Hotel 309

The exterior of Hotel 309 is not well-marked, but guests are able to find the entrance by locating the address on the black awning along 14th Street. This lack of branding could be due to the fact that there are still permanent tenants on-site -- some who have lived on the property for many, many years. The young people present, however -- mostly couples, since rooms have queen beds -- are the ones likely to be staying in units run by the hotel, which actually feels more akin to a hostel.Once through the entrance, guests will find themselves in a darkish hallway. There is a door with a print-out sheet stating "Staff Only" next to a wall of NYC-related activity sheets. Next to the staircase (there is no elevator), a small 24-hour front desk area is used for guest services, with little space to move around or relax. Farther down this hall is a kitchenette, which serves free continental breakfast next to two computer stations. Beyond here is the highlight of the property -- a seasonal backyard terrace. A “Welcome To The Lake” sign greets guests as they enter this cool private space with colorful patio furniture, picnic tables, and a ping-pong set-up. It's a great spot to have a beer before hitting the town. Just note that you may run into older tenants in the hallways or on the stairs -- some of whom will want nothing to do with you.

The rooms and hotel amenities are not the highlight at Hotel 309; rather, guests come for the low prices and a great location. Situated on Manhattan's busy 14th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues (front-facing rooms will experience traffic noise) guests will find easy foot positioning to three distinct neighborhoods: Chelsea for hip restaurants and art galleries, Greenwich (and West) Village for NYU culture and nightlife, and the Meatpacking District for designer shops and trendy clubs. It’s a great home base to experience a local taste of NYC, while still having access to other areas of the city via nearby subway lines. Less than a block from the entrance is the 8th Avenue A/C/E line (Uptown and Downtown), as well as the L train for easy access to East Village and Williamsburg, Brooklyn (two more neighborhoods that have ample choice in restaurants and bars, many of which are budget-friendly).New York’s CitiBike program has stations nearby, allowing guests to peddle along the Hudson River Park path in either direction. For less exertion, the popular High Line park is ideal for a relaxing stroll, especially around sunset.

This aging residential building turned hotel is in need of some TLC -- signs of wear and tear are present from the moment of entry all the way into the units themselves. These are former apartments (which is why some of the long-term tenants who have not been forced out yet are still present), and it seems that the owners did their best to turn over the units quickly in order to start making cash flow.On the plus side, hardwood floors and built-in bookshelves give some character. Furnishings themselves are not terrible -- they have a pop-art, IKEA-like quality -- but bedding is thin and inconsistent, while some window treatments (blinds) seem to be hanging on by a thread. There are older air-conditioning units precariously sitting on windows (tinfoil could be used to block the draft), and the drab panes are in desperate need of washing. Kitchenettes have sinks, microwaves, mini-fridges, and two dining sets each, and near the door is a narrow closet with extra pillows, iron and board, and safe.Economy Rooms might have very little space around the bed –- meaning guests may need to climb over the mattress in order to get to the blinds, air-conditioning unit, or flat-screen TV in the corner. These rooms come with a lower price and share individual bathrooms on each floor with tub/shower combos. The Standard Rooms, however, have slightly more living space with a futon sofa bed, desk, small dining table, and two chairs. These units have private bathrooms. All units have hairdryers.There are a few rooms on the bottom floor that face the rear, and these have direct access to the backyard.

The minimal front desk staff -- usually just one person at a time -- is available 24 hours a day to help with local information or maintenance problems. Also in this vicinity is a wall containing NYC tourist activity suggestions. Guests are able to store their luggage for free upon arrival if the room is not ready yet. Upon departure though, the hotel asks for a fee for luggage storage. Free tea, coffee, pastries, and danishes are served from every day until early afternoon in the small kitchenette, which is located next to the two desktop computers and printer, also free for guests. Wi-Fi is not free, however -- there are daily or weekly fees (though they're not as steep as at full-service hotels).The seasonal backdoor terrace -- a rarity in Manhattan -- is the best asset to the property. This spacious area has funky colorful patio furniture, picnic tables, lounge chairs for sunbathing, and a ping-pong set-up. Young people can socialize in this space, enhancing the property's hostel-like environment. Guests tend to enjoy the area before hitting the town, and older permanent tenants aren't often found here.