I've recently stayed at the Vanderbilt Y in Manhattan, on 47th street
between 3rd and 2nd avenues. I was in the US for a 12-day visit, with
two periods in New York, both of which I spent at the Vandebilt Y. I
chose it because it was cheap (always one of my prime criteria) and
because it was near the UN; one of my daughters was working in the
neighborhood for a week.
The Y is certainly not a luxury hotel. The rooms (singles and doubles)
have TVs, airconditioning and clock radios, but no phones. (There are
pay phones in the hall.) It is clean and safe and has a friendly and
helpful staff. It serves mostly a young European clientele, but there
are also families and mature adults. The rooms are a bit like college
dorm rooms; the double rooms have bunk beds and the bathrooms are at
the end of the hallways. Some of the rooms have sinks and a closet,
while others don't. All have a small bureau and a place to hang
clothes. A double costs $79 a night.
Aside from the cost, there are other benefits to the Y. They have a
dedicated shuttle to La Guardia and JFK airports. It costs a bit more
than the shuttle that leaves from nearby Grand Central Station, but
you save the hassle of lugging your stuff over there. There is a
luggage storage service, a reasonable $1 per bag per day. They kept my
large bag while I made a four-day trip to the Philadelphia area. They
have organized tours of New York (at extra cost), including visits to
jazz clubs and other evening activities. Guests have free use of the
pool and fitness center, including some exercise classes. There is a
reasonable cafe on the ground floor.
All in all, I was quite satisfied with my stay and would stay there
again. The east side is a bit lacking in transportation options, but
the E train, which you can get at 52nd and Lexington, takes you to the
west side where you can change to other lines. You can also take the
shuttle to Port Authority from Grand Central Station, at 42nd between
Lexington and Park.
There is also a Y on the West Side with similar accommodations and
prices. I may try that one the next time I'm in New York.
--------
Barbara Vaughan
My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at
libero dot it.
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