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 101^st 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.