This is by far the worst hostel I have stayed in, and I can only advise you to look elsewhere. I was booked in for ten nights as I had business in NYC but left after two in order to find somewhere less awful. To begin this review, the hostel is deeply unsanitary: there were two bathrooms on my floor (four rooms). This is by no means adequate and on my first morning in the hostel I had to get dressed in a laundry closet. The bathrooms are falling apart, with decrepit fixtures and frankly disgusting furniture (see pictures). There was no hot water on my three attempts to shower. The staff make the claim that there is, in fact, hot water, and that there isn't hot water is a charming quirk inherent to the building being a historic brownstone – a poor excuse. Judging by the quantity of detritus in my dorm, they are cleaned infrequently if ever. Second, the rooms are insecure to the point where I felt unsafe. The dorms do not lock, and so anyone who can make it into the building can access any dorm. The only secure place to store valuables, etc. are small and flimsy key lockers, and even then the hostel does not give out keys willingly: I had to argue with the receptionist to get one. Judging by if ever. Beyond the bunks and lockers, the dorms are furnished only with a few items of bric-a-brac in various states of disrepair (my bunk had a broken CD tower that I guess was meant to be a bedside table) meaning that the top bunks do not have access to amenities such as dedicated plug sockets, reading lights, or shelves. For some reason, there is not Wi-Fi on the upper floors, meaning that if you need to look something up then you have a long climb ahead of you. While the hostel has tried to make the common areas nice, and have succeeded in part, the reception area doubles as a man-cave of sorts for the staff with their XBox and drum kit, and the kitchen in the basement, though new, is ill-equipped. As I said, I left over a week early. When I told the member of staff on reception that I was leaving and why, he tried to get into an argument that left me feeling more than a little gaslit. Apparently, the bathrooms pictured aren't an issue because it's an old building, but also the only reason I was leaving was because I had to ask for a locker key – and a guest feeling fearful that someone might walk off with their passport, etc., was not an issue for him. Out of politeness I had taken my sheets downstairs in order to check out as per the hostel's request. Apparently this was the wrong thing to do as he then yelled out as I walked down the street, asking me to climb back up to the top floor to deposit my sheets back in the dorm – truly a masterclass in reading the room. Since leaving, I have received multiple emails from the hostel management, the last of which was 500+ words and cc'd in Hostelworld (through whom I'd booked). Each of these emails has been defensive to the point of passive-aggression, attempting to exculpate the hostel. Apparently, the hostel has decrepit, non-functioning bathrooms, etc., because it is a "historic 1915 brownstone [which] has a lot of classic charm with a few quirks." And apparently I was the one who was at fault as "many concerns were not voiced until your decision to depart early." Bizarre behaviour. Do not, under any circumstance, book this hostel.

I stayed here, in a female dorm, for 2 days and 1 night. The hostel is well located- right next to central park and about 20 minutes from Times Square, by subway. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, they are available for most of the day. Linen, blankets, pillows and the bed were washed and clean. The bathroom is very large and clean, though there is a high chance that it may be occupied when you need to use it. You can't take large suitcases up as there is no lift and there were no safes in my dorm. Given the rates, I'd highly recommend this hostel.

Great community here, owners are passionate, and staff is extremely helpful.

Fabulous hostel! We loved our home away from home. Staff were so friendly, everything was super clean and the vibe was great. Plenty of hot water even though it took a while to come through, kitchen was well equiped and lounge area was lovely with TV, games and lots of books. We were on the top floor so there were a few stairs to climb but no drama for us. A bit noisy at times but that is to be expected in a hostel, most travellers were very polite. We stayed for 9 nights and overall thought it was great, especially the price for NYC.

Lorena, Santiago and Fausto are the best people I met as staff at the hostel. It was my first trip to NYC solo and I booked chelsea international hostel but that was the worst hostel ever. Then I met a guy from this hostel and he showed me this hostel and I booked this hostel immediately because this was the best hostel. I loved the hostel very clean and friendly I recommend everyone to stay here.

