Here are NYC hotels & hostels known for welcoming, shared lounges or “living room”–style public spaces where it’s easy to meet other guests (varied budgets & neighborhoods):

• citizenM (Times Square / Bowery) — modern “living room” lobby with canteen/bar and 24/7 communal seating/workspaces. (citizenm.com)
• Arlo Hotels (SoHo / NoMad / Midtown) — small‑room, large‑common‑space concept (the “Living Room,” terraces, rooftop bars and book‑lined studios) designed for socializing and co‑working. (arlohotels.com)
• Freehand New York (Gramercy/Flatiron) — hostel/hotel hybrid with lively public areas, bars and a rooftop — lots of communal spots to meet people. (cntraveler.com)
• Ace Hotel New York (NoMad) — iconic lobby communal table/coffee bar that doubles as co‑working space by day and social hub at night. (fastcompany.com)
• Moxy NYC (Times Square and other NYC Moxy locations) — playful, social lobby bars and mezzanine/lounge areas built for mingling and co‑working. (marriott.com)
• Pod Hotels (Pod 39 / Pod 51) — budget, compact rooms with buzzy lobbies, rooftop bars and playroom/lounge areas that encourage guest interaction. (pod39.devsite-1.com)
• HI New York City (Upper West Side hostel) — large common rooms, shared kitchen, patio and social programming — classic hostel setup for meeting other travelers. (hostelhicity.newyorkehotel.com)
• The Hoxton, Williamsburg (Brooklyn) — “Apartment” and lobby/living‑room style spaces and restaurants that act as social hubs for guests. (thehoxton.com)
• The Ludlow Hotel (Lower East Side) — cozy lobby bar/lounge and rooftop areas popular with guests and locals. (hotels.com)
• The Local NYC (Long Island City hostel) — full bar, common kitchen, rooftop terrace and events (very social hostel environment). (thelocalny.com)
• The Standard, High Line (Meatpacking) — “Living Room,” biergarten and rooftop venues (Le Bain) — multiple public spaces where guests and locals gather. (standardhotels.com)
• The Bowery Hotel (