I recently stayed at New York Spirit Retreats for two nights, and while there were some pros and…read morecons, it's a solid option for certain types of travelers.
First, be aware that the lobby is on the 4th floor, with no elevator access. My room was located on an additional floor above the lobby, so prepare for a bit of a climb if you have luggage or mobility concerns. That said, I had a check-in suitcase, a carry-on, and a backpack, and I was able to store my suitcase under the bed, which helped save space in the small room.
One of the highlights of this retreat is its location--it's situated in a prime area of Manhattan, which is super convenient for getting around the city. If you're looking for a peaceful place to stay without leaving the hustle and bustle of New York behind, this spot is great for that. Plus, they offer a 10% discount if you pay in cash, which brought my room rate to about $160 per night during my stay.
The retreat itself emphasizes interfaith spirituality. You'll find verses from the Bhagavad Gita next to Bible verses and a small statue of Buddha, creating a blend of spiritual traditions. This could be inspiring if you're open to exploring different beliefs.
The rooms are clean but quite small, with just enough room for a double bed and a nightstand. The nightstand had a lamp with USB ports (Type A and USB-C), though my USB-C port wasn't working. The Wi-Fi was fast enough to stream YouTube without any issues. If you're tall, the bed might feel a bit cramped--at 5'8", my feet were nearly touching the wall when I lay down.
Although each room is private, sound travels easily due to the open ceilings. You can hear conversations and snoring from neighboring rooms, but fortunately, guests were respectful during quiet hours.
Basic amenities are included, which was a nice touch. If you forget essentials like a toothbrush or toothpaste, they'll provide one. The shared bathroom stalls are small, with my knees almost touching the door. The showers were also tight but came stocked with shampoo and body wash.
Breakfast was simple but adequate, featuring coffee, tea, fruit (bananas, apples), muffins, and oatmeal. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, which made the stay more pleasant.
Overall, New York Spirit Retreats is an affordable and peaceful retreat in a fantastic location in Manhattan. The room size, open ceilings, and stairs might not be ideal for everyone, but if you're looking for a clean and simple place to stay, with basic amenities and a central location, it's a solid option--especially with the cash discount.