Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: room (103) hotel (67) stay (52) rooms (51) bathroom (43) clean (42) great (42) small (42) location (36) nice (30)
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  • 5/5 Shelley S. 1 year ago on Google
    We missed our flight due to an insane security queue at JFK and luckily Pod 51 had availability. When we arrived, even though it was late (12am) and we had a last minute booking, we were checked in and accommodated quickly. The rooms were so modern and clean and had everything we needed. They even had a choice of soft or firmer pillows, plenty of towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner. It was quiet. The room had an amazing view. Perfectly comfortable bed. It was heaven after such a stressful evening missing the flight. So glad I could sleep here instead of an airport floor or somewhere else. They also have a great bar next door. Everyone was so great and helpful. Next time we're in New York, I want to stay here again.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Stephen L. 1 year ago on Google
    Very hip place a step-up from a swanky youth hostel. I loved my small room. It was I believe 90 to 100 square feet, twin or single bed that was long enough for me head to toe (I am 6'2"), a small desk and chair good enough to spend the day working if had to. The closet is open and enough to hang a couple suits, shirts and pants for perhaps a week's stay. Plenty of room in drawers under the bed for your stuff; very smart use of space. The room and linens very clean. Room attendants very nice. hallways are tight and dark, if you do not like or cannot be comfortable in confined spaces then this is not for you. Shower and toilet were in the same space with a sliding door that separated the bath chamber to bed area. Shower worked great and was refreshing. Very quiet and the hotel was full. Some rooms are available with a shared bath off the hallway however I did not opt for that. Bottom-line; you do not go to NYC to stay in your hotel or room so why do you need to pay for a large room that has a large carbon footprint and is basically wasteful? Answer; you do not. If you need a good room at a great price with food and drink downstairs off the lobby or right out the door in any direction, then stay here. probably best for single traveler's but I saw lots of couples while there.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brittni F. 1 year ago on Google
    My friend and I stayed for only one night and hotel was great! We got the private room with the shared bathroom. The showers were a tad small, small enough so you don’t have room to bring anything in there except yourself and a towel. The room and hotel were clean. Great service and a nice rooftop deck. Prices were very affordable and a nice location! Will definitely stay again!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachelle M. 1 year ago on Google
    I was very pleased with the stay at the Pod51 hotel. It's very much a European-style hotel, so if you've never been overseas please know that everything is narrow and small. They have a very poor energy rating which was my only concern for my technology that was plugged in, I didn't want anything to overheat. But I did enjoy the Queen pod that we got it had its bathroom inside. I wasn't comfortable with sharing a bathroom however if you are used to college dorm-style it is not a problem. I do love the rooftop terrace, it is a great place to get sun, as well as take photos. Especially if you want a city view in the background this is one of the better views that I have seen.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alex M. 2 months ago on Google • 251 reviews New
    Over all a good place to stay. Was the cheapest I found especially for how centrally located it is. The rooms were tiny but clean. You share a bathroom. Thankfully it has lights to show which are occupied from inside your room. The bathrooms left a little bit to be wanted. But the shower was nice. I didn’t enjoy the toilet. As it was low, and certain things almost took a swim if you know what I mean..

  • 5/5 Kelly S. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed everything about our stay at the Pod 51! Yes, the rooms are small. My husband and I are not tall people so we were fine, but I can see where a taller person might be uncomfortable in these rooms. The people who work here are phenomenal, they made our stay that much better. They got ice for us, held our luggage, got us an extra blanket when we needed it, checked out our AC, they were fantastic. There's a metro station just a few blocks from here. Several restaurants are around it also, and a CVS/Pharmacy if you need essentials. The outdoor deck was a lovely way to relax after a day of walking. We enjoyed cheesecake and key lime pie from Moonstruck Eatery (not far from the hotel) in the deck chairs. We will absolutely return to this hotel if we travel back to NYC!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Chantal V. 1 year ago on Google
    Booked bunk beds w shared bathroom. Room is very small, reminds me of a cruise ship room. Has a stinky smell, like humidity?! But don’t need bigger really. The bathrooms are very clean w shampoo, conditioner and soap. Never had to wait for one. The BIG downfall is the noise of the doors! Bang, bang, bang from 22h to 2am and then starts again at 6am. Even w the A/C on, those doors are something. To the management: you need to get quieter closing doors👏🏻 Still here and hoping tonight will be different🤞🏻
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Federico R. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff is very friendly and attentive. It is very well located with different food options, bars, cafes around. Highlighting Clinton Hall the Sport Bar located in the same building, where the food is delicious. The big problem is that a mouse entered our room, we saw how easy it was to get in and out under the door, reading several comments it seems to be common in this hotel and they do nothing to prevent it, we filed the complaint at the front desk and they changed our room for one where the door was lower, but it was very dirty
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sophia 2 years ago on Google
    I had a great experience staying here with my son. We had a bunk room with a shared bath. Initially we got a key for a different but the common hall smelled of smoke (hotel is non smoking) and they immediately gave us a room on another floor. Room was small but clean and modern with a sink, desk, safe, AC/heat and window that opened. Shared bathrooms were clean and 2/4 were always available. Foosball table in lobby, roof deck and beer garden were all nice. Would stay again
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea 3 months ago on Google • 131 reviews New
    It's been a few years since I stayed here in the Full Pod room but I just recommended it to someone and realized I never left a review. We enjoyed a wonderful stay and the walking tour that was included was a nice touch. The room was a bit cramped for two people but we only used it to shower and sleep, which was fine. The amenity areas, especially the gorgeous rooftop with modern furniture and sweeping city views, were where we spent our time at the hotel. It was in a great location and walkable to so much, namely the yummy Ess-a-bagel. I would recommend this as a lodging option whilst in NYC.

