Chelsea Cabins New York

I needed somewhere at short notice and stayed for two nights. It was simple, affordable, and exactly what I needed. The coffee and morning food were a real help: sliced bread, bagels, pastries, and fruit. Thanks so much, and a special mention to Krishna D. for being especially helpful.

I traveled alone and felt safe the whole time. The location is handy, just two blocks from Penn Station, and the neighborhood felt safe too. The staff were lovely. Rama took great care of me, and the afternoon receptionist let me leave my luggage after checkout. Everyone was kind, and they even gave me a souvenir t-shirt! =) The private rooms are small but have what you need, including a nightlight, USB-C charger, and space for clothes and coats. Bathrooms are separated by gender and kept clean with frequent cleaning. The showers were comfortable, with soap and shampoo; they also provide toothbrushes, razors, and hair dryers. A more powerful dryer, or perhaps two per bathroom, would be useful. Breakfast is decent for a place without a kitchen or sink for dishes. The supplies are biodegradable and disposable, with unlimited coffee and juice, toast, fruit, and scones. You can get tea any time, and there’s free drinking water. For a hostel, I’d give it 10/10. Just be aware there are four floors of stairs.

For the price, I’d stay here again. It was clean and quiet, the beds were comfy, the temperature felt right, and the staff were kind. Breakfast is included. The gendered bathrooms weren’t busy, and they stock shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, and razors. A few things to know: the beds are short. At 5’6” I fit, but I think anyone taller might not. Meat isn’t allowed in the building, and they take quiet hours seriously: after 9pm, phone calls aren’t allowed in the rooms. The sleeping pods are open above, so sound carries. There are several flights of stairs, which could be difficult if walking is a problem.

The rooms were clean and comfortable, and I had no trouble sleeping. The bed worked for me at 5’5”, though it is small. This felt well suited to solo travel. Breakfast is available, and the scones are delicious if you’re watching your budget, even though I can’t picture visiting NYC without eating out for every meal. Rooms are on floors four and five, with no elevator. The stairs are manageable if you’re fairly active, but remember you’ll have to climb them again after a night out.