Hi Everyone,

I'm from Toronto and am hoping to visit NYC in October. Since our dollar is so terrible right now cheap accomodations is my most important priority. I have found a very good rate at the YMCA Vanderbuilt. Has anyone every stayed there before? Anything thoughts, is it clean, safe etc?? Just looking for some honest feedback good or bad.

Thanks
Shannon

I've never stayed at the Vanderbilt; however, I live one block away from that place. The neighborhood is safe and clean. I've been to the fitness center at the Vanderbilt and it's nice and clean. I've seen a plenty of foreigner travelers (mostly Europeans, it seems) in front and around the Vanderbilt and I suppose, the fact that there are a lot of customers, show that it's a decent place.

I used this place quite a few times up until 1998, and believe me, you don't want to stay here, unless you're 17 years old.

The noise level, microscopic rooms, no private baths, obviously, 45 minutes to check in with 5 people in line. Plus ancient heating & a/c system.

Skip this place. Yes, the location is superb. The place, as a place to stay, is terrible.

Another thing is that you have to prove you don't live in NYC area to stay here. It's against their regulations or maybe even a NYC law to stay here if you're a resident of NYC area.

You'd do much better to stay at a regular hotel nearby here; there's plenty of them.

If you can't spell "Vanderbilt" then don't post about it, Shannon! Geez...

You should check out the Habitat - www.habitatny.com

Why not see if you can get something reasonable on Priceline? There's a good chance that you could get an actual private hotel room for about the same cost as the Y, especially if you are flxible about location. Check out www.biddingfortravel.com for advice about bidding strategies and lists of hotels that people have won in various parts of town.

I found a wonderful B&B for $115.00 per night. Try: www.bnbny.com

That's a good rate for the B&B, but on Priceline you can usually get a 3-star hotel for under $100.