  • 2/5 M A. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    The hotel is very much more of a hostel than a hotel. The rooms were pretty small, but clean, warm, and cozy. No iron, no fridge, and no washcloths (but they did provide towels). Each floor shares the bathrooms and showers. You basically get the bare necessities, and nothing added. Almost like being back in my old college dorm. I'd give a 4 or 3 star instead of 2, but the hotel tags on a lot of extra fees when you're booking that make the price...not really the price. If they're going to sell hostel living, the prices should reflect that. You're basically paying Marriott suite prices to sleep in a bunk bed and share showers with randoms (bring shower flip flops!!!). Great location, close to everything. Staff was nice. Some of the shared bathrooms did not have sinks. That is absolutely disgusting to me. Even if our room had a sink, all the things I had to touch before I could wash my hands make me shudder to think about the germs we exchanged, especially since I came home a bit sick.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gwen Gerety H. 1 year ago on Google
    We always try to stay here. The location is great. Always get a queen room as it is the largest. The staff is very accommodating. We had a light bulb out, the safe was working, we ran out of body wash and shampoo. All were remedied immediately! There are free walking tours by Streetwise NYC that we always take advantage of. There are several subways nearby and you can get anywhere!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 MOA 2 years ago on Google
    We waited for over 15-20mins before we could get someone to check us in. The room was extremely tiny and the bathroom has no elbow room at all during shower without your hands/elbow touching the shower curtain. The towels were dirty and the sheets ripped. No AC control outlet nor was the central AC on, they claim its winter. Also, elevator takes forever and super crowded. For $180/night it's a complete waste. This place is old and dirty, kindly add extra bucks and get a better place. It's a huge mess here!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Janette P. 1 year ago on Google
    Think of it like a hostel with a tiny private room and tiny shared bathrooms. It worked for our needs. The little lights above each door let you know if the bathrooms are occupied. I definitely appreciated their luggage check so we could check out and enjoy sightseeing while they took care of our luggage so we didn't drag it around all day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Garrett P. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is nothing to write home about, but for the price I got it for, I’m quite happy. The sink in the room was nice. The heating and cooling of the room wasn’t the best. But I just opened up the windows. The shared single bathrooms were nice and the water flow was really nice and they had good rain shower shower heads. The bed was probably the biggest issue. It was just hard, but then again for the price I paid and the location I think it was worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cinthia S. 2 years ago on Google
    We were visiting from out of state for a week and had seen this cute place and saved it. We went all around just to see other options and ended up staying here & liked it a lot! The rooms were clean and comfy! Showers towels and everything was very good. The only thing we forgot to ask was room service? Nobody ever came to clean or change sheets or give us new towels. . But we managed to keep the room clean since we were basically just sleeping there lol we would come really late and leave early. The parking this hotel uses is very close by which is definitely a plus, and not to mention the hotels location and for the price and quality its awesome!!! We enjoyed staying here. The front desk staff were so helpful too! Just book it! You will like it here. So close to everything!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ryan T. 5 months ago on Google
    Well, the price of this place might be OK, the cleanliness and service is NOT. I checked into my room, noticing a wet floor area by the sink. Thought it might just be water and put some towels on top of it. The next morning I wake up and the towels are brown underneath. See the photos. I was disgusted. Telling the hotel management did not help at all, they were super defensive. Plus they lied to me – they said someone would get in touch with me via email to resolve this issue, but they never did. Highly recommend not staying at this place
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LIV W. 1 year ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I had such a great experience here!!! Super affordable, cute, clean, and the rooftop patio is gorgeous. The bar connected to the hotel was great, and the drinks were reasonably priced! The cafe is also cute. The rooms are quaint, but for us, it was the perfect amount of space. The shared bathrooms are super clean and comfortable. We had no issues with the bathroom :) We did have an issue earlier in the morning that management handled immediately. I was super appreciative and impressed by how it was addressed quickly and the problem was resolved. This made us love Pod 51 even more than we already did. We will definitely be returning! We had a great experience, I definitely recommend Pod 51!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 A O. 6 months ago on Google
    Decent & clean enough to get some rest. Did not appreciate the front desk clerk assuming I had more people & pets in my party than indicated on the reservation. She called me once I was in my room and asked me to come back and pay for 2 pets when I only had 1 and this was indicated on the reservation and the pet was with me at check in. Ask questions, have common sense and common courtesy. Probably would stay again though considering this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jakub A. 11 months ago on Google
    We had the full pod type room with bathroom inside. The rooms are super small, so you better think twice before going there with a +1. The rooms weren’t dirty but there was a lot left to be desired when it came to cleanliness. The location is perfect though can’t argue with that.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bonnie E. 1 year ago on Google
    I had never stayed in such a small space but guess what? I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. POD hotel has warm and friendly staff, great location next to literally everything that NYC has to offer, food, bakeries, tram to Roosevelt island etc. and has a great rooftop for lounging, plenty of outdoor spaces and couches to veg and literally everything you need for a relatively good price. Don’t be scared off by the shared bathrooms, there are tons of bathrooms of various sizes on every floor, so you never end up waiting. Can’t wait to return!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe B. 11 months ago on Google
    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I also received a very nice discount for the Icon parking garage a few hundred feet away. I stayed in a double bunk room with shared bathroom. It was perfect. The room was small but has everything you need including tvs for each bunk. The bathroom has a very nice shower and never had to wait for one to open up. I'd stay here again without question.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenneth A. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to stay. Has everything you need and no added luxuries. It's trendy and cool with what seemed like a nice younger crowd. If you'll be in NYC and don't need a room for much more than sleep it's perfect with a great location for public transportation and eating... Cvs is also conveniently located about a 1 min walk away!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Belony F. 7 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed my stay at Pod 51. The location is near plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Plus it is close to the subway. The rooms are very clean with minimal amenities. The staff is outstanding. They will do anything to help you. And the transportation company they use for transfers is the best. I strongly recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie T. 10 months ago on Google
