Interfaith Retreats — Hotel in New York

This might be a tad late as a review (I stayed for 4 nights April 13-16, 2022) but I just want to express my appreciation of Interfaith Retreats as run by Alex & Zeena. The place was well-maintained as far as cleanliness and availability of bathroom/toilet essentials were concerned and the house rule of no unnecessary noise from guests are gently enforced when needed - most welcome especially at night due to the fact that unfortunately the cubicles are constructed not with thick or noise-proof materials next to each other in a row. But, hey, for the price and it's central Manhattan location, one can put up with minor personal constraints, can't one? Besides, with the name of the business clearly suggesting a religious orientation, one should come to Interfaith Retreats ready to experience an oasis in a chaotic city. And this was immediately palpable as soon as I stepped inside its 2nd-floor, up-a-long-vertical-staircase premises.

About the cubicles, BTW, I would say that the size was enough for a guest traveling light, say, with only a suitcase and/or a backpack - like I did - what with the single bed and a small table occupying most of the space. Hence, rating it 3 stars. But they're undeniably upfront about it in the description of their offered accommodation. And for a short-term stay of enjoying NYC to the max and coming back to the room only to sleep and do some computer work to end or begin one's Big Apple adventures, surely this can be an issue that can be overlooked, can't it?

For somebody who likes to start the day with fruits - coffee a little later - I loved that there was always a variety of fresh fruits in the salon buffet for guests to take for breakfast or snacks the whole day. The coffee I had to buy from a nearby 8th Avenue deli since the place didn't provide it as a matter of dietary choice (vegan/vegetarian? - can't remember which).

As for the staff, they were chill-friendly and have my highest commendation for being nicely accommodating. The young lady at the reception smilingly allowed me to leave my luggage in the reception when I came much earlier than the designated check-in time. I was then able to go out and check out the neighborhood while my cubicle/room was being prepared.

Oh, and thanks to Alex for helping me bring down my main luggage after I checked out. He didn't have to...

Would I want to stay at Interfaith Retreats again if I have the chance in the (near)...

I stayed at Interfaith Retreats for one night. I have stayed in New York a lot for work in various hotels and hostels, so I have a bit to compare to. See my photos to understand how much space you get. For reference, I am 5 foot 2 inches and could almost reach across the pod to touch the other side. —————— Pros: Interfaith Retreats is in a great location of the city though right outside the building can get a bit sketchy sometimes. I encountered 3-4 different staff members and they were all nice for the most part. They had fruits, cereal, oatmeal, tea, hot chocolate and more available at all times free of charge. In the morning when people were having breakfast, the staff made sure everything was stocked. Check in and out was easy. The building’s front door is locked as well as the door to each floor where guests stay. Each pod also has its own locking door.

Cons: this place is noisy. If you consider yourself anything but a very heavy sleeper, this place isn’t for you. The pods do not have a ceiling. Because of this, you hear every movement and conversation of anyone present at all hours of the night. Lights were turned off at 8 PM, but by the time I fell asleep at 11 PM, people were still up moving about, burning toast in the kitchen which made the place smell. I could hear a staff member’s conversation with another staff member where she continuously referred to a guest as “the guy with the weird name.” This was off putting as this place claims to welcome guests from all over. About 20-30 pods all share 3 toilets and 2 showers and I only saw one door that could be used as an emergency exit. ————— All in all, this is a place to sleep. Though my experience wasn’t terrible and the complimentary food was appreciated, I would not stay here again unless I absolutely had to because of the noise and cramped, stuffy space of the pod. It would not surprise me if this place was not compliant with fire safety regulations given the amount of people they have squished in one area and their lack...

I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to stay here for the 24 hours that I was visiting NYC. I greatly enjoyed the atmosphere more than anything: the pictures of saints and gurus and gods, the diverse literature, the plentiful fruits and other foods available throughout the day, the highly friendly staff, the overall cleanliness and neatness, all contributed to making a very cozy space that I was happy to reside in. I felt blessed to have found such a calm and cozy space in the middle of the urban chaos of NYC.

As I was considering how I should spend the night in NYC, I was undecided about this hostel, but the thing that won me over was learning that much of the money earned by this enterprise is used directly in financing food relief programs for homeless and those in need in NYC. I haven't seen many other reviews mention this part, but when I learned that my money was being put to good use and not just filling the pockets of some real estate monger I became very pleased.

There are a number of reviews that offer warnings about the minimal comforts, and some of them take off quite a few stars because of the accommodations. I recommend that first-timers heed those reviews, because it really is very basic living here. For me, that was exactly what I wanted and needed; I just wanted a bed, some wifi, a place to sit and read, and a place to leave my luggage. The cozy atmosphere and tasty fruits and tea were a nice bonus.

In short, if you are looking for some extra comforts and elegance, you may indeed not wish to stay here. But if you like to travel light, simple, and/or on a budget, this place will serve you well. You will not find a friendlier staff and cozier atmosphere than you'll find at this place, and you'll not find hosts who spend their earnings as honorably as the...