Last fall I attended the first ever Meet, Plan, Go! event in San Francisco. To my surprise (really, I NEVER win anything) I won a prize from Hostelling International for a weekend stay for two at their NYC location.
I was excited then, but was clamoring with anticipation as I boarded a bus in late March bound for the Big Apple with my friend Annie.
I’d stayed at Hostelling International locations in the past and they were always great, but it’s a hostel and you never really know what you’re going to get.
Let me just say that HI NYC exceeded my expectations.
1. Its located in the Upper West Side just blocks from Central Park and several subway lines, making it a breeze to get around the city.
2. The building is gorgeous; its a massive Gothic-style, brick structure.
3. There are numerous common areas and meeting rooms on premise and tours, events, parties, etc. are planned nearly every day of the week (many are complimentary).
– For example: Friday nights they host mixers with live music and free drinks and snacks.
4. The staff was attentive and friendly. Sure we got a bit of special treatment (and tons of swag!), but everything I saw indicated that being awesome was just part of the gig.
5. The rooms and bathrooms were immaculately clean – and not like clean-for-a-hostel clean, but really truly clean.
6. The swag rocked! They outfitted us with all kinds of HI gear PLUS, NYC City Passes (for free admittance to all kinds of museums and attractions) and subway passes.
Annie and I had both been to NYC several times and decided to take a more relaxed approach to the weekend rather than crazily running around to see all of the major attractions.
We wandered through Times Square
And flew kites in Central Park (Yearly List accomplishment!)
Meandered farmers markets in Greenwich Village and TriBeca
Had hot dogs in Times Square in the middle of the night after trying an amazing creation called a Pink BullDog at Blockhead’s Mexican Restaurant
(Frozen margarita topped with a Corona)
Gawked at the New York Public Library
Hit up Magnolia Bakery for an obligatory red velvet cupcake
We wanted to put the City Passes to good use so we went to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center (Annie’s first time)
And spent an afternoon at the Met (check that off the Yearly List too!)
A big thanks to Meet! Plan! Go! and Hostelling International for a great weekend!
**DISCLAIMER – my stay at Hostelling International was complimentary. However, I was not paid or compensated for reviewing their location.**
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We are glad you had a good time! The photos are brilliant – thanks for sharing.
You should also check out our other amazing hostels throughout the country in historic mansions, beach side light houses, etc, – http://www.hiusa.org/map