    Was pleasantly surprised by this hotel! We got the bunk bed room and it was definitely small but we kind of expected that! There was a little vanity area in the room with a sink and a mirror but other than that, the layout was kind of dorm-style where there were bathrooms in the hall that could be used. The rooms even had little lights to show you which bathrooms were in use so you’d know before heading out to one. Bathrooms were kept very clean, but I gave 4 stars for the “rooms” category because during our week long stay, only 1 of the 4 bathrooms on our floor had working vents. That meant that after someone showered it was really humid and when someone went to the bathroom, it stayed smelly for a while because there was no ventilation. Overall, not the biggest issue, but definitely kind of uncomfortable. The staff was very nice. The friend I was traveling with is a little more private so they didn’t want the room to be cleaned while we were gone for the day but the staff still checked in with us to see if we needed any new towels or sheets or pillows. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is traveling on a budget and doesn’t spend too much time at the hotel! It was the perfect place for people who just need somewhere to sleep comfortably after exploring the city all day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nader N. 9 months ago on Google
    If you enjoy a hotel with the feel of a Federal Penitentiary or Minimum Security Prison, then the Pod 51 is right for you. I suspect most of the furniture is even sourced from the same vendors that supply our prison system. Small and cramped rooms coupled with bathrooms barely large enough to fit an adult human. Add to this non-existent views, slow elevators and staff that look chronically tired and beat, and you have Pod 51.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rory L. 1 year ago on Google
    So please this chain, and particularly this hotel, survived Covid. Stayed here many times and will continue to do so in the future. Bathrooms could do with a little work in places, but are always spotlessly clean. When you consider these places have no or very little income over the last 2 years I can forgive that. Roof terrace is amazing in summer and a real great place to end or start a night. Friendly staff, add a real personal touch and nothing is too much effort. Thanks for having me Pod51 and I'll be again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia D. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed my stay here! It is in a nice location and has a nice price. Also, it allows those under 21 but older than 18 check in, which I really appreciated! Yes, the rooms are pretty small, but, my boyfriend and I are pretty small so it worked out great. The employees were really friendly, helpful, and were willing to assist me. I'd definitely stay here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glenys Charlotte S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great quirky hotel. Room basic but great for a few nights. No food, have to order take outs which are allowed. Some rooms don't have showers but there's a great system where you can see which of thr many shared bathrooms are free. I had a double room that had a good shower room. Staff were fantastic & extremely helpful. Would visit again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Favio U. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff here are very helpful and friendly 👍🏼👍🏼. Rooms have bunk 🛌 beds, hair dryer, sink, towels, desk with chair and a lamp, plenty of lighting in room and in hall way. If you need a 🚖 taxi you can have the front desk order one no extra charge. Bathroom are shared, but 💫 very clean 👍🏼. House keeping are constantly maintaining and restocking the TP, shampoo, conditioner, and 🧼 soap.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alejandro R. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a good place to stay in Manhattan in terms of price/quality, near a Metro station, clean, enough shared bathrooms and you don't feel like you are "sharing" because most of the time they are available. Nice desk reception. It's a little bit old, but as I mentioned, it's one of the best option to stay paying less money.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Danielle B. 4 months ago on Google
    Don’t stay here. Filthy. Cockroaches! Booked a bunk bed room for two with a shared bathroom. The location is great, but the soundproofing is bad on the room and it is extremely loud. The receptionist while checking in was extremely rude and short with us. Assumed we had more people in our party than we did and said “if we catch you, you’ll be kicked out without warning”. It was an inaccurate assumption, and his rudeness was unprompted. In the room, I woke up to a cockroach on my bed at 2am. The next day, I saw another one and managed to kill it. Disgusting dirty hotel. Shared bathrooms are gross. Rat traps under the heaters. Not worth it. Safety hazard! Was only refunded for 2/4 nights. Wasted over $1k. The receptionist processing the refund was nice, but I’m very upset with my stay and have never had an experience anywheres near close to this despite staying in hotels and hostels nearly every week. Don’t stay here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica Y. 2 years ago on Google
    This hotel room as perfect. The bed was so comfortable I had no trouble sleeping. Even though the bathroom was small, it was designed in such a way that you still had room to move about. The desk came in handy for eating meals in the room. It would've been nice if there had been a guide for the tv channels but I hate my only complaint. I had the queen suite with my own bathroom, I didn't want to risk sharing a bathroom with COVID still going on. The employees were friendly and they were able to give me a late checkout which I really appreciated because it was snowing. Will definitely be going back in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katy N. 4 months ago on Google
    I stayed at the Pod51 hotel in February 2023 in the one bed shared bathroom. My stay was nothing but amazing. It was my first time travelling alone and I felt safe and comfortable. The room was small but had everything I needed and was always clean and tidy. The bed itself was super comfortable and the sheets were cozy. I was lucky enough to be on the top floor & my view was gorgeous. I loved the location, it’s walkability, distance from attractions and how close it was to the subway, cafes and the best Thai food right next door. The bar downstairs was a lot of fun and very vibrant with amazing food and drinks. Would highly recommend staying here as a solo female traveller.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Juliano Adolfo F. 2 years ago on Google
    Location is awesome, 2 blocks from 51st subway station, dozens of places to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The room is small but well mounted with 2 double beds, safe, desk, and enough space for 3 big luggage. Shower is in the same space as the toilet. Sink is small. There is no cleaning service during the stay, just replacement of towels. Rooms close to the elevator hall suffer with noise from other guests speaking early in the morning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kel 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Definitely more of a hostel than a hotel, but unbeatable location and service for the price. Very clean, very close to subway lines, nice restaurant availability. They can hold your bag before and after checkout if your travel plans don’t line up! Loved my stay, would gladly recommend.

