The Brooklyn Riviera Hostel image

The Brooklyn Riviera Hostel

Hostel

😠 NOT FOR US CITIZENS: I did not have a chance to stay here- One day before my arrival, I was sent an email stating you can not be a US citizen to stay here. This information is not on many of the booking websites. Be forewarned, by the time you get their cancellation email, prices may have changed an... People often mention hostel, stay, good, friendly, price, night, nice, Talib, people, great,


Address

781 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Contact

(212) 470-0216

Price rating

$66/night

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (101 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hostel (17) stay (14) good (14) friendly (12) price (9) night (9) nice (9) Talib (8) people (8) great (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Sander 4 years ago on Google
    NOT FOR US CITIZENS: I did not have a chance to stay here- One day before my arrival, I was sent an email stating you can not be a US citizen to stay here. This information is not on many of the booking websites. Be forewarned, by the time you get their cancellation email, prices may have changed and rooms may be booked out. Here is the email sent, typos and all: "Hello,this is the Brooklyn Riviera,Sorry we must inform you that we only accept international guest and no American citizens.You will need to cancel with hostel world to retrieve your deposit.we apologize for any inconvenience" EDIT: It looks like the price per night has tripled since I completed my booking. They likely canceled my reservation just so they could get more for the room. Pretty shameful business tactic. Just be warned...
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sarah F. 4 years ago on Google
    Do not recommend. Hostel had bed bugs in the men's dorm. One bathroom for the entire hostel and the 'kitchen' does not really count as a kitchen Hostel itself was unfinished, poorly built and dirty. Staff were friendly but that was really the only positive thing to say about this place.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K G. 1 year ago on Google • 83 reviews
    THE BEST HOSTEL IN NYC! It feels like home ♥️ they have an amazing bbq on most Sunday nights. Free bakery breakfast and unlimited coffee everyday. Talib the manager creates such a warm and social atmosphere. The people here are the best :) Highly recommend this place!!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lia J. 1 year ago on Google • 20 reviews
    I’ve been traveled more than 30 countries and this is one of the best Hostel I ever had .the owner is really kind , generous and funny as well . I feel like home there very comfortable and chill. Breakfast was good and a big tv with movie was good as well at the downstairs. I’m feel so thankful to the owner. He is very nice guy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica D. 5 months ago on Google • 943 reviews
    From the moment I arrived to the whole stay, I lived the vibes and the way everything had a fun memorable theme like with knights at the entrance and a really cozy private backyard and lounge area. Wonderful people to meet too. Best place I've stayed in New York for sure. Really grateful to Talib for managing so many things here. So much personalized communication beforehand too. Appreciated the new surprise breakfast each morning too and there's also a really good Mexican place beside here and a cafe nearby too

