YMCA Theatre

Advantages: Fantastic Location
Disadvantages: Not great quality rooms and washing facilities

...you will find the big Broadway hit musicals, so an evening out at the theatre can literally only cost the price of the ticket. Although I recommend you attempt to get a cab around a busy part of New York, as it is fun and challenging. They're no too badly priced either as I think most our taxi journeys back to the YMCA cost around $5 - $10. A slightly longer walk (30-40 minutes) will take you to the Empire State building and Macy's shopping centre. The rest of NYC can also be found on the doorstep of YMCA Westside, with only a couple of minutes walk towards Broadway and you will be at Columbus Circle subway station. Inside the YMCA is a very old building with many unusual designs. The foyer is very open with the reception desk right in the middle hosting a (usually) quite stern member of security. There is a cafe where you can buy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: excellent location, it is really downtown NYC
Disadvantages: expensive, dirty rooms and unbelieably dirty decaying bathrooms

...I had been to YMCA West Side in New York once ten years ago, before they renovated it, and I enjoyed it much. Thus last summer I went back there with my girlfriend without even having a look at the rooms. I wish I did not go there! Definitely I will not go there any more. I am 32 and since I travel quite a lot I can say I have some spirit of adaptability. However there's a limit to everything. The place where this hotel is locate is very good, one minute on foot from Columbus Square in the middle of downtown New York. Unfortunately this is the only positive thing about YMCA West Side. PRICE: price is too high for what you get. 100$ for a twin bedroom is a bargain for the are you are going to stay, but it is a theft for what you are provided for. What's more YMCA demands you to pay in advance for the whole period you are going... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Close to Central Park
Disadvantages: Too many to list

...I went to America in mid-Ferbruary with my school band. We spent the last 3 days, 2 nights in New York City and spent our nights at the West Side YMCA. When we pulled up outside we were quite wary of the place but inside the reception was beautiful... what a false impression that was! We were all staying on the 15th floor, girls on one side, boys on the other and teachers in the middle. When we stepped out of the lift we were shocked. It looked like a prison corridor, the doors were cold uninviting metal with a small grate in the top, there was a dreadful smell, very stale. (apparently there were wooden doors on some of the lower floors). The rooms were tiny, just enough room for a bunkbed, a tv (which we were most grateful of) and a small desk. There was barely enough floorspace for 2 people's suitcases! My room seemed clean... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful