Overview and Location
The Central Park West is a student accommodation located at New York, NY 10025, USA, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Its address places it within walking distance of Central Park and close to several subway lines, giving residents access to the rest of the city. The property is listed on the student-housing platform AmberStudent and offers private unit types: one-bedroom (1b) and apartment-style units. On-site amenities include a gym, laundry facility, study area, and street parking.
The property has a Google rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 545 reviews, indicating a mixed reception from past residents. The building operates as a combination of long-term student housing and a short-term hostel (based on resident comments), which can affect the experience depending on your length of stay and expectations.
Who This Residence Suits
Students who prioritise location and basic privacy
The Upper West Side is a desirable neighbourhood with quick access to Columbia University, Barnard College, and other institutions (though the data does not specify nearby universities). Central Park is a short walk away, and the surrounding area has grocery stores, cafes, and transport links. If you want to be in a central Manhattan location without paying $2,500+ for a private studio, this residence is one of the more affordable options for a private unit in that specific area.
Budget-conscious renters who can tolerate shared spaces
The price range – $1,890 to $2,150 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator) – is significantly above New York City’s typical student-housing starting price of $850 per month, but for a private one-bedroom or apartment in that postal code, the rate is relatively moderate. Residents who are willing to accept a no-frills building with basic cleanliness and older furnishings may find it a functional place to sleep and study.
Short-term stayers or those needing flexible check-in
Because the property also operates as a hostel, it may accommodate last-minute arrivals or short leases (exact minimum lease terms are not available in the data; check with the operator). One reviewer (“Alexander”) noted: “Only 2 beds per room, someone at the desk 24/7 and it was cleaner than I expected.” For someone who just needs a bed and isn’t fussy about modern finishes, this could be acceptable for a semester or two.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Those who require high cleanliness standards
Reviews repeatedly flag hygiene issues. Lexi Hickman (rating 1) wrote: “Bugs on the floors in the bathroom and walls in the ‘lobby’.” Another guest, Soham Arora (rating 1), stated: “The rooms are never cleaned and the sheets seem to have never been washed. Dust and allergens everywhere. I fell sick during my stay. The whole hostel smells unclean.” If cleanliness is a non-negotiable, this residence is likely not suitable.
Students who need secure in-room storage
Alexander’s review highlighted: “Only issue is there no lockers in the room but my stuff was safe for the week at least.” For long-term stays, the absence of lockable storage may be a concern, especially in a building that houses short-term guests as well. Even if you trust your roommates, shared hallways and common areas increase risk.
Anyone seeking a quiet, well-managed building
Management responsiveness appears poor. Lexi Hickman described: “Waited 15-20 minutes to check out. Told the guy at the counter when he finally did show up we’d been waiting and he had the nastiest attitude.” Combined with reports of lingering odours and pests, the overall management quality seems inconsistent. If you expect professional on-site staff, look elsewhere.
Budget travellers who could get a better deal elsewhere in NYC
At $1,890–$2,150 per month, this property is more than double the city’s student-housing entry-level price of $850. While the Upper West Side commands a premium, there are other residences in nearby neighbourhoods (Harlem, Morningside Heights) that offer private rooms for $1,200–$1,600. Do not assume this is the cheapest option in the area – compare with other listings on the same platform.
What Residents Actually Say
All three cited reviews come from Google and were collected for the property. They illustrate a stark divide.
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Positive (rating 4) – Alexander: “Reviews make it seem much scarier than it is, this hostel is more worth it for the price than anything else in the city. Only 2 beds per room, someone at the desk 24/7 and it was cleaner than I expected. Only issue is there no lockers in the room but my stuff was safe for the week at least.”
Key takeaway: A minority find the value acceptable and the cleanliness tolerable. The reviewer’s expectation was low, and the property met that bar.
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Negative (rating 1) – Lexi Hickman: “The only good thing about this place was the location and that was even sketchy at times. Bugs on the floors in the bathroom and walls in the ‘lobby’. Waited 15-20 minutes to check out. Told the guy at the counter when he finally did show up we’d been waiting and he had the nastiest attitude then accused me of leaving.”
Key takeaway: Pest issues, poor customer service, and an unsafe feeling were deal-breakers.
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Negative (rating 1) – Soham “Yohaan” Arora: “I’d rather die than live here again. The rooms are never cleaned and the sheets seem to have never been washed. Dust and allergens everywhere. I fell sick during my stay. The whole hostel smells unclean. Hot water was always there so that was nice I guess.”
Key takeaway: Unhygienic conditions caused health issues; the only positive mention is hot water.
Overall, the resident voice is predominantly critical. The positive review acknowledges the low expectations and notes the value-for-money angle, but the negative experiences point to systemic issues with cleanliness and management. You should weigh the risk of encountering such conditions.
Price Positioning vs City From-Price
- City of New York student-housing from-price (data source): $850 per month
- The Central Park West price range: $1,890 – $2,150 per month
- Price ratio: This residence costs 2.2 to 2.5 times the city’s lowest-priced student accommodation.
All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator. The $850 figure typically represents a shared room or a basic studio in outer boroughs; a private one-bedroom in Manhattan is expected to cost more. However, at this price point, there are other Upper West Side options (e.g., shared apartments, smaller studios) that may offer better conditions for the same money. Do your own comparison on the platform.
Room-Type Guidance
Based on the data, the property lists “1b” (one-bedroom) and “apartment” as unit types. This likely means:
- One-bedroom apartment: A private bedroom, separate living area, kitchen, and bathroom. Suitable for one person or a couple.
- Apartment (studio or 1-bed): The data does not specify the exact configuration, so you should confirm with the operator whether it includes a full kitchen, ensuite bathroom, or shared facilities.
Given the reviews mentioning “2 beds per room,” the “apartment” category may also refer to a shared double-occupancy room within a larger unit – ambiguous. When inquiring, ask specifically:
- Is it a private unit or shared?
- What is the total square footage?
- Are utilities included?
Booking Tip: Request photos of the exact unit you are offered, as on-site conditions vary. The property image provided is a header photo and may not reflect every room.
Booking Timing
No availability date or minimum lease length is provided in the data. However, since New York City student housing fills quickly for fall intake (August–September), it is wise to start looking at least 4–6 months ahead. For a spring move-in (January), begin searching in September–October.
Because this property receives mixed reviews and appears to have a higher vacancy rate than premium residences, you may find availability closer to your move-in date. Still, do not wait: the city’s overall housing market is tight, and desirable units at competitive prices are booked early. Contact the operator directly to confirm current availability and lease terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
The deposit listed is $2,150, which equals one month’s rent at the upper end of the price range. The data does not specify refund conditions. Ask the operator whether the deposit is fully refundable (subject to damage inspection) and if any cleaning fees are deducted.
Can I cancel my booking if I change my mind?
Cancellation policies are not provided in the data. Given the mixed management feedback, it is especially important to clarify the cancellation window and any penalties before signing. Request written confirmation (email or contract clause).
Are guests allowed in the building?
Neither the data nor the reviews mention a guest policy. For a building that also operates as a hostel, guest rules may be stricter. If you plan to have visitors, ask the operator directly about overnight guest fees, sign-in procedures, and quiet hours.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
Ratings and reviews from Google (545 reviews, 2.8 average); price data from AmberStudent; city from-price derived from platform listing. All prices are indicative – confirm with the operator before committing.
To see current availability and exact move-in dates for The Central Park West, use the on-site assistant on the property page – it can provide real-time booking information and answer specific questions about your preferred room type.
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