Urban Hostels Aren’t Just for College Students Anymore

New York's aptly named Urban Oasis

When trying to book a stay in a pricey destination like New York City, where hotels average over $300 a night, don’t discount hostels as an option limited to the very young or very broke.

Cue the inevitable clichés of bed-bugs, requisite shower thongs and 16-bed dorms packed with college students sweating off last night’s beverage of choice.

But a new generation of hostels in New York City and other big cities may change this view: These properties boast private baths, Internet access and other hotel-like amenities at affordable prices without daytime lockouts and other drawbacks often associated with this type of lodging.

Consider these options for New York City:

Urban Oasis: The ultimate in backpacker chic, this hostel near the Empire State Building truly lives up to its name. Private double rooms run about $150 a night and come complete with loft-style windows that provide breathtaking views of the iconic skyscraper; cheaper twin rooms and rooms without a view also are available.

Zip112: Perfect for creative types, this hostel is located in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg section, a favored hangout for the creative set. Shared rooms are available from $50 a night and private rooms start at $60.

The Gershwin: The ultimate in quirky chic, this Manhattan hotel is essentially a 13-story tribute to Andy Warhol; each floor is lined with prints from a different pop artist. The affordable and quirky rooms range from $39 per person, per night, “Bunkers,” dorm-style rooms with bunk beds and shared baths, to 450-sq.-ft-suites with separate living spaces.

The boutique-like Broadway Hotel and Hostel

Broadway Hotel and Hostel: Gotham’s first and only “boutique” hostel is located within walking distance of  Columbia University, and has frequently been rated one of the top 10 hostels in both the U.S. and the world.

Think leather sofas, plasma-screen TVs, an old-school library complete with fireplace and private two-bed rooms for rates starting at $32 a night.

Here are some tips to enhance the hostel experience:

• Don’t be put off by the term, “youth hostel.” Despite what the term may imply, there is no upper age limit for guests. Quite the opposite: What was the terrain of recent college graduates and students on break is now just as likely to house business travelers, families and budget backpackers of all ages.
• Plan your stay at least a month in advance, and be prepared to be flexible with your dates, because hostels in top destinations like New York tend to book up fast.
• Stock up on multipurpose products when packing for a trip that will include a shared bathroom. For women, this might mean tinted moisturizer with SPF that can double as a blush, and scented deodorants in place of perfume. For men, shower gel can double as shampoo.
• Take a spare sheet with you to your hostel as a precaution. While most accommodations have bed linens and laundry facilities, it’s always better to be prepared.
• If there’s one thing to keep on hand at all times, it’s baby wipes. These can remove make up, sanitize hands or give suspect surfaces a quick wipe.
• Use your smartphone’s GPS tools to store the particulars for your hostel’s charming back street address, which might be difficult to find at night.

Tags: HostelBookers, New York City, U.S.