Central Park West Hostel

201 W 87th St, New York, NY 10024, New York, United States

1-star hotel

Guest rating: 2.7 / 5

Central Park West Hostel is a casual, 1-star hostel set in a rowhouse with a pillared entrance on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (201 W 87th St). It’s surrounded by neighborhood shops and restaurants and sits about a 2-minute walk from the nearest subway station, making it a practical base for getting around. Accommodation ranges from simple dorms with bunk beds, lockers, sitting areas, shared bathrooms, and free Wi‑Fi to homey private rooms and upgraded dorms with en suite facilities; some rooms feature fireplaces. On-site common areas include a communal kitchen, a bright lounge, and a game room, plus coin-operated laundry for longer stays. Nearby highlights include the American Museum of Natural History (815 m) and Central Park (1,029 m), with major Midtown sights like Rockefeller Center (3,340 m) and Times Square (3,527 m) reachable by subway.

Best for

Budget-minded travelers who prioritize an Upper West Side location near Central Park and museums over hotel-style polish are the best match for this hostel. It can also suit guests who value self-catering and social spaces, thanks to the communal kitchen, lounge, and game room, plus dorm and private-room options.

Travel tips

Plan to use the nearby subway station (about a 2-minute walk) for easy access to Midtown attractions such as Times Square (3,527 m), Grand Central Terminal (3,926 m), and the Empire State Building (4,561 m). If you’re visiting museums, the American Museum of Natural History (815 m) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1,412 m) are within a walkable radius. Reviews mention a fee to store luggage after checkout, so factor that into your departure-day plans if you need bag storage.

What guests say

Guests frequently highlight the Upper West Side location, noting proximity to Central Park, the subway, and everyday conveniences nearby. Several reviewers describe beds as comfortable and some report clean rooms and bathrooms, though others mention bathrooms in poor condition and inconsistent upkeep. The property is often characterized as worn or shabby in decor, with complaints about odors (including smoke) and stuffiness in common areas. Service feedback is mixed: some describe helpful staff, while others report serious issues around reservations and support when problems arise. Value-for-price is mentioned positively by some, but overall satisfaction appears uneven given the low public rating (2.7/5 from 554 reviews).

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