Located in beautiful Upper West Side in a stunning brownstone, just steps from Central Park. I enjoyed my stay. Staff is helpful and friendly and rooms are very spacious and clean. Common Room in basement is well furnished. Worth the trip. One of my favorite places to stay.

i had the best experience at this hostel. the staff is incredibly inviting , kind and helpful. i stayed on the top floor (which wasn’t even an annoying walk) the view from my window was an awesome new york skyline. i slept on the top bunk which wasn’t bad at all. you get two sheets and a pillow case and a set of keys upon checking in. after getting into your room you’ll find a pillow and two thick blankets. the bathrooms are pretty clean. everything is very tidy. the place has such character!! awesome people too! it’s a 5 min walk from the museum of national history, right next to central park and by a ton of food and the subway!! a great street too!

It was just perfect. The roomies were great, the room was decent enough for what we paid, the bathroom was great. Don't leave without checking the lounge downstairs, what a charming cultural spot with that mid-XXth century taste!!! They also have a good kitchen for you to buy your own stuff and cook it (so inviting you to save money in a pretty expensive city) and the girl in the front desk is simply lovely and so helpful: ask her just anything and she'll help out! The area is also super calm, quiet and safe, Central Park is ridiculously close... Go stay to the International Student Center!!!

Dirty, Cold but no heater. You are kicked out of the room during 1-3pm with the reason of room cleaning, but the room is dirty. I stayed in a room for two, but it was on the top floor which was 4th floor, without elevators. A lot of work if you have to take something out of your room or wanna put something in your room. Stairs make sounds, quite annoying when you have to move in the morning or night time since the sound disrupts others' sleep. Staff was not very helpful, they didn't provide enough info of the places and didn't give me the tour of the place, so i just explored by myself. The one and only reason to stay here is the location, very close to bus stop, metro station, coin laundry, central park and museums near central park. Also quiet and pretty safe neighborhood.

If you are student with low budget, it is okay and could be one of the interesting trip and accommodation experience in youth. However if you are an adult, I recommend you to fine other place to stay. I should have booked more expensive place for me if I knew how exactly the rooms are. They didnt even renovated the building. Old squicky stairs building. Building's each original room became accommodation by having bunk bed only. My room even had plastic cover on the ceiling which made noise all night long. When you check in, the staff will give you new sheet and you need to cover up your own matress. Bathroom was small and no equipment or amenities at all.(I didnt mean amenitis like hotels' but many youth hostel now has complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash.) Even though the building itself was horribly old, the room was clean, no dust, no webs. The staff was nice.

Dorm rooms in summer, especially filled ones are humid and at times uncomfortable. Kitchen area isn't particularly clean though that would more be the fault of fellow dirtier hostellers. The interior didn't leave that good a first impression although it is a hostel so perhaps I'm expecting a bit much. Dorm rooms are spacious and bathrooms are relatively clean though and stairs and everything seem to be in working order. Hence the hostel fulfills its purpose however I wouldn't say it does much to go beyond like some other hostels do. Note that you aren't allowed to bring your larger bags upstairs to your dorm i.e. anything that would have to be check-in luggage on a plane.

Very warm people and staff! I felt very welcomed!

Highly profitable organization ran by Rayda Márquez disguising itself as a not-for-profit... AWTE Detailed review to follow.

Was on a budget trip to NYC with my partner and decided to stay here— I’m so glad we did! It was our home away from home. The staff were friendly, the street was quiet, and the overall location was superb. Would stay again!

Erin and Rayda are some of the kindest persons I’ve ever met, they helped me so much when I first came to Ny. They even took me by metro to my working place, to show me. Imagine that. The hostel is at a perfect location, walking distance from Central Park and metro station on the corner. The rooms are really good as well. I would totally recommend it for a great stay in Nyc.

Staff are helpful. Rooms were clean as was the bathroom. Overall good for the price (I spent most time outdoors.)

ISC was my second home during the trip. Thankfully to the hostel’s stuff, I felt myself like in a TV series Friends. They were very kind and friendly, always ready to help and to recommend where to go. I also would like to highlight that all tge bathrooms, dorm rooms and common space were extremely clean. Kitchen was very convenient in use My roommates were polite and we stayed in our room with pleasure. The location of the hostel is perfect for tourism, it’s very quiet, safe area, close to the main museums and subway. Thank you for ISC for all the conditions and new friends

Had a great time at this hostel, the staff were awesome and so helpful while I was there. Shout out to Julian, Jonathan, and Kabir. Awesome guys, very friendly and welcoming.

