Searching for cheap hostels in New York City for your 2025 adventure? You're in the right place! We've curated a list of the five most affordable hostels in the Big Apple, perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience the city without breaking the bank.
New York City is known for its sky-high prices, but that doesn't mean you can't explore this vibrant metropolis on a budget. Our selection of cheap NYC hostels offers basic facilities in great locations, allowing you to save money while fully immersing yourself in the city's energy.
To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a quick comparison of our top 5 cheap hostels in New York City:
| Hostel Name | Dorm Price (from) | Location | Nearest Subway | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Brooklyn Riviera | €32 | Brooklyn | 10-15 min walk to A, C, #3 trains | Backyard area, BBQ, Free Wi-Fi |
| Q4 Hotel | €45 | Long Island City | 5 min walk to Queens Plaza station | Kitchen, TV lounge, Pool table |
| NY Moore Hostel | €50 | East Williamsburg, Brooklyn | 5 min walk to Montrose Ave station | Courtyard, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee lounge |
| HI NYC Hostel | €58 | Upper West Side, Manhattan | 2 min walk to 103 St station | Large patio, Kitchen, Movie theatre |
| The Local NYC | €63 | Long Island City | 2 min walk to 21 St-Queensbridge station | Rooftop terrace, Bar, Events space |
Notes:
Now that we've given you a quick overview, let's have a closer look at each of these cheap hostels in New York City.
Dorms from €32
The Brooklyn Riviera is a great option for international travellers who are looking for a clean, safe, and affordable place to stay in New York. The hostel is conveniently located within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance to the A and C train or the #3 train, which will take you to all the main attractions of New York, including the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center.
The hostel's backyard area is perfect for socialising and enjoying a BBQ or smoking, adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The local bars and restaurants offer plenty of options to explore, and the best place to try Caribbean food is just around the corner.
The 4-bed dorms are equipped with two twin size bunk beds, each with a small shelf for storing small items, as well as a small lamp and electric outlets. The curtains provide some privacy and help you sleep undisturbed, even when others are awake.
Overall, the Brooklyn Riviera offers an excellent value for its affordable price, and the hostel's friendly staff ensures a pleasant stay. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option to explore New York, the Brooklyn Riviera is a great choice.
Feedback from Hostelworld Guests
Guests have generally positive reviews of The Brooklyn Riviera, highlighting its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, good value for money, and convenient location. The owner's collection of books, art, and crafts adds to the pleasant atmosphere, and the outdoor terrace and social room provide space for guests to relax and socialise. However, some guests noted that the bathrooms needed some renovation and that there were not enough of them for the number of guests. Despite this, guests appreciated the small breakfast items provided and the availability of a DVD player and movies in the common area. Overall, guests agree that The Brooklyn Riviera is a great option for budget-conscious travellers visiting New York City.
Hostel’s highlights:
Dorms from €45
Q4 Hotel is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a cheap yet comfortable place to stay in New York City. The hostel has recently been fully renovated, and it offers a range of private and dormitory rooms with private bathrooms and lockers, ensuring privacy and security during your stay. The location in Long Island City is convenient, just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East Side, and it provides easy access to some of the city's most vibrant areas.
The Q4 Hotel also offers a range of amenities that cater to the needs of its guests, including a full guest kitchen, TV lounge area, pool table, ping pong table, and dining room. The 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping services ensure that guests' needs are met, while the absence of a curfew and security measures ensure that guests can come and go as they please in a safe and secure environment. Overall, Q4 Hotel offers great value for money, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers visiting New York City.
Feedback from Hostelworld Guests
Guests have praised the Q4 Hotel's location, describing it as perfect and ideal for its proximity to the subway station, food and supermarkets, and its affordability. The rooms were found to be clean and the communal areas adequate, with a kitchen available for cooking and refrigeration. While some guests found the staff to be a bit serious, they were helpful when needed. A receptionist was praised for giving great recommendations for food. Some guests reported issues with temperature control, but overall had a good experience. The hotel was described as amazing by some guests, and they would love to stay there again. The Q4 Hotel offers good value for money and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Hostel’s highlights:
Dorms from €50
NY Moore Hostel is a vibrant and colourful hostel located in the trendy and up-and-coming East Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn. The hostel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, many of which have private bathrooms. The common areas are inviting, with a cushy lounge and courtyard where guests can relax and enjoy the free Wi-Fi. The hostel also provides a range of amenities, including a computer room with free internet, a coffee lounge with free hot drinks, and locks that can be purchased for a small fee.
What makes NY Moore Hostel stand out is its value for money. Despite its convenient location and impressive array of amenities, the hostel offers affordable prices that are hard to beat. Guests can enjoy the vibrant surroundings of East Williamsburg and easily access Manhattan without breaking the bank. Additionally, the hostel is a great choice for group reservations, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travellers who want to explore New York City with their friends or family.
