"Uptown Hostel" NYC and hostels in San Francisco?

Hello newsgroup,



we (my girlfriend and I) are planning a low budget trip to New York and so
we think of staying in the Uptown Hostel (239 Lenox Av at 122nd St. in
Harlem). It is very inexpensive for a double room (from what I can tell),
but is it clean and safe? I would be glad to hear some experiences or some
other recommendations where to stay.



And I'm also looking for a hostel with private rooms in San Francisco, any
hints on that?



Thank you!



Ben