I stayed here when i was just 18, summer of '96. Amazing to see that it is still there. Cost me $12,50 a night back then :)

What an awesome hostel. Very clean, comfortable beds and air con in rooms ! Stayed in a ten bed room and met some awesome travellers. Thank you Rayda for being extremely accommodating and professional. Will definitely recommend this hostel.

Pretty good hostel. The downs were ok but I really like the rest of the building, the staff and the common areas (my favorite). They are very kind and accommodating, and can feel a bit strict but I think it’s a good thing because they care about everyone’s safety. Recommend.

Good location. Safe, and no frills hostel. Would stay again for sure.

Great hostel! I was very well received, comfortable room, very fragrant bed linen... the location is very good... close to utilities... market, pharmacy... I will definitely be back!!

"strangers are just friends that haven't met eachother yet." I loved this place. Really clean, nice, and there's a lot of space.

I was late for check-in, but the guy waited half an hour for me to arrive. Great service!

One of best hostel I've been. Friendly and excellent attendace! Clean, confortable, well refrigerated (stayed during summer). And the kitchen is cool! Very close to subway stations and Central Park

Cockroaches....place ripped me off....

Well located, nice place, but the internet didn't work at the last floor with the rooms, recommended

Problems: -whole house is wood (fire = gg) -4th floor no elevator, had to carry luggage up -no private toilet -no space to unpack luggage -no wifi in room -window very hard to push down -curtain drop down -door very hard to close and lock, and very loud (disturbs other guests) -staircase feels like going to collapse (safety issue) -only 1 room key is given -service staff reply slowly on WhatsApp, and move very slowly -staircase dark at night and very narrow (safety issue) Only good thing: quite near a subway station but still located rather uptown and presents safety concerns Overall, requires some serious renovations and revamps to be worth what I'm paying for.

Great value for the price ! The location is really convenient, really close to the underground stations and to central park. It is a cosy place, warm and chill, with a lot of charm and that's what I appreciated there. The staff is friendly and cheerful, I would recommend !

A really nice hostel in a great location close to Central Park and the Natural History Museum. My favourite part was the staff who were all so friendly and welcoming, but the common room is a very cool place to hang out too!

This hotel exceeded our expectations. The room was stunning, with beautiful decor and a comfortable bed. The pool and spa facilities were also top-notch.

Lovely staff, great dorm situation, and even a common room and kitchen complete with cooking supplies, games, and more. It was very clean as well.

It was a pretty clean and quiet place. I like it, but I felt dizzy at my arrival when I climbed the stairs up. When I checked the stairs, they were diagonal!! So I tried to climb the stairs up and down close to wall until I do not feel dizzy. Totally, staffs were helpful. Most people are in same age because of age restriction and I have seen some people from Spain, Canada, and other US states. The only problem that I had it was an old place and I really scare of old places.

Our group reserved most of the International Student Center for a weekend. The team was great to work with. Patient and professional every step of the way. Highly recommend!

nice hotel

(Translated by Google) Does the job (Original) Fait le travail

One of the worst hostels I’ve stayed at. No locks on doors, plastic covered the ceiling and the window making it hot and stuffy with no ventilation. No WiFi in rooms and lounge is closed until 12pm so you can’t even use it there. Overpriced

The shower was dirty. Security is poor.

(Translated by Google) Good place, very central to know NY, although it is a very old place (Original) Buen lugar, muy central para conocer NY, aunque si es un lugar muy viejo

The Hostel is a good Place to visit New York. The location is very good. A lot of stuff to do is walkable, the metro station is very close and the Amsterdam street which has a lot of bars and Pups for not that touristic prices is also close. The staff is friendly and the furniture is not very know but has style and works well.

Calm

Very old building, does not have plugs near the beds. Wifi was very bad. Staff were really friendly.

Friendly staff. Nice common area. Only complaint is no washer and dryer on site (Changed to 5 after reading about the regulations)

First time staying in a hostel. Was pleasently surprised as I was very nervous for my first stay. The employees are so nice and accommodating, the rooms are nice and clean with good beds. Bathroom also super clean. Great location on the upper west side. Minor thing is there was a weird smell in the common room, wifi didnt really work in the dorm room, and there was some loud drumming sunday evening (stopped before quiet times so wasnt too big a deal). But these are really minor considering the overall experience, location and price!

I´m so happy I got to stay at the International Student Center Youth Hostel. Great service, incredibly nice people and ideal location. Will definitely come back.