East Harlem Hostel Introduce
East Harlem Hostel, located at 157 E 115th Street in New York, NY 10029, USA, positions itself as a practical and affordable accommodation option within the dynamic East Harlem neighborhood. While not a "Scenic Spot" in the traditional sense of a park or natural landmark, it functions as a critical "Scenic Spot" for budget-conscious travelers and local users seeking a convenient and secure base from which to explore the vast cultural and urban landscape of New York City. Its value as a "scenic spot" stems from its direct connection to the authentic experience of a vibrant New York City neighborhood, offering an immersive stay rather than just a view.
The environment surrounding East Harlem Hostel is a bustling urban setting, characteristic of the East Harlem (or "El Barrio") neighborhood. East 115th Street is a lively thoroughfare, populated by residential buildings, local businesses, eateries, and cultural institutions that reflect the area's rich Puerto Rican and Latino heritage. Guests are immersed in the daily life of a diverse New York City community, experiencing its unique sounds, sights, and energy. Customer reviews confirm that while there are "people out at all hours," guests generally "never felt unsafe" and found others to be either friendly or to "mind their business," indicating a generally safe and integrated urban environment. The hostel's location is praised for its proximity to public transportation, being "right off the 6 at Lex and 116," providing excellent access to the rest of Manhattan and beyond. This accessibility is a key feature, allowing guests to easily reach major tourist attractions, cultural sites, and business districts. Nearby landmarks include Harlem Art Park, La Marqueta, and within a short distance, Central Park and the Apollo Theater, offering a blend of local and iconic New York experiences.
East Harlem Hostel offers a range of services designed to cater to independent and budget-conscious travelers. The accommodation provides both private rooms and shared dormitory rooms, offering flexibility for different travel preferences and budgets. Reviews indicate the availability of private rooms with private baths, as well as shared bathroom facilities for other room types. Each room is typically furnished with a work desk and is equipped with air conditioning and heating, ensuring comfort regardless of the season. Hairdryers and bath sheets are provided in bathrooms, while new towels are provided every 3-4 days and new sheets every 5-6 days. The hostel prides itself on cleanliness, a point consistently highlighted positively by guests, with everything being "very clean."
A significant aspect of the services offered is the hostel's emphasis on security. Reviews note "multiple levels of security," including codes for the front door, common room, and individual bedrooms, which greatly enhance guests' peace of mind, especially for solo female travelers. The hostel operates as a staff-less and contactless property, relying on a system of door codes provided after online registration and ID verification. While there's no traditional reception desk, guests can reach out for assistance as needed. The hostel is also an adults-only establishment, catering specifically to adult travelers seeking a quiet and mature environment. Other general facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, express check-in/check-out services, and safety measures like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Importantly, it is a non-smoking property.
Key features of the East Harlem Hostel include its compact and functional room design, as the rooms are "intentionally small—designed for guests who want to explore the city rather than stay indoors." This reflects its primary purpose as a base for urban exploration. Rooms feature parquet floors and are soundproofed, aiming to mitigate street noise and ensure a restful stay. The presence of "skinny stairs and steep" means guests should be prepared for stair climbing, particularly if assigned to upper floors, as the property does not have an elevator. The check-in time is typically after 4:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM, with early check-in requests subject to availability. The hostel does not offer luggage storage on-site, but provides information for nearby facilities.
Promotional information for East Harlem Hostel generally focuses on its affordability, cleanliness, security, and prime location. It is marketed as an ideal choice for travelers seeking a budget-friendly stay without compromising on safety or basic comforts. Messaging would highlight its "excellent location" with direct subway access, making it a convenient hub for exploring all of New York City's attractions, from Times Square to Central Park. Testimonials emphasizing positive experiences with cleanliness and safety, like "Everything was clean. No safety issues," would be prominently featured. The "adults-only" policy and the contactless check-in system might also be promoted to appeal to specific traveler demographics. While it may not offer extensive amenities found in full-service hotels, its value proposition lies in providing a clean, secure, and well-located place to sleep at a competitive price point in one of the world's most expensive cities. The hostel's approach is geared towards guests who prioritize an immersive, independent travel experience over luxurious on-site facilities, emphasizing that the true "scenery" of their trip lies beyond the hostel's doors, in the vibrant city itself.
East Harlem Hostel Photos




East Harlem Hostel Location
East Harlem Hostel
157 E 115th St, New York, NY 10029, USA
East Harlem Hostel
157 E 115th St
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East Harlem Hostel Reviews
I had a private room and bath on the third floor. Very clean. Skinny stairs and steep. So if you can't climb, make sure you get a lower floor. Close to subway, but late nights take longer to get back to hostel. There are people out at all hours, but I was never bothered. Everyone either minded their business or were friendly. I never felt unsafe and I'm a woman.
May 26, 2025 · Jeannine ComeauAt this price point, I was pleased with this accommodation. Everything was clean. The location is right off the 6 at Lex and 116. No issues with the door/room code. No safety issues. There were 3 different locks to get into room - one for the front door, one for the common room, and then one for the bedroom - so I appreciated the multiple levels of security.
Jan 08, 2025 · L. B.Room was alright. Small but the bed was comfortable and enough room for two. There were mice droppings in the bathroom 😳The location was a bit sketchy. There were just lots of addicts around the metro stop at night. I didn’t feel comfortable to stay out late, which meant we couldn’t do certain activities during the trip.If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Manhattan this is fine though! I wouldn’t recommend it for women traveling alone. Other wise the room wasn’t bad for the price!
Aug 20, 2024 · Kate SmithI had a private room with a bathroom for context. I enjoyed the minimalism of the space - it was perfect for a trip that was going to keep me out in the city most of the day anyway. The location off the subway was very convenient. There were numerous shops, restaurants, and pharmacies within walking distance. For the hosteling crowd, this was a a nice quiet place to stay.
Jul 10, 2024 · Thea MThis is a great price and value for your money especially for New York, the host/owner is always ready to reply to your messages and inquiries. Next to a metro station and has a cute small radio for each room as entertainments and it's super clean too.
Jul 28, 2024 · Sebo Caraci
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