New York Hostels Near Central Park

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New York City is one of the most interesting cities on earth, and offers an incredible variety of experiences – so it’s a top destination no matter what you’re into. It’s also quite expensive to stay in Manhattan proper, unfortunately, so if you’re on a budget you’ll definitely want to look into the hostels in New York. The good news is that there are loads of New York hostels to choose from.

Many people want to find a hostel near Central Park so that they can enjoy this enormous urban green space more fully – it’s an ideal spot to relax or just get away from the city noise and chaos for awhile. The park itself is truly huge, so there are a number of hostels close to Central Park that are quite a distance from one another. Be sure to check the locations of these hostels to see where they are in relation to other things in New York that you want to see.

>> For more hostels to choose from, browse our whole selection of New York hostels.

Jazz on the Park Hostel

Jazz on the Park is the flagship hostel in the chain of Jazz Hostels in New York, and it’s been open since 1998. It’s close to Central Park and three blocks from a subway station, and there are loads of restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.

There are dorm-style rooms and private rooms available, and you’ll get linens, towels, and breakfast for free. There’s no curfew at Jazz on the Park, and all rooms are equipped with A/C. The hostel has an on-site bar and organizes pub crawls in the summertime.

Location: 36 West 106th Street @ Central Park West
What’s Included: Linens, towels, breakfast
What Costs Extra: Internet

Central Park Hostel & Inn

The Central Park Hostel & Inn is, as the name would indicate, close to Central Park and within easy reach of many more New York sights and attractions. The hostel is air conditioned and there’s a kitchen available for guest use.

The reception area of the hostel is open 24 hours a day for your convenience and security, and the common area has a pool table and a TV. You’ll need to bring your own towel, but there is a cleaning service.

Location: 19W, 103rd Street
What’s Included: Linens
What Costs Extra: Internet

West Side YMCA

Like any good YMCA, the West Side YMCA near Central Park is more than just a hostel. It’s a cheap place to sleep that also happens to have an on-site gym, swimming pool, and restaurant. This location is close to Broadway, too, in case you’re in the mood for some theatre.

Each room has a TV and air conditioning, and there’s free WiFi available in the lobby. If you don’t have a laptop, you can use the internet kiosks in the lobby instead.

Location: 5 West 63rd St.
What’s Included: Linens, WiFi in the lobby
What Costs Extra: Towels

International Student Center

The International Student Center in New York is close to Central Park as well as subway and bus lines so that you can get around the city easily. The hostel offers dorm-style rooms only, either mixed rooms or single sex, and you must be between the ages of 18 and 35 in order to stay. You don’t, however, have to be a student.

There’s a fully equipped guest kitchen available for use, a common lounge area with a library and TV/DVD setup, internet access in the lobby, and even a few musical instruments around just in case you want to showcase your talents.

Location: 38 West 88th Street
What’s Included: Linens
What Costs Extra: Internet, luggage lockers

311 Times Square Hostel

As you’ll guess from the name, 311 Times Square Hostel is close to Times Square – but it’s also only five minutes or so on foot from Central Park and Broadway. Staying here means you’re right in the center of Manhattan, close to most of the top sights and a subway ride away from the rest.

This hostel offers lots of freebies, including linens, towels, and internet access. You can also leave your shampoo and hairdryer at home, as both are available for free in the bathrooms. There’s an on-site restaurant, and there are often half-off dinner specials for guests.

Location: 311 west 48th Street
What’s Included: Linens, towels, internet, WiFi
What Costs Extra: Laundry

AAE New York Central Park

The AAE Hostel on Central Park is a new hostel in New York, and offers some of the best prices you’ll find in the city. It’s in a renovated brownstone building (note – there’s no elevator) and all the rooms are air conditioned. There are private rooms as well as dorms, but the dorms are the best deal for the money.

Linens are provided for free and there are lockers available, just remember to bring your own padlock. The common areas include a lounge with a pool table and table tennis, as well as a music/TV lounge.

Location: 19 West 103 Street
What’s Included: Linens
What Costs Extra: —

Central Park photo by Kevin H.