HI NYC Hostel

HI NYC Hostel is located at 891 Amsterdam Avenue, at West 103rd Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, United States, close to Columbia University, Morningside Heights and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Housed in a landmark Victorian-era building known for its historic architecture, it is often described as the largest hostel in the United States, with hundreds of beds. The 103rd Street subway station on the 1 line is a short walk away, giving a direct ride to Times Square and Lower Manhattan, and Central Park and Riverside Park are both within walking distance. Accommodation ranges from Dorm Beds in rooms of four to twelve beds to Private Rooms and Family Rooms, giving flexibility for solo travellers, students, groups and families on a budget. Facilities include a shared kitchen, a garden, a common room, laundry and luggage storage, along with wifi. The hostel runs a programme of social activities, including walking tours and events, and the staff are well used to advising first-time visitors on getting around the city. Dining is self-catered through the shared kitchen, though the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights offer many casual restaurants and cafes nearby, and the surrounding neighbourhood is residential and student-oriented rather than touristy. The property is operated by Hostelling International USA, a non-profit, and it is popular among international backpackers, school groups and budget travellers. Nightly rates typically run from about $50 for a dorm bed to $200 for a private or family room, depending on season and demand. Shared dormitory living means noise and limited privacy, and guests are advised to bring a lock for lockers. The hostel is a value base for visitors prepared to use the subway to reach Midtown attractions in about twenty-five minutes. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, is only a few blocks away and worth a visit.