Airbnb vs hostel near Manhattan. Is Aibnb very selective? [closed]

I am looking for a hostel or a hostel alternative to stay in from Nov 11 - Nov 14th near Columbia. I noticed some good suggestions in a previous thread. Airbnb offers in the area are very competitive but no one seems to reply to my messages.

I am brand new to Airbnb, might that be the reason why?

If a newb has no place on Aibnb, which hostel or a hostel alternative would be a good place to sleep?

It's just a place to rest at night and have my suitcase (it will contain expensive research equipment from school) safe during the day when I am out exploring the city.