New York is very popular with
tourists and backpackers and cheap rooms go quickly. This section will help the savvy
budget traveller get a really good deal when they visit New York, by booking online before
they travel.
There's plenty of budget accommodation
available around New York -- if you book early -- and some of these prices may only be
available online.
The first thing to consider is whereabouts in
New York you'd like to stay. To help you navigate the streets and avenues, we've also
provided map references and links to colourful, interactive street maps. All New York maps
will open in a new window.
New York Maps: Navigating around Manhattan is generally
easier when you know that Streets run across (east-west) and Avenues lengthways
(north-south), with 5th Avenue being the main axis -- streets are east or west of here.
The higher the street number the more north
you are, with Midtown Manhattan lying
between 34th and 59th Street.
Central Park
is west of 5th Avenue, between 59th and 110th Street -- with the Metropolitan Museum at
5th Avenue and 82nd Street.
Navigating in Lower Manhattan does get a
little more tricky, so get a good map.
NOTE:
All prices quoted below are per bed and may be subject to change (depending on time of
year), so please use them as a guide only then check the website for availability and
current price structure.
If you're scrolling through this list of cheap
places to stay in New York, we've arranged them from north to south -- as if you were
travelling down Manhattan from Harlem.
Washington
Hotel -- (Dorms from $19.95; Privates from $22.50)
2289 Third Avenue (map)
A superior, budget class hotel/hostel, located in Harlem -- home to the Apollo Theatre and
Magic Johnson's Magic Mall and Cineplex -- The Washington Hotel is a newly renovated 4
storey building with trendy atmosphere and decor.
The
New Frontier Hostel -- (Private rooms from $32.50)
104 West 120th Street (map)
Located in a quaint, cultural brownstone in the Mount Morris Park historic district of
Uptown Manhattan. Geared towards travellers visiting the U.S. for short term stays.
West 107th Street
Morningside
Inn -- (Private rooms from $22)
235 West 107th Street (map)
Located in the trendy Upper West Side of Manhattan, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
-- an area with a distinctly academic flavour and many cafes, restaurants, clubs and
shops. Near to the Cathedral of St John the Divine, Lincoln Center and the Museum of
Natural History.
West 106th Street
Jazz
on the Park Hostel -- (Dorms from $30.58)
36 West 106th Street (map)
Guests stay in newly furnished dormitory rooms that contain bleached pine bunk beds and
lockers for their belongings, while sharing common bathrooms. Unlike most hostels, Jazz on
the Park guests also receive complete linen and breakfast with their overnight.
West 104th Street
Hostelling
International -- (15 bed dorms $29.50)
891 Amsterdam Avenue (map)
Located near Central Park and Columbia University, Hostelling International New York
offers a lively program of walking tours, a hospitality desk staffed by neighbourhood
volunteers, group outings to concerts and sporting events, and discount or free tickets to
off-Broadway shows, comedy clubs and concerts.
West 103rd Street
Central
Park Hostel & Inn -- (10 bed mixed dorms $25)
19 West 103rd Street (map)
One block from Central Park, facilities include a recreational lounge complete with pool
table, a breakfast bar, a reading room, kitchenette, TV area, and an outdoor summer patio.
West 101st Street
West
End Studios -- (Dorms from $25, Privates from $35)
850 West End Avenue (map)
This 6 storey building, with its Gothic design and European decor, is located in one of
Manhattan's most historical and trendiest neighbourhoods -- near Riverside Park and the
Hudson River. Many restaurants and speciality shops nearby, and in easy walking distance
of Central Park and the Museum Mile.
East 94th Street
The
Wanderers Inn -- (Dorms from $25; Privates from $32.50)
179 East 94th Street (map)
The newest hostel in New York is located in the exclusive Upper East Side of Manhattan,
between Lexington and Third Avenues. The location makes this hostel -- owned and operated
by the General Manager of the Chelsea International Hostel -- the closest to New York's
famous Museum Mile.
West 94th Street
Riverside
Inn New York -- (Private rooms from $22)
319 West 94th Street (map)
Refurbished Euro-style hotel with old-world charm and conveniently located in Manhattan's
exciting Upper West Side, next to Riverside Park and one block from Broadway. A suite of
private rooms share a full kitchen and bathrooms. A refrigerator is available in each
room. This no-frills, yet attractive, set-up allows a pleasant and affordable stay in
Manhattan!