  • 3/5 Guthrie E. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    Had family members who recommended this hotel to me due to the location, and that was top notch, being just a couple blocks from the subway and LIRR, and lots of food options nearby. Every staff member I encountered was very friendly and helpful, but there were some maintenance issues in the rooms. The safe was not working, the exterior windows were dirty and there was some chipped paint on the bathroom tiles. Also, if you’re over 6 feet tall like I am, the shower/bathroom might feel cramped. That said, they offered free coffee and bagels each morning in the restaurant connected to the hotel, which I was not expecting but that was very welcomed to not have to leave the hotel for coffee/breakfast. There were some renovations in the lobby and I hope that those extend to the rooms because those felt very tired, but I had a comfortable sleep each night. Overall, however, I would stay here again based on location, and hopefully the renovations go well.

  • 5/5 Benjamin K. 2 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    The two biggest reasons we stayed at POD 51 were 1) Price and 2) Location. Check in was very easy and they let us do so early. The staff were very kind and courteous. Our room was very clean. It was small, but fully functional for a trip where we didn’t plan to spend a lot of time in the room. We got a room with a private bathroom, which was a bit snug but again, functional. The neighborhood was great- we were a 4 minute walk to several Metro lines and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and cafe’s. There’s even a brewery right next door. You’d have a hard time finding a better bang for your buck in Midtown Manhattan. When we come back to NYC we’ll be looking at POD 51 again.

  • 1/5 Bakhodir S. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    My recent visit to Pod 51 Hotel in New York turned out to be less cozy than I expected. Arriving at the hotel late on February 24, 2024, I encountered an unexpected issue: my room was very cold. Despite it being -5°C outside, I couldn’t find a thermostat in the room to increase the temperature and thought the room would warm up over time. Unfortunately, I was mistaken, and the heating never kicked in, resulting in me catching a slight cold. In the morning, I reported this issue to the hotel manager, and although the staff attempted to rectify the situation, my departure was too imminent for it to make a difference to me. I want to emphasize that my review is not intended to harm Pod 51’s reputation, but rather to point out an area for improvement. New York can be unpredictable weather-wise, and I hope that in the future, the hotel will ensure a comfortable stay for all guests regardless of external conditions. Providing comfortable accommodations for guests should be a priority for any hotel, and I sincerely hope that my experience will help Pod 51 to improve. I look forward to seeing the improvements and possibly visiting the hotel again in the future, enjoying the warmth and hospitality I expect from a stay in New York.

