New York City Upper West Side

New York International HI-AYH Hostel, 891 Amsterdam Ave., at 103rd St. (www.hinewyork.org), These people have travel and fun down to a science. Whether you're looking to get down in the City or you'd rather stay in for the night, the folks at this hostel will show you a good time without making you break the bank. Information about free tours, clubbing, and movie nights is available at reception. Several large, comfortable common rooms offer the chance to relax and mingle with other travelers. Breakfast and shower sandals included. 10- to 12-bed dorms $30-40; 8-bed dorms $35-45; 4- to 6-bed dorms $44-54; family rooms (up to 4 people) $130-140; private room (up to 4 people with bath) $145-155. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Jazz on the Park, 36 W 106th St./Duke Ellington Blvd. (www.jazzhostels.com), If you're looking for an artsy, social hostel with a laid-back atmosphere, Jazz on the Park is your jam. No alcohol is served at the free comedy shows at the coffee bar on Thursday and Sunday nights, but luckily, shows are B.Y.O.B. The lounge in the basement is perfect for playing a game of pool or just hanging out. Breakfast and linens included. Dorm $18-40; private rooms $100-195. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol.
Central Park Hostel, 19 W 103rd St. (www.centralparkhostel.com), Central Park is a comfortable, affordable hostel without all of the commotion and craziness of some youth hostels. A large number of reasonably priced private rooms allow a degree of privacy, though a lounge with TVs, computers, and a well-equipped kitchen is available if you are feeling social. 2-bed dorms (co-ed) $38-45, private rooms $99-109 with shared bath, $129-159 with bath. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol.
Hotel Belleclaire, 250 W. 77th St., at Broadway (www.hotelbelleclaire.com), Steps away from some of the Upper West Side's best shopping and sights, the Hotel Belleclaire's amenities include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions in every room as well as a fitness center. Private rooms $129-199 with shared bath, $179-$359 with bath. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol.
Hotel Newton, 2528 Broadway at 95th St. (www.thehotelnewton.com), A perfectly nice, mid-priced New York hotel made from a cookie-cutter at the factory of perfectly nice mid-priced New York hotels. A granite counter and floor, friendly staff, that velvety, gold floral wallpaper, all the standard elements are here. Good location? Check. 4-person private room $200-425; 2-person private room $150-275, a few with shared bathroom. Reception 24hr. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet.