HI New York City Hostel

About HI New York City Hostel

HI New York City Hostel suits travelers who want a simple base on the Upper West Side and a straightforward ride to the rest of Manhattan. The hostel is on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan Valley, a residential pocket near Central Park, so mornings can start with a walk in the park rather than a commute. Couples, families and solo travelers share the same building, and the listed kitchen and terrace give stays a practical, unhurried rhythm.

HI New York City Hostel is a 2-star hostel, which sets the tone: expect straightforward accommodation and facilities chosen for usefulness rather than show. The listed amenities include a 24-hour front desk and 24-hour security, so late arrivals have someone to speak to at any hour. Rates and availability vary by date, so compare the total price with taxes and fees in the IMPT app before booking, and confirm the details of your stay with the property.

Rooms and listed facilities

The listed facilities cover the practical side of a city stay: air conditioning, free wifi, breakfast, a kitchen, a garden and a terrace, plus laundry service, lifts, luggage storage, a safe, family rooms and a 24-hour front desk. Late arrivals have a desk staffed at any hour. Couples can ask which parts of the building are quietest, families can ask about room layouts, and business travelers should confirm internet access and desk space before booking. Confirm breakfast times, kitchen rules and wheelchair-accessible routes with the property.

The setting

HI New York City Hostel stands on Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan Valley, on the Upper West Side, in a part of the island where the street grid and everyday shopping sit side by side. Central Park is about 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away in a straight line, an easy start to a morning. LaGuardia Airport lies about 5.1 miles (8.2 km) away in a straight line.

Location and neighborhood

A slower weekend in Manhattan fits this stretch of the Upper West Side well. Manhattan Valley runs from 96th Street to 110th Street, the residential north end of the neighborhood, with Riverside Park along the Hudson on one side and the top of Central Park on the other. Streets here are quieter than in Midtown, the pace is local, and evenings pass without much noise. Couples tend to like the mix: long walks, small shops along Broadway, and a short ride south when a bigger night is wanted. HI New York City Hostel puts you inside that rhythm rather than beside it.

Autumn is the season many couples plan around. Central Park's color usually peaks in early to mid November, and the walk up to its north end is at its best then. Spring and autumn are the mildest stretches; summer is hot and humid, winter cold with snow in some years. December is the busiest holiday period in the city, while January to early March is usually the quietest, which suits a slow weekend. Mornings are the calmest time to walk, whatever the month. Check the forecast before you pack and keep one indoor plan ready.

Getting there and around

From HI New York City Hostel, the airports lie around 15 miles (23.7 km) away, Penn Station and Grand Central around 3.2 miles (5.2 km), and Midtown around 3.0 miles (4.8 km). From JFK, the AirTrain runs to Jamaica for the commuter rail or the subway, or to Howard Beach for the subway. LaGuardia is closest by road, and a free shuttle bus links it to the subway. Newark Liberty has an AirTrain to the rail station, then NJ Transit or Amtrak into Penn Station. Journeys from JFK and Newark typically take 45 to 75 minutes, traffic depending. The subway runs all night: tap a contactless card or phone, and check service changes with the MTA.

Nearby sights and food

The two parks frame the neighborhood. Riverside Park runs along the Hudson with paths, lawns and river views; Central Park begins at 110th Street, and its northern end is the calmest part, woodland paths and water rather than open lawn. The American Museum of Natural History is on Central Park West at 79th Street, a straight walk south. The Metropolitan Museum of Art sits on Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, at the start of Museum Mile. MoMA, the Theater District around Times Square and the Intrepid Museum on the Hudson are all a short ride away. Check opening days before setting out.

Eating near Manhattan Valley is mostly local and unhurried. Broadway carries the main run of places: pizza by the slice, bagel shops, delis, diners, ramen bars, taquerias, and small Thai, Indian and Chinese kitchens, with a few Italian rooms for a longer dinner. Amsterdam Avenue and Columbus Avenue hold coffee bars and bakeries that work for a slow morning. Closer to the parks, places tend to be smaller and quieter. For a special evening, the Theater District and Midtown have the widest choice; book ahead for weekends. Check opening hours, which shift by day and season.

A day from HI New York City Hostel

A day from HI New York City Hostel. Start with a slow morning: coffee and a pastry somewhere on Broadway, then walk east into Central Park at 110th Street and follow the paths south through the quieter northern end. Come back down for lunch near the museum, then spend the afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West, which rewards a long visit. Late afternoon suits Riverside Park, with the sun low over the Hudson. For the evening, ride south to the Theater District for a show, or stay local for a quiet dinner. Book theater tickets ahead and check curtain times.

Distances

Facilities listed by the supplier

As listed by the booking supplier; a facility not listed here may still exist. Confirm anything important with the property.

• 24 Hour Front Desk
• 24-hour security
• ATM
• Air conditioning
• Banquet
• Snack bar
• Bars
• Bath
• Bathroom
• Breakfast
• Cleaning
• Coffee
• Entertainment activities
• Express check in
• Family rooms
• First aid
• Free Wi-Fi
• Garden
• Hairdryer
• Housekeeping
• Internet access
• Iron and board
• Kitchen
• Laundry Service
• Elevators
• Lounge
• Luggage storage
• Non smoking rooms
• Picnic area
• Pool bar
• Safe
• Security Features
• Shower
• Sink
• Slippers
• Smoke detector
• Smoking area
• TV
• Terrace
• Towels