  • 2/5 M C. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    The late night front desk clerk is incredibly rude and the maintenance person leaves at 10:30 pm. We checked in and were about to head out for the evening when we went by the front desk to let them know that we had no heating in the winter. The told us that we had to be in the room when maintenance came by, did not inform us of when maintenance leaves. So we went out. When we came back the front desk clerk was incredibly rude and unhelpful. I asked to be moved and she lied to my face and said that the hotel was booked for the evening and that she will not move us, in spite of us having absolutely no heat in the middle of winter. They gave us a few blankets. I checked the booking site and there were definitely rooms available. My boyfriend had to lift the entire grate himself and we found out that the heater was unplugged at some point. Nobody made sure that the room was in working order before renting the space out I guess. The rooms were clean and space was convenient.

  • 4/5 Koenraad De Roo (. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Booked this hotel for a short 1-night stay in NYC, and I was not disappointed. I chose to stay in the double room with a private bathroom and shower. The location is superb. Within easy walking distance, you can find pretty much any type of cuisine you can hope for. And to top it off, there is a drugstore less than a block away from the hotel for any conveniences you may need. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and even though this hotel is advertised as minimalistic, all necessary amenities are present. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, TV, free WiFi, heat and airco with in-room controls, plenty of power outlets within easy reach of the bed, not 1, not 2, but 3 closets. An in-room safe. A desk with a few chairs. I had read some reviews who stated there was a lot of noise, but my stay was peaceful and quiet the entire time I was there. I would not hesitate to stay at this hotel again in the future!

  • 5/5 Lio C. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Great location, reasonable price and professional+friendly staff. I stayed for 14 nights in single pod for business trip.I will come again when I have business in Manhattan. Single pod comes with own shower, but some other pods may have to share shower room with other guests. (There are two shower room on each floor) I had no problem with the room but it could be very small for two or solo traveler with lots of bags.

  • 5/5 Chris D. 8 months ago on Google
    We stayed at traditional hotels two nights previous but serendipitously found this one on a weather-related delay. I'll admit, fortune seemed to favor us, but this was the best experience of our trip. The family agrees we would rather this than the former. Everyone we interacted with provided excellent customer service.

  • 4/5 Bijoya M. 9 months ago on Google
    It was a nice and affordable hotel in Manhattan. Though the rooms were pretty small, given the name 'pod51' but it was even smaller than what we imagined. The bathroom door was malfunctioning and never fully locked. The shower had a clear glass wall and lacked privacy. The only good thing about the hotel was the terrace lounge that has a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline.

  • 4/5 ade0410 1 year ago on Google
    For a relatively inexpensive place to stay whilst visiting New York for a few days, it was good. The room was ok and the bathroom small but had an excellent shower. It is well located for walking to some of the main landmarks and shops as well as the subway. Might be a good idea to take some ear plugs as the air conditioning from nearby buildings might keep you awake! There's lifts and stairs and a roof top area which gives some good views. There's also a bar on the ground floor near the entrance which was good and a kiosk near reception serving coffee and a variety of drinks. A good base to stay.

  • 4/5 Phonetic A. 9 months ago on Google
    I was staying there during the Trump election so it was really busy in NYC. I have cousins/old neighbors there but barely know them so a hotel was the prime choice. If you want to stay in Manhattan and like me want to walk around and love just about. everything you wander around and look at it’s the cheapest option. Elmo tried to hug me in Times Square but I ran for it so that might have been on Earthcam. The red light/green light for the bathroom is perfect for le pod. Maybe a little better ventilation if I had to judge something negatively. Great use of limited space and well lit and the decor is fun. No more blackouts or else! It’s a loud city but it’s still as beautiful as I remembered. I was so happy to have a little time to myself to simply enjoy it and the history that I felt so connected to at one time. Walkable if you are like me and want to go to the Empire State Building and enjoy what you see from a higher altitude. I just wish I had done a little subway surfing before I left! So much better when there a bed waiting for you that you can afford and don’t have to couch surf.

  • 5/5 Vivian R. 7 months ago on Google
    Originally built as a long-stay, transient hotel with small rooms and shared bathrooms in the 1930's. Rooms are just what you need for a stay in East Midtown Manhattan. Most sight seeing is within walking distance, or buy a metro card to explore the city. Temperature for your room is individually controlled. Indicator lights for bathroom occupancy, trash and towels changed daily. Hotel staff is very kind and helpful. Small Cafe in lobby and beautiful outdoor seating area. Very clean, we checked for bedbugs and found no trace.

  • 5/5 Claudenir A. 7 months ago on Google
    Excellent hotel, not expensive and very well located. The rooms are quite small but good enough for a few nights. Also the receptionist and staff team were always helpful.

  • 4/5 Erik B. 4 months ago on Google
    For midtown the price of this hotel is very good, December is always expensive for hotels In NYC. The lobby was decorated very nice for Christmas but upstairs in the hotel room floors I got killer monkey vibes from the dark deception horror game lol. The bathroom was also not included in my room and was a shared bathroom out in the hallways but more expensive rooms have it I believe

  • 5/5 Zoe Arrow (. 4 months ago on Google
    Great budget room for solo travelers. Liked · Great location - right by the ONLY waterfall in NYC. FANTASTIC rooftop. Room was fairly clean. Didn't like that MY room didn't have any heat/cooling controls - another guest mentioned she had air conditioning controls. It was super hot in the bedroom, but I was able to crack the window open to let the crisp wintery air in (a PLUS). If you don't like street noise, go to the suburbs. This hotel is in NYC so you will hear horns and sirens and people talking and living the NYC life. Bedrooms are small, and the bathrooms are TINY (smaller than RV bathrooms dare I say?), but that's EXPECTED from a POD hotel. GREAT place to sleep in on a budget. Please note that some rooms do NOT have a bathroom in suite (they are shared) so READ before you book. Overall, my experience was very pleasant. I slept well. Saw no bugs. Disliked · Way too hot in the bedroom in December 2023, and no air conditioning/heat controls in the bedroom. With that said, the windows DID open (on the SECOND floor) so I was able to remedy that heat box with cracking the window open.

  • 2/5 Samuel R. 6 months ago on Google
    If you're looking for quiet rooms then don't come here or pack you ear plugs! It's loud in the room (AC not blowing any air but extremely loud) and noises from the corridor and rooms across it. Yes the location and the prices are good.

  • 4/5 Lu I. 5 months ago on Google
    The best of this place is the location and the hospitality. Is really pricey for what they offer that’s really really basic. But shared restrooms were always clean. Lights in my room weren’t working well.

  • 2/5 Cora D. 2 years ago on Google
    Needed a hotel room for a night, what I got was a college dorm room complete with musty shared bathrooms, paper thin walls with couples having shouting matches next door, and (wait for it) blood stained sheets. Can’t believe how much I paid for such a bad night of sleep. But hey, the first floor is nice.

  • 3/5 Ilya M. 2 years ago on Google
    Rooftop is great but the room was more like a coffin. I got the actual big room with the bathroom at the other hotel (which was cheaper) and cancelled Pod after 1 night. Guess it's also my fault for not looking at pictures closely enough.

  • 5/5 Irma B. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a great experience staying in your hotel a week ago. Your place was so nice and relaxing. I love the ambiance because it was so peaceful. I thanked your staves for treating me nicely during my stay in your place. You are the best among the rest, guys! I should strongly recommend you to everyone here in our region!

  • 2/5 Ed G. 2 years ago on Google
    The front staff were great and did the best they could. However, the rooms had no refrigerator nor microwave. The mattress was too hard, causing back pain. The bathroom sink was way too small. In addition, hotel guests had to bag and place trash in hallway outside their rooms, due to a staff shortage. During the two days I stayed, my mom was never cleaned. If all you want is a place to drop off your luggage, then this is for you.

  • 5/5 Florida Business E. 2 years ago on Google
    This hotel was amazing and for sure the best value for my money. The shared restrooms on the floor were kept clean. The showers were hot & had great water pressure. The housekeeping staff were phenomenal!

  • 5/5 Jennifer T. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing! It really is geared for the millennial/gen y or folks who want simplicity. The rooms are clean and simple, think IKEA style, but you cannot beat the price for the location. Also, it’s worth noting what the hotel lacks in “luxury”, they make up with in great common spaces from rooftop to beer garden to a bar with old school games. Surrounding the hotel are great businesses do you don’t have to venture far. Karaoke on the corner, delicious Thai with great service next door and a little waterfall green space down the street. Need a convenient, no frills, clean place to rest your head, or a place for a group to travel together, Pod 51 is your place!

  • 5/5 Isabel de O. 2 years ago on Google
    this hotel is lovely! i stayed here with my boyfriend for two nights when we came to new york. it's in a fantastic location with lots of restaurants by it and multiple metro stations less than a ten minute walk away. the rooms are a great size. only qualm is that the the shower is super small but it had an awesome shower head and felt very cozy. this is definitely a great place to stay if you're looking to be in manhattan but not right in downtown. also, the views from the rooms and the roof are fantastic. would highly recommend this place if you're wanting to be out and about in new york for the majority of your stay!

  • 4/5 Anne G. 2 years ago on Google
    This centrally located hotel is easy to like. Second time staying here during NY visits. Walking distance to nearly everything. Clean rooms. Enough space. Friendly service.

