New York in August: Hostels?
 

I'm planning on visiting a friend who lives near Union Square, but her apartment is too tiny to accomodate me, so I'm trying to find the most economical (but clean and secure) lodgings possible for one night. I don't know the city well, could a knowlegeable person give me some pointers on where to find a place to stay relatively nearby, for under $50 a night? I appreciate any advice you're willing to give.

Don;t have any personal experience - but I know there is one near Amsterdam and 103/104th that always seems to be full of europeans who like it. But I'm sure there are tons if you do a search. Here's one site to get started:

http://www.hostels.com/us.ny.ny.html

Just to clarify, nytraveler's hostel reco is not at all near Union Square.

I'm not up on hostels, but found this website which lists hotels in that area and a map. There's actually a place called Union Square Inn but it's $99/night.
http://www.hotels-rates.com/hotels/l...k/NY/usa/1265/

I've stayed a few times at the HI/AYH hostel at 103rd & Amsterdam, 2 short blocks (safe) from the 103rd/Broadway stop on #1/9 subway. NOWHERE near Union Sq but clean, safe, and relatively quiet each time I've stayed. I was impressed that they use the card-locks for the room-keys, and non-residents are NOT allowed in the dorm area. Since it's part of a respectible chain, there are a number of rules that keep it a respectable place (some hostels are known as real "party spots"). I'll be staying there again sometime.

http://www.hinewyork.org/

How about the YMCA & YWCA's??

If you can stretch to $65, go to Priceline and bid $65 for a 2.5* hotel in Midtown East; this is not near your friend, but this bid almost always gets a room at the underrated Courtyard by Marriott Midtown East, which will have room for both of you -- all the rooms have either 2 beds or a bed & sofabed.

Came across this NY Magazine article by chance and it mentions several more places

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/urban/gu...vel/hotels.htm

The 3 beginning with the word Chelsea wouldn't be too far from Union Square.