Cheap Accomodation in Manhattan - West Side YMCA

The West Side YMCA is located at 5 West 63rd Street. It is conveniently located about a 5 minute walk to Columbus Circle and the southwest corner of Central Park. Look at about a 10 minute walk to the nearest subway station.

I stayed at the West Side YMCA in New York, New York on April 9 and 10, 2007. I booked through: their website at www.ymcanyc.org/

At first glance it might look a little intimidating, but its not, its just an old building. After being warmly greeted, and proceeding to check in by the young, and friendly staff, I was comfortable, happy, and ready to see my room. If you are a four or five star hotel buff, then this place is not for you. What you will find here is some very basic, accommodation accompanied with a communal bathroom. The bathroom was clean, tidy, and warm. I didn't feel like "Yuck, gross, I don't want to touch anything." The room was clean, and again very basic consisting of one single bed, a TV, (with very poor reception), a dresser, and a closet. The linen was soft and inviting. Not bad for 80 bucks a night in Manhattan.

However, there was a hiccup almost immediately. Beware that when you reserve a room through their website, that is all you are doing is reserving a room. You card will not be charged, and you are expected to pay in full when you check in. I was under the impression that my room was booked, and payed for, not just 'Reserved'. Either I had forgotten, misread their website, or ripped off. At first I was a bit skeptical, however I was reassured that my credit card wasn't charged. I kindly agreed, and made a mental note to myself to check the credit card records when I returned home. After later looking at the records, the staff at the West Side YMCA was correct. My credit card was not charged. However I had to dip into my travel funds to pay for the room right then and there, which was unplanned, and inconvenient, but my fault none the less. Lesson learned.

If you book/reserve room with them, especially on line, make sure you are clear to whether you are booking a room, or just making a reservation, and make sure that you card either was, or wasn't charged.

The room was exactly what I was looking for. I didn't need a lot, just a place to sleep, and shower. If you are looking for luxury look elsewhere. If you are out sightseeing, and doing the tourist thing, you really don't need much more anyway.

I really don't have many complaints, except for the misunderstanding about the reservation/booking. Everything worked out fine in the end.

I'd recommend the West Side YMCA to backpackers, and anybody else who might be on a budget, or if you don't mind simple, but effective accomodation. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your room (Why would you, your in New York!) then try somewhere else. If you are the ritzy, luxury traveler this place is most definetly not for you. However, if you are just looking for a safe, clean place to crash, and save some money, its worth checking out. Perhaps I should say checking in!

Safe Travels!