It has an excellent view of Central Park and is conveniently located near the Central Park skating rink (good for late night hockey games). You can rent bikes too for biking in the park.

It won't take you too long to realize that you're in Harlem, be it the furthest south in Harlem you could be. But the hostel is right across the street from a subway station and the corner seems relatively safe. Police patrol it regularly. There are always people hanging around at all hours of the night. Walking around here late at night wouldn't be wise. But during the day it can be interesting, good local color.

The rooms are surprisingly quiet. They are also well kept and quite clean. There are around 4 single bathrooms per floor w/showers. 2 kitchen units for common use on each floor. Communal phones and TV viewing area. Internet access (though not free). The common area can be a good place to meet people too. There are often activities posted too. There was a club crawl when we stayed. Though we had other plans.

For what we needed this place was perfect. And it worked out to only $160 US for four people over two nights! We had our own room. Do the math it''s only $20 a night.

Just a tip, if buying stuff from convenience stores, go for the deli right next to the hostel as oppossed to the one across the street. But speaking of across the street Mama's Fried Chicken does do some good cheap greasy chicken.