YMCA

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

...If you appreciate the "well, it's a roof over your head" style accommodation then I promise you will love the YMCA Westside, NYC. I was lucky enough to spend 5 days in New York last year as part of my college course so the accommodation was out of my hands. Fortunately I prefer to prioritise location to accommodation. As far as youth hostels go, the YMCA west side has everything and more. Literally 1 minute to the end of the road, cross the street and you will be in Central Park. Being in the middle of one of the most famous concrete jungles, central park is a particularly stunning view. Maybe it's the contrast of the tall trees and quiet pathways to the colossal skyscrapers and rowdy streets that heighten the beauty situated so close to the YMCA. Within walking distance there is the famous ice rink (from Home Alone 2), which is well... 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