I spent three nights at the West side YMCA. The first was spent in a twin room on the 10th floor. It was just big enough for a bunk, table, TV and a lamp. It was air conditioned, although it was noisy, and had a great view (only some rooms have this) There were bathrooms on each floor - one set male one set female. The girls had a combination lock on the door, but everyone knew the code. The boys door wouldn't shut properly. There were 3 toilets, which wouldn't flush at certain times of the day, and three showers - you could only use two of them, which screeched "like the exorcist". The curtains left an inch at either side, and there was a big mirror opposite you, above the sinks - very communal. We then kicked up BIG FUSS...(we were a school group)
Then...we got Rooms on floors 12 and 13(top two floors) that had been rennovated... I was in a room of 6 with the other guys on the trip, but it was a nice room - TV, desk, shelves, Air con, bunk beds. Toilets on the corridoor lockable from the inside, all with sink and shower. Only thaat floors key cards could open them. They were nice and quiet.
All rooms had key cards to get into - but sometimes they took three or four attempts to swipe. All rooms also had cable TV, some of which had remotes! Also, the top two floors had what looked like voice and data ports (our rooms said V1367 and D1367 - someone elses was the same with their room numbers on). Whether you can connect to the net or each other if you carry a PC i don't know - we only had one with us, and didn't need the net.
All in all, the Y is a great place to stay - if you get on the better floors.Otherwise, I would say backpackers only, who need a bed and not a lot more. There is also a small cafe on site, serving cheap meals. The small order cook is a great guy, and very helpful, as is the morning cashier. You buy your breakfast, and make up a packed lunch - they provide brown bags for you, and free delivery, but no room service...good priorities!!
If you go, enjoy your trip - and at least walk through times square for the experience - a metro pass is $7 for a days unlimited travelling, and well worth it.
Dan danbutcher @ ukpc.net [remove spaces to send me mail]
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Mar 6th, 2004
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