  • 1/5 J K. 11 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Nice people but everything else from the kitchen to the bathroom is just disgusting. It's dirty, the kitchen is tiny and badly equipped and the price (minimum $40-45USD) doesn't make up for that!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anne O. 1 year ago on Google • 7 reviews
    ½ hour from Manhattan and all major attractions by metro. Staff always super friendly and helpful :). At first it looks uninhabited and a bit scary from the outside due to renovation work, but inside you immediately feel a very positive atmosphere! In the morning you even get coffee/tea and a little something to eat for free! I can recommend it to anyone who doesn't have too luxurious expectations, including solo travellers
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Steven D. 4 years ago on Google
    BIG WARNING: They apparently "only accept international guests and no american citizens." Nothing on the website said this is EXCLUSIVELY for international guests. I received an email saying I had to cancel. If you didn't get their "Flexible Deposit Protection," then you just lost all your money. Waste of time and money. And on top of that, it forces me to find another place to stay on such short notice. I just needed a place to sleep as I travel and tour.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 lenita h. 4 years ago on Google
    These must be fake reviews. The place is run down in the middle of a drug prone location. There are gang members and alcoholics hanging out on the corner. And No one answers the door when it's time for check in. ITS A SCAM!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kumar Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny M. 4 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    It’s what a hostel was always meant To be. A home away from home. A place for creative and open hearted souls to meet and feel safe and accepted. Inclusive, cosy and artistic. It’s the real deal. Talib is the man.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valeria Hernandez C. 4 years ago on Google
    That was a great place for stay
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LaVeda D. 5 years ago on Google
    A great hidden jewel in Brooklyn. Great staff. Awesome prices. It's small and perfect for getting to know new guests traveling.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicole D. 6 years ago on Google
    The hostel is located in friendly area that is safer than it looks. Talib, the owner, is amazing with his guests and really goes the extra mile to help them be comfortable. The accommodation has a bohemian vibe that works really well (there's a pet parrot for God's sake) and the price per night is exceptional. The subway is about five blocks away and it's easy to move around. You should calculate an hour of commute if you're going to Manhattan just in case. Breakfast is alright and I never had problems to shower when I wanted to. It was everything I was looking for!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shira P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice location. Beautiful place
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Phoebe J. 4 years ago on Google
    Doesn't openly and clearly inform you it's only for international guests. Gotta text the night before check-in and post paying a fee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 King N. 4 months ago on Google • 66 reviews
    This is the perfect place for your stay in NY. The host is amazing, the other guests are really nice. It is extremely clean and has a lot of extras. The neighbourhood is amazing too. You get an earsplitting bang for your buck with his one.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Katarina 9 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Cheap and cool NYC hostel ! Loved the vibe and personal touches here, felt very much at home. The only thing i didn’t appreciate were the owners collection of bettas with no swim space. Pretty dissapointed seeing fish being kept like that );
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Archie R. 2 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Brooklyn Riviera is the ideal travellers rest, the vibe is extremely homely and welcoming. The host is remarkably friendly and polite, making you feel part of an NYC family. The location is also ideal, with lots to do nearby, the black feminist bookshop on the street is worth checking, as are all the sites in the wider Brooklyn area. Thanks for a great stay, keep on feeling the Hip Hop too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Md Apon A. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good service and the place amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 ThePandaPhotographer 1 year ago on Google
    Google stop recommending type of hostels like this one to me. Never stay but looks at the accommodations. No way
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lina Marie M. 1 year ago on Google
    It's the best hostel I've been so far. People are so friendly and fun. The Host is the best. Love this place for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bootstrap B. 4 years ago on Google
    I became friends with the owner of the hostel who know pretty much everything that´s going down in NYC, that can come quite in handy if you´re thinking about moving to NYC. But for most the Brooklyn Riviera is a good place for meeting people. You meet al kinds of in various walks of life and they all have there story. It´s pretty good place, i enjoyed it. I could definitely recommend this place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lynette h. 6 years ago on Google
    Hospitable host, great vistors, neighborly building. Extra incentives transportation nearby, trendy mix with old community..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 stefano antonio a. 5 years ago on Google
    Talib is the man
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 RayVon W. 5 years ago on Google
    I didnt exactly stay here, but it looked pretty raw from the outside and from the pictures i could tell its pretty dope but probably not to most peoples standards
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 BARVIZON 4 years ago on Google
    Great hotel but make sure you wallet don't cry when you pay in hight season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anoop A. 5 years ago on Google
    Good location... Walking distance to Nostrand Av subway Station and Long Island rail road station. From jfk airport its just 2 stops via long Island rail road train.... Host is very good. Recommended if you are looking for a budget hostel with good access to downtown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chino W. 5 years ago on Google
    If you're looking for a Bohemian Vibe this is the place to be!! awesome staff and cool common areas
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mathieu a. 4 years ago on Google
    Budget friendly, clean and prompt with breakfast
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Daniel 1. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly and nice, but the bathroom could be a little bit cleaner.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Desiree Z. 1 year ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Great space with very nice staff. I sadly just stayed for a night but really enjoyed the unique space. Would definitely recommend! :)

  • 2/5 Predrag “Pedjat87” T. 7 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    Decent for the price you pay, as it is quite affordable. Very cool owner, friendly and welcoming. Close to subway stop, around 6-7 minutes walk. It's a good place to meet other travelers and have good talks over drinks. Neighborhood is fine during the day, but I didn't want to walk in the night. On the other hand, the place needs renovation, especially beda and bathrooms. If there wasn't for the price, I wouldn't be back here. Well... maybe I would because of Hannah :)

  • 1/5 Sithis R. 1 month ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Notified me by email right before my trip that they only take international guests. What kind of a rule is that?

