by Starla Ross

Created on: April 07, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2009

Accommodations in New York City can be pricey. Very pricey. Consider saving your money and booking a room at one of New York City's hostels. Less expensive than a traditional hotel room and often at a price that's all-inclusive (no surprise hotel tax on your bill), staying at a hostel is a sure choice for a small budget.

Hostelling is an adventure all in itself. Not only will you have a comfortable place to rest your head, you'll meet travelers from all walks of life, of varied ages, from everywhere around the world.

Most of today's hostels offer modern, updated decor and services. Many offer game rooms, common areas, and wi-fi services. While you may have to share a down-the-hall bath with other visitors, some hostels now have rooms with private baths or even family apartments for parents traveling with children.

Hostels usually provide the basics, without extravagant accommodation, but that's ok. Who visits New York City, only to stay holed up in a hotel room for three or four days? Widely known as the city that never sleeps, chances are you won't be sleeping much as you see all that the Big Apple has to offer during both day and evening hours.

Here are five of New York City's finest places to call home while on your big trip:

Big Apple Hostel
http://www.BigAppleHostel.com
119 W. 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
212-302-2603

The location of the Big Apple Hostel, located within walking distance of Times Square and Rockefeller Center, means you possibly won't have time to enjoy its other amenities like the enclosed back yard and fully-equipped kitchen.

Central Park Hostel
http://www.CentralParkHostel.com
19 W. 103rd Street, New York, NY 10025
212-678-0491

With a choice of dorm-style rooms, private rooms, or studio apartments, the Central Park hostel provides accommodations for groups of any size.

East Village Bed and Coffee
http://www.bedandcoffee.com
110 Avenue C (between 7th and 8th Streets), New York, NY 10009
917-816-0071 (Phone hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 EST, except Thursdays)

Located in a small neighborhood called Alphabet City in East Greenwich Village, this ten-room, 100-year old building offers rooms with a theme, ranging from the Zen room to the Beach room.

Gershwin Hotel
http://www.GershwinHotel.com
7 E. 27th Street, New York, NY 10016
212-545-8000

Eclectic does not even begin to describe this one-of-a-kind hostel where artists and travelers share a building filled from floor to ceiling with artwork beyond the imagination.

New York International Hostel
http://hiNewYork.org
891 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025
212-932-2300

One of the largest hostels in the world, the New York International Hostel offers services like no other including on-site laundry room, tv room, coffee cafe, and meal service. If you're up for more adventure, ask about the all-day walking tours, group sports outings, and concert events.

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