Convenient Murray Hill location within walking distance of tourist sights and subway lines
Clean, bright rooms; some have private bathrooms
Staff available 24 hours daily
No curfews or lockouts as at other hostels
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel
Supply of free donuts and coffee in the morning, and free pizza and karaoke twice a week
Microwaves and mini-fridges in rooms
Some rooms are very small
No elevator
Few common areas (and no shared kitchen)
This hostel in Murray Hill is a great option for visitors traveling to NYC on a budget, with shared rooms starting at just $50 per night, and private rooms for just a bit more. Many of the rooms are small, but clean -- there is daily housekeeping -- and efficient. As in other hostels, many rooms also share bathrooms in the hallway. There is no curfew or lockout, as the hostel is staffed 24/7, and in-room microwaves and mini-fridges help guests save on food (though there is no shared kitchen, unlike at some competitors). Additional conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and free pizza two nights a week are major draws, especially for cash-strapped travelers. Overall, this is one of the best hostels in New York, but it's also worth considering Hostelling International.
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Scene
Constantly bustling, this hostel is popular, clean, and convenient for budget-conscious travelers.
From the outside, this Murray Hill hostel doesn't give much away. It's an old brick apartment building on East 34th Street, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. Guests have to be buzzed in and walk up a flight of stairs before they find the lobby. It's small, but efficient, with employees staffing the desk at all hours of the day and a comfortable seating area. This is the only common space in the hotel, but like the rest of the small property, it is bright, cheerful, and very clean. For the price, you can't do much better in New York City.
Those in search of a more social hostel atmosphere and more common spaces for mingling may want to consider Hostelling International, which has several lounges, a shared kitchen, and free daily offerings such as guided tours and pub crawls.
Location
The New York Budget Inn is conveniently central and isn't swamped by tourists.
The hotel is in Murray Hill, where the saying "New York is the city that never sleeps" is true. It is a primarily residential neighborhood full of bars and restaurants, and young people out until the wee hours of the morning. There are fewer tourists here than, say, Times Square and the Theater District, so it offers a better sense of a "real" New York neighborhood. The 6 subway line is three blocks away. Some of the most popular tourist haunts, including Grand Central and the Empire State Building, are within walking distance, while most others are a 15- to 30-minute walk, or a subway or taxi ride away.
Rooms
Rooms at the New York Budget Inn are clean and efficient, and deliver on the hostel staples.
Rooms are small -- some are only around 50 square feet -- but they are bright and designed to make the most use of the space. Bunk beds are the most common sleeping arrangement, and lockers in the rooms are available for a small daily fee. Private rooms with double beds and in-room sinks and bathrooms are available, but most are shared rooms with shared bathrooms out in the hallways. There are also all-female shared rooms available. Private rooms feature small flat-screen TVs with cable, and all rooms have fire escapes that, though not accessible, give rooms an authentic New York vibe. Mini-fridges and microwaves are also provided to help guests save on food. Window air-conditioning units help keep guests cool in the summer. The rooms are cleaned everyday -- great for a hostel stay.
Groups traveling together should note that the hostel can't guarantee placement in the same shared rooms.
Features
Unexpected perks make this hostel stand out.
In addition to free Wi-Fi, the New York Budget Inn also offers free donuts and coffee in the morning (while supplies last) and free pizza and karaoke twice a week. A water bottle filling station is also available to guests.