  • 5/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    Talib, the host, was incredible. Hostel was comfortable and full of personality. Surrounding area has tons of character and is overall a nice neighbourhood. I look forward to my next stay here.

  • 4/5 Tony W. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing hostel, good rooms too,

  • 5/5 Adam T. 1 year ago on Google
    I stayed here for 4 night. Host Talib is kind and super friendly. I will be back for my next stay in New York.

  • 5/5 Sina L. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing Staff! Felt like home ☺️

  • 5/5 Rodrigo Quadros N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very comfortable and well located! (Original) Muito confortável e bem localizado!

  • 5/5 J 1 year ago on Google
    This is a true hostel, not one of those weird hotel hybrids. We loved our stay! Staff are all genuinely great people!

  • 5/5 Emilly Cristina Nascimento C. 1 year ago on Google
    My stay was amazing. I wanted a weekend getaway so we decided to find something local. This was truly the ambiance and vibe I needed. The hotel staff was super friendly and welcoming all the way down to the valet team.

  • 4/5 Rodrigo M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's not the best hostel, but based on the price you pay and the location nearby the subway station, it worths. I recommend it.

  • 5/5 Yasmin P. 4 years ago on Google
    Talib best guy at hostel, everything is good and nice, I loved, and I comeback

  • 2/5 Sonia N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I did not expect this at all when I arrived. The hostel is not well signposted, and in an unsafe location. There is only one toilet and one shower for the whole hostel. The building is rather dilapidated which gives an impression of not being clean. The bed is not very comfortable, for very short stays OK but not for long in my opinion! (Original) Je ne m'attendais pas du tout à cela en arrivant. L'auberge n'est pas bien indiquée, et dans un lieux pas très sûr. Il y a 1 seul toilette et 1 seule douche pour toute l'auberge. L'immeuble est assez délabré ce qui donne une impression de pas propre. Le lit n'est pas très confortable, pour de très courts séjours OK mais pas pour longtemps à mon avis !

  • 5/5 Injy J. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing, quirky hostel!

  • 5/5 Kiddtwo D. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this place.my favorite

  • 5/5 Lani C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing staff!

  • 5/5 Flex K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice cheap hotel, the staff are friendly. (Original) Beau Hotel pas cher, le personnel est sympas.

  • 2/5 Rafael L. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Little care (Original) Poco cuidado

  • 5/5 Kristine L. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is safe and welcoming!

  • 2/5 Enrique R. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) How much time (Original) Cuanto l hora

  • 5/5 Mobile L. 5 years ago on Google
    This place very excellent

  • 5/5 Tobore S. 6 years ago on Google
    Cool place, enjoyed the service

  • 5/5 Ovidiu I. 6 years ago on Google
    Very kind people and the best price from New York City.

  • 2/5 Ines H. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Well what should one expect for the price in NY. The gentlemen were very nice. The house has seen better days. Unfortunately I've had headaches and too much breathing problems with too much perfume or fragrance oil or something like that. In my first room you could at least make the smell a little better by letting the fan run all evening. In my second (had to go in between) unfortunately not at all. Here the fan would have to run all night, which did not really contribute to the night's sleep and did not expel the fragrance. Another negative is that there are no real lockers. Only a wooden cabinet, but not really trustworthy looks. The next morning, I woke up with stitches on the shoulder / neck, arms and legs. But I did not see any flies ... (Original) Naja was soll man für den Preis in NY erwarten. Die Herren waren sehr nett. Das Haus hat schon bessere Tage gesehen. Leider habe ich durch zu viel Parfum oder Duftöl oder so etwas in der Art Kopfschmerzen gehabt und Atemprobleme. In meinem ersten Zimmer konnte man den Geruch zumindest ein wenig besser machen durch den ganzen Abend den Ventilator laufen lassen. In meinem zweiten (musste zwischendrin unziehen) leider überhaupt nicht. Hier müsste der Ventilator die ganze Nacht laufen, was nicht wirklich zur Nachtruhe beigetragen hat und den Duft auch nicht vertrieben hat. Ein weiterer Minuspunkt ist, das es keine richtigen Schliesfächer gibt. Nur einen Holzschrank, der aber nicht wirklich vertrauenerweckend aussieht. Am nächsten Morgen wachte ich mit Stichen an Schuler/Nacken, armen und Beinen auf. Fliegen habe ich aber keine gesehen...

