So I found on hotels.com the Continental hostel and with a double bed and shared bath, the price is quite reasonable.

What is bothering me a bit, however, is that the price is same for a double bed solo room as it is for a bunk bed room....doesn't make sense, to me.

Does anyone have any good hostel recommendations that have a private room? I am ok with sharing a bathroom.

Sorry, I meant to also include that my days of stay will be in early december

Also, I am looking into the Riverside Studios and they look great!

The "Continental Hostel" is a seedy apartment house - some or all of which has apparently been "converted" - illegally I presume - to some sort of transient residence. I woudn;t touch it with a barge pole.

The Riverside Studio - if you mean Hotel Riverside Studios - check out the reviews on tripadvisor.com.

For a reputable hostel with shared rooms - don;t know about private - there is one on Amsterdam & 103rd that european student travelers seem happy with.

For a reputable budget hotel in the same area - basic but acceptable - try the Newton.

Early December is the most expensive time of year - so if you go for something too inexpensive it can be extremely unpleasant or illegal (slumlords sometimes try to drive out rent conrol tenants by illegally renting studio rooms as "hotels" until the city catches them).

Hi! yes, I checked out hotel riverside studios and liked the feedback that was given.

Is that area too far away from all the sites and sounds of the city? Will I have to take 30 minute rides or more to get to the museum of natural history?

I will check out your suggestions! thank you so much!

I need help using Hotels.com===

when I am looking at some of the hostels, it is saying standard room, shared bath...how do I know if it is a dorm room, or a private room?

Has anyone stayed at Hotel 17 ? It is looking like the one I will pick!