Overall, NY Moore Hostel is an excellent choice for travellers looking for an affordable and comfortable place to stay in New York City. With its prime location, colourful atmosphere, and impressive range of amenities, the hostel offers great value for money and is sure to please budget-conscious travellers.
Feedback from Hostelworld Guests
Guests rave about NY Moore Hostel's cleanliness, friendly staff, and spacious rooms. Many mention the free upgrades they received, adding to the value for money. Guests also praise the hostel's convenient location near the subway and multiple cafes and thrift stores. Some guests were first-time hostel users and were pleasantly surprised by their experience, feeling safe and enjoying chatting with the hosts. The hostel also provides free luggage storage, which guests appreciate. While some guests do not comment on the social atmosphere of the hostel, others mention having a great time. Overall, guests highly recommend NY Moore Hostel for its excellent value for money.
Hostel’s highlights:
Dorms from €58
HI NYC Hostel is a fantastic option for travellers seeking affordable accommodation in the heart of the Big Apple. Located just minutes away from Central Park and Times Square, it provides great value for money while offering modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a large common room space, a 36-burner kitchen for guest use, beautifully renovated bathrooms and showers, and individual heat/air conditioning controls in each guest room.
The hostel also boasts Manhattan's largest private outdoor patio, perfect for impromptu soccer games or training sessions, and a 24-hour Welcome and Information Desk that is always ready to help guests with any questions. Guests looking for relaxation can enjoy movies in the large in-house theatre or spend time in the lounge and game rooms, which are open 24/7.
HI New York City hostel also offers conveniences such as private lockers with guests' own locks, an on-site coin-operated laundry facility, snacks and drinks available 24/7, and an Internet room with public computers. Additionally, the hostel offers a lot of extra activities such as tours and trips, which are value-for-money.
Overall, HI New York City hostel is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in a convenient location.
Feedback from Hostelworld Guests
The guests love their stay at HI NYC Hostel, saying it felt more like a big house than a hostel. They appreciate the great staff, comfortable rooms and beds, and the large cafeteria with a pool table. The location is also praised, with easy walking distance to Central Park and the subway. However, some guests noted that large school groups could dominate the space at times. The hostel offers awesome activities throughout the week with friendly volunteers and staff. The rooms are clean, with blinds for extra privacy. Overall, guests found it a great place to stay and would definitely stay again if visiting New York, making it a good value for money.
Hostel’s highlights:
Dorms from €63
The Local NYC is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to experience New York City in style. The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed with en suite bathrooms, linens and towels, bed dividers, and locked storage space. The common space is equally impressive, featuring a beautiful roof terrace with stunning views of the skyline, a computer lounge, an event space, and a bar where guests can mingle and enjoy gourmet snacks and signature cocktails.
But what sets The Local NYC apart is its amazing staff. They go above and beyond to ensure that guests have an unforgettable stay, offering personalised recommendations for exploring the city, organising events to bring guests together, and providing exceptional service to make guests feel right at home.
Overall, The Local NYC offers unbeatable value for money, with comfortable accommodations, a range of amenities, and a friendly atmosphere that is hard to beat.
Feedback from Hostelworld Guests
The guests enjoyed their stay at The Local NYC and found it to be value for money. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere was great. Guests appreciated the convenient location and proximity to restaurants and bars. The hostel had all the necessary amenities and common areas, including a lookout terrace with beautiful views. Guests found the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, although some found the beds to be average. Some guests mentioned that the hostel was quiet during their stay, but they still enjoyed their experience. Overall, guests were pleased with their stay at The Local NYC and would recommend it to others.
Hostel’s highlights:
Opting for a cheap hostel in New York City offers numerous benefits for budget-conscious travellers:
By choosing a hostel, you're not just saving money; you're opening yourself up to a more immersive and social travel experience in the heart of New York City.
Finding the perfect affordable accommodation in New York requires a bit of strategy. Here are some expanded tips to help you secure the best cheap hostels in NYC:
When staying at a cheap hostel in NYC, you'll want to extend your savings to other aspects of your trip. Here are some tips for exploring New York City on a budget:
To truly maximize your experience in a cheap NYC hostel, consider these additional tips:
A: Yes, reputable hostels prioritise guest safety with security measures like lockers and 24-hour reception. Always check recent reviews and the hostel's safety policies before booking.
A: Many hostels offer private rooms at rates lower than traditional hotels. This option provides a balance between privacy and the social atmosphere of a hostel.
A: Some hostels have age limits, typically welcoming guests between 18-35. Always check the hostel's policy before booking. However, many hostels in NYC are open to travellers of all ages.
A: It's advisable to book at least 1-2 months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you get the best rates and availability.
A: Many hostels offer luggage storage facilities, often for free or a small fee. This service allows you to explore the city unencumbered before check-in or after check-out.
Choosing a cheap hostel in New York City is a smart way to experience the Big Apple without breaking the bank. By following these tips and selecting from our curated list of affordable accommodations, you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay that doesn't compromise on experience or location. Book your NYC hostel today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most exciting cities!
