For NYC, this was one of the few affordable options available during the holiday season but it was a bit tighter and more crowded than I expected (I needed a place to crash while teaching a workshop), even though it is clear this is hostel, not a hotel or private home. I realized the room space would be small, but sound from neighbors was a bit challenging (these are tiny locked door pod-rooms with an open wood trellis "ceiling" and one shared 3 stall 2 shower bathroom for a large number of people)---although others were largely respectful and polite. I was near the common area, which was very sweetly decorated, but lights on from the lamps and traffic of people coming by woke me up several times and the room got incredibly warm. While I was happy fresh fruit was abundant for breakfast, the package of bagels I opened was moldy. I do like that some of the money is donated for feeding the homeless, and the ashram vibe was fine.