USA | HI New York City, New York

 

Swiftly after 3 days in the United States, we travelled from Washington DC to New York City to finally have a bite and glimpse of the Big Apple! I remember when talking about with my friends when planning or ‘dreaming’ to visit US before, we never fail to mention NY or LA. And it was surreal even when we’ve arrived in the city already, it took me few days to take it all in because my first thought was, “How would I be able to visit every place I wanted to see and squeeze it in just a few days?” Ha! But we did. Almost, I think?

HI New York hostel is housed at Manhattan’s historic Victorian-styled building on the Upper West Side. Its location is strategic for short walks from and to the Central Park which is around two blocks away, and only a 10-minute ride to Times Square from a close main subway line, along with bars, restaurants and 24-hour grocery store in the area.

The hostel maybe one of the few noteworthy hostels I’ve ever been with the friendly vibe perfect for solo travelers or in group looking to mix and mingle in this most densely populated city in the US. We were roomed in a dormitory which has a capacity of 6 people and overlooks the beautiful outdoor patio which lights at night and is a welcome retreat after a long day of exploring.

Their facilities include a large kitchen and dining rooms, café, family/event rooms, renovated bathroom and showers, free breakfast with your choice, free WIFI, 24-hour reception, private lockers, free local maps, tours and activities, a common room with comfortable sofas, on-site laundry, pool table, computers, and luggage storage.

Most of my days in the US was designed to stay longer in New York and so we have experienced not just one volunteer-led tour at HI NYC but two, namely the Lower East Side Tour and our last night’s NYC Pub-crawl experience.

For the Lower East Side Walking tour, started from the African Burial Ground National Monument, New York State Supreme Court, Jenga-like and other unique building-structures, Chinatown and several churches around, Little Italy where Godfather Trilogy was filmed, When Harry Met Sally’s Katz’s, Russ & Daughters, among others. We ended our tour but together with a Vietnamese girl we met on the trip, we took a roundtrip boat to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty just before dusk. Also, another side trip was to see the iconic Charging Bull and Fearless Girl of Wall Street.

Last but definitely not the least is our last night’s NYC Pub-crawl experience, we started drinking at the hostel to mix and mingle and off we went to the first stop -- Beauty Bar. I know right? It was like a nail salon with a bar and a dance floor at the back. Then, hopped to another bar I forgot the name which really has a very good crowd for party and dancing. And before we got our pizza of the night, we then went underground to a structured as a seemingly cave bar.

For some, it doesn't end with pizza because our Pub-crawl leader initiated to try one last stop which was optional and so we went with the rest who still has energy to do so. It was then on this last stop when I realized that the party places are around the Lower East Side area as well. So technically, we had a day and night tour around the area!

HI New York Hostel is one of the 50 unique hostels in major cities, small towns, and national parks across USA. What is interesting apart from meeting international travelers, experiencing new cultures and exploring local communities is they are making a difference through their proceeds and donation support to travel scholarships and educational programs. It is exactly located at 891 Amsterdam Ave, New York, New York 10025. For further details, you may reach them 1 (212) 932-2300, NewYork@hiusa.org, or visit their website: www.hiusa.org.

 

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