  • 3/5 Angel H. 4 years ago on Google
    Comfy rooms great people in charge. That was the first time I stayed at a place like that, but they were so trustfully

  • 5/5 aparna r. 4 years ago on Google
    Small but amazing hosts. Clean and cute

  • 3/5 Jenni K. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In itself, the hostel was fine, the owner was very nice and you could easily sit in the garden. The connection was also great. Unfortunately, everything was a bit dirty, I even had cockroaches in my room / bed. (Original) An sich war das Hostel in Ordnung, der Inhaber war sehr nett und man konnte ganz gut im Garten sitzen. Die Anbindung war auch super. Leider war alles etwas dreckig, ich hatte sogar Kakerlaken in meinem Zimmer/Bett.

  • 4/5 Beautiversal E. 2 years ago on Google
    Not a bad spot for one or two nights

  • 5/5 anifa u. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) my stay is just for the vancance so I would come to do only 3 weeks for tourism and after I will return to my country (Original) mes séjour est juste pour le vancance donc je viendrais faire que 3 semaines pour le tourisme et aprés je vais me retourner dans mon pays

  • 4/5 Lanette B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great hotel, very nice and clean place, staff really friendly.

  • 3/5 palan t. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Super staf staff but places to improve. (Original) Personnel du staf super mais lieux a améliorer.

  • 3/5 anonymous e. 4 years ago on Google
    I’m reading. Reviews it says that Americans are not allowed won’t. Ok there also I see America review with how great it is ?? Europeans are probably the real reviews and old his illegal hostel sometime cheap. Or not ?? Won’t. Book of school today

  • 5/5 鏡無 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I have lived in the most welcoming, most like the Youth Hostel. I have a feeling of returning to my hometown. It is not like a hotel and there is no commercial atmosphere. The house is very old and has a message graffiti from people all over the world. And the special ornaments, the big man's talib is super good. When I arrived, I was playing games with everyone. We all slept after two or three in the middle of the night and still seriously cleaned. I went to see the comment before saying that the law and order is not good, so I have some concerns, but I arrived in the middle of the night. When I was hungry, I went out and bought a box of roast chicken. No problem. In New York, this price is really the lowest in the city. You should not choose a spoiled traveler who has strict requirements on the quality of the accommodation. After all, you will not have high-end enjoyment. If you have a feeling of open mind, you will have a wonderful experience. I hope I will come again. Thank you talib and his friends. (Original) 住过感觉最温馨的,最像青旅的青旅,在这里有一种回到了老家的感觉,不像是宾馆也没有任何商业气息,房子很旧所有地方都有来自世界各地的人的留言涂鸦和特色摆件,大个子的talib人超好,我到的时候在陪大家画画玩游戏,我们都睡了后半夜两三点了还在认认真真打扫卫生。去之前看评论说这里治安不好所以有一些担心,但是我是半夜到的,饿了还出去买了一盒烤鸡,没什么问题。在纽约这个价格真的是全城最低了。对住宿环境品质有很严格要求的娇生惯养的旅行者就不要选择了,毕竟你不会有高档的享受,有情怀有开阔的头脑的人来吧,你会有很神奇的体验。 希望会再来。谢谢talib和他的小伙伴们。

  • 5/5 Katharina von H. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    A colorful place for meetings. I felt very well.


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