brooklyn can be ultra cool and theyre just a train ride away!