3togo

My daughter is starting at Barnard in the fall and we would appreciate suggestions on where to stay near campus when we visit. I've checked the Barnard web site which lists a ton of places all over Manhattan. We'd prefer places more on the low key, older, funkier end of things rather than a big new chain. Thanks in advance! 3togo

mardad

The Newton on Broadway at about 96th is nice. The prices go up at commencement and other times, so book early.

silvervestersmom

You might try the Youth Hostel on Amsterdam Avenue, just a couple of blocks south of Barnard. A friend of mine who is a grandmother recently stayed there in a private room with her two granddaughters and they liked it. I've also had older adult friends from overseas use it and I've never heard a complaint. It should meet the funky test.

iz9

Try the guest rooms at International House ... my parents are also into accomodations that are off the beaten path, and that's where they've been staying whenever they have come to visit.

aube88

What's your price range?

mythmom

Some of the boutique hotels are great. The rooms are at the lower end because they are so tiny, but the atmosphere is lovely and not a homogenized chain. Dream is one. There are others. As long as you are on the West Side north of 50th Street you are good for Barnard. I also like the Empire Hotel near the Park and Lincoln Center. But not cheap, though not astronomical.

My D just graduated. It's kind of sad for me to think of a whole new crop of newbies coming in. Barnard was a wonderful place for her and for us.

westcoast09

We have stayed at and enjoyed the Harlem Flophouse, you can find it online. Easy walk to Barnard.

musicitylights

My parents have always used the Newton when visiting or moving me up, and it's fairly nice. You could also try booking a room at Union Theological Seminary, just four blocks from Barnard. The rooms are inexpensive and even come with their own little kitchens, cable TV, etc.

momoffive

Union Theological Seminary was nice and very close to Barnard. It's basic and clean. There was no kitchen in our room. They did have a very basic breakfast included in the fee. I stayed there once 3 years ago. We usually stay at the Morningside Inn at 235 W. 107th Street because it is less than UTS. It is very close to Columbia and the bus from LaGuardia drops you off really close to the hotel. We've stayed at Riverside, which is cheaper than Morningside, but never again. The slightly lower room rate wasn't worth the additional distance and the room was shabbier. Morningside usually has little fridges in the rooms and a kitchenette on the floor. I had to make reservations late one time and had to share a bathroom but it was no big deal. I never saw the other people sharing the bathroom. I enjoyed staying in the neighborhood of the universities.

momoffive