  • 4/5 Legs M. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of those times I wish a half star option existed. I’d give this place 4.5 stars. Let’s talk about the good. Location compared to price is amazing. You’re just a few blocks distance within multiple subway stations to get where you need to go. You’re within walking distances of Times Square and great shopping on Broadway St. The location is in a pretty safe area of Mid Manhattan. The rooms are very clean and the small space is utilized very effectively. I didn’t feel cramped. Other Guests were for the most part quiet and considerate. Some minor negatives: windows are paper thin. You’re gonna hear honking, early morning construction, and car alarms going off. WiFi is SLOW (3-4 mbps). Plugs are not efficiently placed. They aren’t like most sensible hotels where the plug is on or above the nightstand. No, Pod 51 has the plugs just below the top of the nightstand and you have to feed your cables through a small hole. Pretty annoying. Overall, this is a great place to stay. I highly recommend you booking. The rooms are clean, the space is effectively utilized, and the location is incredibly convenient. I just had some minor first world complaints but they do have an quality of life impact. Again, this is a 4.5 experience but because Google is dumb, I have to give it 4 stars.

  • 5/5 Chris B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was a pleasant surprise. The rooms are small but mostly just needed a place to sleep anyways. We had a room with the shared bathroom. There were four bathrooms on our floor. At first I was not excited about the idea, but the shared bath concept grew on me. There were lights in the room so you knew which bathroom was vacant. The bathroom was small with a toilet, sink, and shower but was fine for its purpose. Deciding how to get to the bathroom from your room walking into the hall was a difficult decision for me, but ultimately I decided to just walk to the bathroom in my undies and go back to the room wrapped in a towel which was fine because I never saw anyone else in the hallways anyways. The bar/restaurant downstairs had decent food and good spirits and was a nice place to hang out. Most couples would probably not like the bunk beds in the room but for my wife and I it wasn't an issue. I just decided that it was worth the experience.

  • 5/5 Carlos Del V. 2 years ago on Google
    We got the cheapest room with the bunk bed. The place is very clean, there are 4 bathrooms in each floor, they are all great with nice showers (no bathtub). No complaints

  • 5/5 Catherine G. 2 years ago on Google
    Our family of three stayed here from 10/11-10/16 in the POD Suite. They allowed us to check in early since our room was ready. Staff were courteous and helpful. Beds were super comfortable, the room was clean and the shower/bath was great. I like that they did away with individual bottles of shampoo etc and instead have refillable containers in the shower and plain old bar soap. The only thing I would change would be to have the option of adding a mini fridge to the room so we could keep snacks/simple breakfast and lunch items. I mentioned this to the front desk staff as we were checking out and they said that they were likely to add this option. The location is in Midtown between 2nd and 3rd Ave with easy access to public transportation and within walking distance of many restaurants and other attractions. Street noise can be an issue depending on how sensitive you are but we were overall very comfortable from this aspect.

  • 3/5 TheBlogger 7. 2 years ago on Google
    The location is really good but super noisy. I had trouble sleeping from all of the night construction, cars and loud people from the neighboring restaurants. The worst thing about the hotel is the bathrooms. There is absolutely NO privacy so if you're sharing a room with someone pick a different hotel. There's a window in the bathroom with no curtain and a slide door that doesn't close all the way or lock. The bathroom is super small almost like an airplane bathroom. The rooms are small in general. The staff is really nice though

  • 4/5 Chinmay N. 11 months ago on Google
    A trendy and affordable hotel located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from some of the city's most popular attractions. The hotel offers a unique and modern experience for budget-conscious travelers, featuring micro rooms that are designed to maximize space and comfort. One of the standout features of Pod 51 is its exceptional cleanliness. The rooms are spotless, with crisp linens, fresh towels, and sleek, modern decor. The housekeeping staff does an excellent job of maintaining the rooms and ensuring that guests have a comfortable stay. The hotel's location is also a major selling point. It's situated just a few blocks from the iconic Rockefeller Center and the bustling shopping district of Fifth Avenue. It's also within walking distance of Central Park, Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art. Despite the compact size of the rooms, they are surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a private bathroom. The beds are comfortable and the linens are of high quality. The hotel's staff is friendly and accommodating, and they go out of their way to make sure guests have a pleasant experience. The front desk is available 24/7 and is always willing to offer recommendations or assist with any needs. One of the unique features of Pod 51 is its communal spaces, which include a rooftop lounge and a cozy indoor lounge. These areas are perfect for mingling with other guests and enjoying a drink or two after a long day of sightseeing. Overall, Pod 51 is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who are looking for a clean, comfortable, and convenient hotel in the heart of Manhattan. While the rooms are small, they are well-designed and offer all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. The hotel's location and communal spaces make it an excellent choice for solo travelers or those looking to meet new people during their stay.

  • 4/5 Melinda F. 2 years ago on Google
    Just had a lovely stay for a long weekend. Lovely place and wonderful times at the restaurant with family. Consistently helpful and very friendly. Great for family get togethers as we had four rooms booked and did a nice Sunday brunch. Very accommodating and the food is great quality.

  • 3/5 Ho C. 2 years ago on Google
    Location is great! Staff is friendly. However the rooms are very small the bed is very small (my partner’s legs are hanging out from the end of the bed and he is not super tall) and the worse part is that when they come to clean your room they did not change the bedding and make the bed.

