Hey Paulie,
I have driven my car to the the New York International Hostel. It's the biggest hostel in the U.S. And i think it used to be biggest in the world.
Someone told me the reason that it is so safe is because it's close to a large police station. I felt comfortable walking across the street at 2 am for a sandwhich.
Jazz on the park is also a good buy. But maybe it's a little sketchy for walking around alone late at night.
Rule of Thumb: Basically anywhere south of 90th street in Manhattan is reasonably safe to be alone at night.
I would NOT recomend taking the subway up to Sugar Hill Hostel alone at night.
I would highly recomend the night time music tours offered at the International hostel. Even if you're not staying at this hostel you can still go there to meet the tour guide. You see a lot of music for your 1 time cover charge. A short guy with the last name of Rose used to give this tour.
If you don't have a car (often a benefit in NYC) the Big Apple might be a good choice also. I remembered it to be a little smaller and more crowded, but it is more centrally located.
If you have any more questions email me at
mytriptoireland@yahoo.com.
HAVE FUN!