I stayed at a hostel in New York City and saw why it's better than a hotel

Kaitlin Hatton

A guest steals a moment to herself atop the rooftop at The Local.

When it comes to travel in the US, expenses can easily add up. And of those expenses, lodging tends to be the most burdensome. Unless you want to sleep in a less-than-reputable hotel, vacationers in the US often have to hand over a pretty penny just to have a place to sleep at night.

There's at least one form of lodging that has long been popular in Europe but has yet to take hold in the States: hostels. A hostel is a relatively inexpensive establishment that provides shelter for those who are studying, working, or traveling for fun. After having used hostels to travel across Europe as a teenager, I decided to explore one in my own backyard of New York City. I wanted to see how our hostels stacked up, if they're worth the money saved, and if they can bring in a new era of American travel.

A quick search online pointed me toward Hostelworld. There, I was able to view pictures, read reviews, get a price quote, and see ratings based on amenities and location. I booked a stay at The Local because of its high rating as well as its proximity to the Hudson River - getting a view of the city skyline was a top priority.

Nightly rates usually range from $55 on a weeknight to $74 on a weekend night for a regular dorm room. It can be as cheap as $44 a night in the off-season. After fees, I paid $82 for a night's stay.

See what my stay was like, below.