  • 5/5 Upower U. 1 year ago on Google
    Remember to use ʜoᴛᴇʟʙoʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏm when booking your room. This site will compare countless booking websites and typically will have prices a lot cheaper compared to others! Thank me later on! This resort is one of the best in this area. I've been coming here for a very long time. If you choose this place you for sure will love it I'm sure! This hotel room as perfect. The bed was so comfortable I had no trouble sleeping. Even though the bathroom was small, it was designed in such a way that you still had room to move about. The desk came in handy for eating meals in the room. It would've been nice if there had been a guide for the tv channels but I hate my only complaint. I had the queen suite with my own bathroom, I didn't want to risk sharing a bathroom with COVID still going on. The employees were friendly and they were able to give me a late checkout which I really appreciated because it was snowing. Will definitely be going back in the future.

  • 4/5 Joe B. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my first time staying at this Pod location. East 51st street is a relatively quiet street near some really good restaurants. Like Pod 39 the entry is nondescript. But once inside the lobby is bright and cheerful. The common area appeared tidy with plenty of seating and lighting. A nice touch is an outdoor courtyard with additional seating and greenery. The elevators are tiny. 4 at most but well kept. Same goes for the room. Compact but efficient and well maintained. Note this is not posh but not slummy either. I imagine if IKEA did hotels they’d be Pod. The high rating is for value. For a couple hundred dollars you’ll get a functional, well maintained, clean quiet room. I’ll definitely stay here again.

  • 5/5 Marlene C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere to lay your head at night, but are looking for privacy instead of sharing a space. They do offer bunk bed rooms. I opted for a 1 bed room, with shared bathrooms. You can pay some more and get a bathroom inside your room. They provide towels, body soap, plastic cups, tissues, choice of firm or soft pillow (both in your room already) and a desk in your room. I read reviews about outlets not working for some but all of mine did. You can adjust the heat in your room too. I was on the 14th floor so i don’t know how it sounds to other floors with people walking around. You also have a sink and mirror in your room. Storage space underneath the bed. The room has a toilet sign above the door that lights up when a toilet is in use. it’s convenient to know if they’re available or not without having to leave your room. They provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash in there as well. You will need your key card to open the bathrooms. It’s small but has everything you need. Bed was comfortable and the view from the top was spectacular. Great location, and the subways are just 2 blocks away. I was able to come into the city through jfk and take the subway here without a hassle. There’s lots of food surrounding and a bar next door. Room cleaning is provided as well. Got exactly what I needed for the 5nights I stayed here and would definitely come back again. For a city like New York where you are most likely exploring all day around so many people, it’s great to come back to a place that is just yours. Thank you Pod 51! All service provided was great :)

  • 2/5 Olivier G. 1 year ago on Google
    The hotel is an old building and super noisy. You feel you are in the corridor with your neighbors, as the doors of the rooms are super old. Very tiny rooms (but very optimized). One person fits ok, 2 might be uncomfortable. My bed was along the wall and therefore nothing was preventing my pillow to fall.

  • 5/5 Isabel H. 11 months ago on Google
    The location is perfect. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The rooms are very small but always clean. And the roof terrace is great for aperitif. Highly recommended for a city trip!

  • 5/5 Maria C. 10 months ago on Google
    Room is small, but has everything you need we stayed in a full private room with a private bathroom. Next time we'll upgrade to a queen. Good price for the location, close to subways and walking distance to several attractions and great restaurants in Manhattan. The rooftop, and back patio are both really nice. We enjoyed bringing our breakfast back to the hotel to eat in one of these places.

  • 5/5 Tonil M. 11 months ago on Google
    Remember to use HoteITully.ᴄᴏm when booking a resort. They compare hundreds of booking websites and normally will have rooms a lot cheaper than others! Thank me later! This resort is the best rated in this area. I've been staying here for a long time. If you stay for a few nights you will love it I'm sure! The location is perfect. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The rooms are very small but always clean. And the roof terrace is great for aperitif. Highly recommended for a city trip!

  • 5/5 Margie R. 9 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed my stay at Pod 51. The location is near plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Plus it is close to the subway. The rooms are very clean with minimal amenities. The staff is outstanding. They will do anything to help you. And the transportation company they use for transfers is the best. I strongly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Michael G. 9 months ago on Google
    We have a room for 3, with a queen and a single. Mattress is firm but good. Small room has effective layout. Very clean. 12th floor and we have a balcony with city views! Awesome! Lobby staff is fine. Location between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on 51st Street is noisy, but not bad up high. Good strong A/C, making our 18yo son happy.

  • 5/5 Taylor 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Check in was great and the front desk staff very friendly. We were able to check in a few hours early, as our room was already ready. I loved the noon check out! Our room was very clean and comfy. Loved the location. It's close to the subway and there's a bar/game room right next door. The area surrounding it was safe, clean, and quiet. I also enjoyed they could hold on to our luggage before and after our stay, which helped us spend more time around NY!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


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