Lamartine Chelsea – Hostel

Janel was so nice and polite, and really understood how upset we were. We’d been staying somewhere else, but they told us the room was for one person, which left us frustrated. We looked this place up, and Janel helped me book right away, so we got in. Thanks for saving the trip. Next time I’m in NYC, I’ll come back. There’s plenty of parking and enough places to eat around the corner.

The staff were lovely, the location was great, and the amenities were clean. But sleeping fully dressed with my overcoat on in paid accommodation because there was no working heat wasn't acceptable. It was minus 3°C outside. The owner needs to sort out the heating system, and I wouldn't recommend staying here in winter. Other guests I spoke to weren't having the same issue.

I’d definitely come back. The shared kitchens looked well stocked for cooking, and the street was quiet even though it felt like we were right in the middle of everything. We stayed four days and saw maybe five other people, so it was really peaceful. The room was small but had the basics: a full-length mirror, hangers in the closet, a fold-down desk, and a nightstand. The AC worked pretty well. Just know there’s no shampoo, conditioner, or lotion, and you get one towel per person for the whole stay. The stairs are steep and narrow, too.

The communal kitchen had a microwave and even a vending machine, and there was a lovely patio out back. Everything was kept very clean. I felt safe walking around alone, even at night. There were homeless people about, of course, but they generally kept to themselves and caused no trouble. The location was great for walking or catching the subway, and it stayed pretty quiet. The owner and her daughter were outside when I arrived and made me feel welcome straight away. I booked through Expedia and worried there might be an issue, but check-in went smoothly. Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, and there are no bath mats. They do give you two towels, so I used one on the floor and the other for myself.