For the young budget traveler, there are approximately 2500 hostel
beds on Manhattan's Upper West Side*, but now 350 of those beds offer
a hip experience to go along with a utilitarian place to sleep. Hank
Freid's Broadway Hotel & Hostel (www.Broadwayhotelnyc.com), located at
the corner of Broadway and 101st Street, have undergone renovations
and now boasts upscale amenities such as plasma TV's, fireplaces and a
movie screening room.
Freid's "chic hostel" concept is part of his company's overall
vision for the hotel industry in New York, which has been about
delivering atmosphere and style to hotel goers -- but at affordable
prices. Freid recently accomplished this with his Marrakech Hotel NYC
at 103rd and Broadway, where guests can enjoy upscale hotel amenities
and services within a fashionable, Morroccan-themed setting, starting
at only $129 per night. "I'm trying to do with hostels what I've done
in the hotel sector," said Freid, whose NYC-based company The
Impulsive Group oversees and manages his hotel properties. "I wanted
the Broadway Hotel & Hostel to break away from the conventions of the
typical youth hostel. I want to make the New York City experience as
memorable as possible for any age or budget."
The Broadway Hotel & Hostel opened in July of 2006 with 350 beds
throughout 125 rooms (25 of these are private for groups and
families). Six months ago, Freid completely renovated all of the
dormitory rooms adding such comforts as European bed linens, ceiling
fans, in-room vanities, tiled floors and a Mediterranean color
palette. The private rooms were also upgraded, and now boast down
comforters, down pillows, Ecco natural bath products, shower massage
heads and Asian-influenced furniture.
Work is now complete on the 2,500 square foot recreational common
area, which is far more than "a typical hostel hangout room with
posters and a pool table," says Freid. "There will be opportunities to
sit by a fire and read a book, enjoy movies in hi def, or chat with
other guests in a fashionable setting - just like one would in a
trendy hotel."
The guest lounge and facilities have exposed brick walls, accent
lighting, cherry wood finishing throughout and Asian artwork. Five
distinct areas include: A surround-sound theater room with couches and
a plasma screen TV (replete with special movie nights), a library with
modern, comfortable seating, a meeting room/living room with another
flat screen TV and a fireplace, an area for eight computer kiosks and
a dining room conducive to communal eating. The lobby will have a
fireplace, extra seating and an expanded front desk area with espresso
and cappuccino service. Additionally, the hostel will be adding guest
laundry facilities and guest storage lockers.
Even with all these great amenities coming in, prices at The
Broadway Hotel & Hostel are not going up. The average price for a bed
will remain at $30 a night ($99-$120 for a private room). Freid's
future plans include taking his boutique 'chic' hostel concept to
different parts of the country, such as Miami, Atlanta and California.
More about The Broadway Hotel & Hostel:
The Broadway Hotel & Hostel is conveniently located on the corner
of Broadway and 101st Street, just two blocks from the No. 1 and 9
Subway, and steps from Central Park, Columbia University and the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the world's largest gothic chapel.
For more information about the Broadway Hotel & Hostel:
www.Broadwayhotelnyc.com; 212-865-7710; email: info@broadwayhotel.com
* Number of hostel beds was compiled using figures
from www.Hostelworld.com and www.Hostelz.com.