There are many cheap hotels and many hostels in New York City. If you don’t have to be in the city, there are even more out in Brooklyn and Queens. These 4 are our top favorites. Cheap stays are getting harder and harder to find these days, especially in places like big cities.

Looking for a friendly, fun hostel? The HI NYC Hostel is like a dorm. Located in a historic castle-like building with a huge common room, a billiards room and even a theatre. Within blocks of Times Square and Central Park. Hostel has a user kitchen for you to utilize and the biggest private outdoor patio in Manhattan. Nice location on the upper west side, here’s a ton of culture to explore with the American Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Center. Braadway is seven subway stops away and the subway is a seven-minute walk away. Price for one is about $40/night.

The Chelsea International Hostel is one of the largest independent Hostels in New York City, operating since 1992. Located in Chelsea, a prime location in the heart of Manhattan. Highline Park is only 2 blocks away. Follow the lights and arrive in Times Square after a 15-minute walk. Simple, functional rooms can sleep one to six guests in single beds – no bunk beds in our rooms. Every room is air-conditioned during the summer months. The bathrooms are well cleaned. Every floor in any of our eight buildings has a bathroom; most of the time there is no waiting in line to use the bathrooms. Price for one person is about $47/night.

Located steps away from Central Park and Lincoln Center, this New York Hostel features a 65,000 square-foot fitness center with a steam room, sauna, weight lifting/cardiovascular equipment and 2 indoor swimming pools. 100 Free group exercise classes, including yoga and Pilates, are offered to guests weekly. The guest rooms at the West Side YMCA Hostel are private single and double rooms (with either single or bunk beds). Each guest room has a TV, Air conditioner and include linens and towels. Shared bathrooms are in the hall but guests also have access to locker room facilities. A 24-hour security desk, means that guests can check in overnight and are free to come and go without worrying about a curfew. The onsite shop is open from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm for a quick bit to eat or a hot cup of coffee. Price for one person is typically $51/night.

Perhaps not in the hostel category, we think this is worth including here. From 1908 to the 1940s, what is now the Jane served as hotel for sailors, The American Seaman’s Friend Society Sailors’ Home and Institute. Today there are ‘cabin rooms,’ as compact as a sailor’s quarters, with flat-screen TV, and A/C. Larger ‘captain cabins,’ featuring views of the Hudson. Beds sleep one and are attractive, if rather narrow, with storage space below and ‘train racks’ above for additional storage. The effect is both charmingly old-fashioned and chic. All rooms have a phone, alarm clock, free wi-fi Internet access, and even a bathrobe and slippers. Guests share bathroom facilities (two showers, two toilets) with the entire floor. Prices range from $115 for fully single to $70 shared room, but you’ll have to workout the shared space.