Staying in Flushing: Pros and Cons.

I am trying to make up my mind about staying at YMCA Flushing for my second visit to NYC.

Yes, it%26#39;s an Hostel, but it offers private rooms; it%26#39;s in Flushing, but not far from the Subway (though I%26#39;ve been told the #7 line stops before reaching Manhattan on weekends nowadays, and anyway the trip back and forth will be at least 2 hours); There are shared bathrooms only, but at 460 $ for 8 nights it might not be an unbearable discomfort.

What does New Yorkers think of the matter?

Staying in Flushing: Pros and Cons.

I would compare the cost to staying in one of the YMCA%26#39;s in the city. There%26#39;s the Vanderbilt Y and the Westside Y. Both offer both private rooms and shared bunks. There%26#39;s also the Hostel International. There are just so many hostel options with shared baths IN Manhattan, I can%26#39;t see why you would bother to stay in Flushing unless you had family there or needed to be there for some other reason.

There are also a number of hotels with shared bath that might fit your budet. Have a look at Second Home on Second, the Chelsea Lodge, Bed and Coffee. I%26#39;d do any of that before staying in Flushing if what you want to see is in Manhattan.

Staying in Flushing: Pros and Cons.

It is about a half mile walk from the Flushing Y (on Northern Boulevard between Union and Bowne Streets, several blocks north and east of the subway at Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue.) Downtown Flushing is very Asian these days; you will have a HUGE selection of Chinese and Korean dining options, although considerably fewer options involving other cuisine in the immediate neighborhood.

I don%26#39;t know if the #7 construction is still going on (there is conflicting information on the NYC Transit web page), but it won%26#39;t be a problem anyway: the #7 connects at Queensborough Plaza (where it would terminate if there is construction) with the N train, which also goes to Times Square. In addtion, the #7 connects at 74th Street with both the E and the F.

Without connections, running straight through, it is about a half-hour ride from Main Street to Grand Central, and about 35 minutes to Times Square. To say ';two hours back and forth'; is accurate only if you are talking about from the door of the Y to your destination, and if you are talking about the round trip -- one way would obviously be less.

If you can get a better deal at the Y%26#39;s in Manhattan, do so -- while pleasant enough for a Y, the Flushing Y is a bit out of the way, and would only be justified if it were a huge savings.

Both Vanderbilt Y and Westside Y are(a lot) more expensive - 784 $ and 902 $. Flushing is 460 $.

Others in Manhattan - private room lodging - are between 600 - 750 $.

My guess is that they cost (a lot) more just because they%26#39;re in Manhattan, but are offering the same levels of security and cleanness as the Flushing one.

And apart from Security and cleanness, money is the most important issue this time, mainly because I am coming all by myself and my budget is around 1.500 $ all inclusive.

But I see both of you suggesting to choose Flushing as a last resort. An half a mile walk just to reach the nearest station isn%26#39;t much fun, but I liked riding the subway and I%26#39;ve been told you get some very nice views from the #7 train :-)

I used to live in Flushing. Realize that along with the walk to the subway, there isn%26#39;t much in the way of restaurants in the immediate area near the Y. You%26#39;ll still have to hike over to the Main Street area to eat.

The Larchmont and the Pickwick Arms are 2 hotels in Manhattan with shared bath. Also check hostelz.com and see if you can find something cheaper in Manhattan or even if outside Manhattan, in a better area with easier transport.

newyork.craigslist.com might have some apt rentals or shares that would work for you. I think we%26#39;ve all said the location of the Flushing Y is not good. The rest is up to you.

I agree with nywhiz--especially about considering a hosted apartment rental. That means you rent a room in a person%26#39;s apartment and the owner remains on the premises. I think you usually get your own key and can come and go as you please. I%26#39;ve seen some really good deals for that on craigslist.

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www.portlandsquarehotel.com