West 76th Street
Amsterdam
Inn -- (Private rooms from $42.50)
340 Amsterdam Ave (map) 25 comfortable, newly renovated rooms with
colour TV, air-conditioning, maid service, telephones and your choice of private or
semi-private bathrooms in the newest hotel on the Upper West Side. Ideal for students and
travellers on a budget. Just a short walk to Central Park, Lincoln Center, museums, night
spots and restaurants.
West 63rd Street
West
Side YMCA -- (Private rooms from $35)
5 West 63rd Street (map)
The West Side Y, located just off Central Park West in a European landmark style building,
is steps away form Lincoln Center, Broadway, American Museum of Natural History and the
attractions of the upper West Side of Manhattan. There's also a restaurant and health
& fitness facilities, including swimming pools, Nautilus equipment and indoor track.
Pickwick
Arms Hotel -- (Private rooms $75)
230 East 51st Street (map)
Located in Midtown Manhattan within walking distance of the UN
building, St.Patrick's, Rockefeller Centre, and the shops on Madison and 5th Avenue.
West 51st Street
Washington
Jefferson Hotel -- (Private rooms from $114)
318 West 51st Street (map)
Located in New York's fashionable Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood, in the midst of the Times
Square Theatre District and Restaurant Row. The price might seem a little steep for a
budget traveller but if you're looking to spoil yourself in Midtown Manhattan, this might
be the place for you.
East 47th Street
Vanderbilt
YMCA -- (Private rooms from $35)
224 East 47th Street (map)
Located on Manhattan’s fashionable East Side, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, the
Vanderbilt Y is close to Grand Central Station and the United Nations Plaza. There's also
a restaurant and health & fitness facilities, including swimming pools, Nautilus
equipment and indoor track.
West 45th Street
Big
Apple Hostel -- (4 bed mixed dorms $28)
119 West 45th Street (map)
Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, in the heart of New York's famous Broadway
Theater District and within walking distance of Central Park, the Empire State Building
and other interesting sights. Also close to Greyhound and Amtrak.
Wolcott
Hotel -- (Private rooms from $40)
4 West 31st Street (map)
Located in the centre of tourist New York (just off 5th Avenue), near the Empire State
building, UN, Macys, Circle Line, theatre district as well as all public transportation.
The hotel offers clean, comfortable and modern accommodation in an old world atmosphere at
reasonable prices year round.
East 30th Street
Murray
Hill Inn -- (Private rooms from $37.50)
143 East 30th Street (map)
Newly renovated European style hotel (between Lexington and 3rd Avenue) with all the
amenities that you'd expect from a first class establishment -- private air-conditioned
rooms, twenty-four hour concierge, daily maid service, cable TV and telephone -- for a
fraction of the cost.
West 20th Street
Chelsea
International Hostel -- (Dorms from $25)
251 West 20th Street (map)
Located in the historic Chelsea area of Manhattan, between 7th and 8th Avenues, the
Chelsea International Hostel is close to mid town sites and right next to Greenwich
Village. Free pizza on Wednesday nights.
West 17th Street
The
Chelsea Inn -- (Private rooms from $44.50)
46 West 17th Street (map)
These charming, renovated 19th century townhouses offer safe
and comfortable accommodation, just off Fifth Avenue, in the heart of New York. Close to
Union Square Farmer's Market, Loehmann's, Lower 5th Avenue Shopping, ABC Home, Greenwich
Village and Soho.
East 3rd Street
Bowery's
Whitehouse Hotel of NY -- (Private rooms $31)
340 Bowery (map)
Located on New York's famous Bowery, The Whitehouse was a well known 'Lodging House'
providing housing accommodations to New York's working class close to 100 years ago.
Today, the unique charm of the Whitehouse has been preserved to capture the 'feel' of
yesteryear, but the property has been upgraded for the modern-day traveller.
New
York City Map:
Easy-to-read, full-colour themed maps that will help you find everything from a Chelsea
gallery to a Broadway theatre, a Greenwich Village restaurant to the nearest subway
station.
