Manhattan Bowery Lodge

The property is in a great prime location close to everywhere you need to be in NY. There are several subways close by, a variety of restaurants and bars. It was convenient for me to get around easily and explore the city. Mr.Lee is great, very polite and always happy to give recommendations on places you need to visit and how to get there. There is a kettle with coffee and tea in the common area for guests to help themselves to. There is also a microwave and fridge in the common area for those nights when you just want a take away.

There are 4 shared bathroom/toilets that some guests would leave unclean. An in house housekeeper would try to clean them as regularly as possible. This is more a problem with some guests cleaning up after themselves than a problem with the hotel. One other thing is that there is a very steep flight of stairs to get to the 2nd floor where the hotel is ; no lift. Just a heads up for anyone with heavy luggage. Pack light!

There is clear signage from the street for the Bowery Lodge. There is 24 hour staff on hand. They give clear helpful instructions upon arrival. There is WiFi throughout the hostel. You can request clean towels if you require. The bathrooms were regularly cleaned. Considering the rooms were all fully booked, There was always one bathroom available for use at any time of day or night. There was always hot water, even during peak period. The unlimited 24 hour tea/coffee/water beverages are highly appreciated. The communal seating area was homely. The walls were brightened up with pieces of art, some looked like they were drawn by family member's children which added to the simple homely style decor. My bed was comfortable. The floor fan in the room was highly effective. I switched it off because it made the room too cold for me. When I requested another blanket, I was granted one. The room served it's purpose. I was able to sleep well (with ear plugs as I always do). I was safe and my belongings were secure. There were plenty of hooks to hang my belongings and clothes up on to. The hostel is well located with China Town on the doorstep, and many metro stations nearby.

The bathroom mirrors are scratched from cleaning, and so it can be difficult if you want to fix your hair/make up etc. One of the bathroom does have some moulding grout, which happens in bathrooms, but the staff still clean the bathrooms throughout the day. So cleanliness is not an issue. I also couldn't work out how to operate the shower in one of the bathrooms as it had a different method of operation.

I lost my phone and they found it

The toilets were pissy smelling

It was cheap and a small double bed. I only needed it to close my eyes at night. I had no windows. But it was right in the centre of New York so can’t complain.

It did its job. Close your eyes, sleep then out the front door.