If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel, Pod Times Square is a great option for your next visit to New York City in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
There are a lot of hotel options in NYC, and my philosophy is the more I save on my stay, the more I can play and enjoy food and attractions around the city.
Pod Times Square is a great option if you want to save money on a hotel in New York City, especially if you don’t want to compromise on room cleanliness, basic amenities, or hotel location.
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I’ve stayed at several hotels in the vicinity over the years, and Pod Times Square was perfect for my solo visit to NYC.
Location + price + smart design makes this a hotel worth considering.
Where is the Pod Times Square Located?
Pod Times Square is conveniently located at 400 West 42nd Street, Hell’s Kitchen, New York, NY.
The lobby for the Pod Times Square hotel isn’t located on the ground level.
You’ll take an elevator to the lobby and a separate elevator up to your room, and front desk service is available 24 hours a day.
Parking is available for $50 for a Sedan/ $60 SUV, one block away on the same street at iPark for 24 hours, with no in-and-out privileges.
Close to Public Transportation
Pod Times Square is 1 block from the 42nd St. Port Authority subway and bus station servicing the A, C, E, N, Q, 1, 2, 3, and 7 subway lines at the Times Square Station.
Close to Uber Shuttle Pickup/ Drop off
Pod Times Square is only 4 minutes from the Uber Shuttle Airport Pickup for LGA and JFK.
If you don’t want to navigate the subway with your luggage, I highly recommend taking the Uber Shuttle.
Uber Shuttles offer fixed route, scheduled service that goes to/from Laguardia Airport (LGA) for Manhattan and Brooklyn, John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) for Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, and Newark Airport (EWR) and Manhattan to set drop off/pick up location
You can book your Uber Shuttle up to 7 days in advance or as soon as 5 minutes before departure.
My last few visits to NYC were as a female solo traveler, and the Uber Shuttle gave me peace of mind to just relax and enjoy the ride for way less than a traditional Uber.
Close to Broadway
Pod Times Square is only a 10-minute walk to Broadway.
If you’re in NYC, I highly recommend watching a Broadway show. You can find discounts up to 50% off on same day shows at the TKTS booth at Time Square.
Close to Times Square
Speaking of Times Square, Pod Times Quare is only a 10-minute walk to Times Square.
Walkable to Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Pod Times Square is only a 15-minute walk to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
What Time is check-in/check-out at Pod Times Square?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM at the Pod Times Square.
Early check-in or late check-out may be available at an additional cost.
Pod Times Square offers same-day luggage storage for the day you check in or check out, which is helpful if you have an early or late flight.
What Types of Rooms Are Available at Pod Times Square?
- Bunk Pod – 2 twin beds – 115 sq ft
- Full Pod – 1 full size bed – 120 sq ft
- Full Pod ADA Accessible Rooms – 1 full bed – 120 sq ft
- Queen Pod – 1 queen bed – 125 sq ft
- Pod Pads – large 1 bed + 1 bath Pod Pad, Standard 2 bed + 2 bath Pod Pad, Deluxe 2 bed + 2 bath Pod Pad
If you’re visiting with a family you may want to consider the Pod Pads that provide additional space.
Is Pod Times Square Pet-friendly?
Small dogs under 25 pounds are permitted for a daily fee of $25 per night.
Full Pod Room Tour at Pod Times Square
The rooms are small, but let’s be honest, hotel rooms in New York City are generally smaller compared to other cities.
And practically speaking, you’ll likely be out exploring the City for most of your time anyway.
There’s a storage area underneath the bed for luggage, and this room is for 2 guests max.
There’s a desk with a chair, plenty of charging areas for your electronics on top of the desk, and a wall-mounted flat screen TV. Complimentary wifi is available throughout the property.
The room safe above the clothing rack slides open, and is big enough to easily store a laptop, and there are hooks for jackets and another phone charging area nearby.
The sliding blinds open to offer incredible views of the city during the day and at night.
Your total price is based on the rate for the number of booked guests (1 adult). Extra prices may apply for additional guests – up to the max capacity.
When budgeting your expenses keep in mind that hotels in NYC charge a resort fee, a $3.50 city tax, and a 14.75% tax for hotel rooms each night.
Private Bathroom in Full Pod Room at Pod Times Square
The private bathroom was small, but it had everything I needed to get ready easily.
The bathroom is nice and bright and also has nighttime lighting to help guests easily find it in the dark.
The shower has free toiletries for guests, and hair dryers are available to use during your stay.
Just a heads up – the shower door will show silouhettes while you’re showering if you’re sharing a room with someone.
How to Save on Your Stay at Pod Times Square
I compared prices on their website to third-party options and booked my stay through Booking.com because of their cancellation policy.
Compare prices on a stay at Pod Times Square
Onsite Restaurant & Shared Spaces
Pod Times Square has an on-site restaurant and bar. Be on the lookout for their happy hour specials.
The Pod Times Square has beautifully decorated shared spaces that you’ll want to spend time gathering at.
Fitness Center at Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square guests have access to the Fitness Center on the top floor.
Guests can enjoy incredible views while working out. The gym has freestanding weights, a treadmill, an elliptical, and stationary bikes.
Pod Walks – Free Walking Tours
If I didn’t already have previous commitments, I would have definitely checked out one of the free walking tours offered for Pod guests.
Walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in a specific neighborhood, learn about the history, and discover local hidden gems.
The 2.5-hour tours are free for Pod guests. The walking tours also utilize the subway and don’t return to the hotel.
Pod guests can join tours of any of the Pod Hotels that meet in the lobby.
Check the sign in the lobby for tour times and reserve your spot online.
- Monday 9:30 AM – Pod 39 – 145 East 39th Street – Soho and Little Italy
- Tuesday 9:30 AM – Pod 39 – 145 East 39th Street – DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights
- Wednesday 9:30 AM – Pod Times Square – 400 West 42nd Street – Central Park and Upper West Side
- Thursday 9:30 AM – Pod 51 – 230 East 51 Street – Greenwich Village and Meatpacking District
- Friday 9:30 AM – Pod 51 – 230 East 51st Street – Lower East Side and Chinatown
- Saturday 9:30 AM – Pod Times Square – 400 West 42nd Street – DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights
Walkable Recommendations from Pod Times Square
The Pod Times Square has a concierge on-site in the lobby who can offer recommendations while in New York.
These stops are super close to the Pod Times Square.
Coffee stop – Grind NYC Coffee Shop and Bagel House – 602 9th Ave, New York, NY
There isn’t a coffee maker in your room, which gives you an excuse to check out a local coffee shop.
Bagel with a Schmear at Broad Nosh Bagels – 587 9th Ave, New York, NY
The most difficult part is deciding on your bagel and schmear combination.
Pizza by the Slice at Pop’s Pizza – 840 8th Ave, New York, NY
If you like spicy food, try a slice of their Pepporoni Jalapeno made with pepperoni cups, freshly chopped jalapeno, aged mozzarella, tomato sauce, and topped with hot honey.
Cannoli and cakes at Carlos Bakery Times Square – 625 8th Ave, New York, NY
During my most recent visit, I mixed things up and tried their peanut butter canoli.
Would I Stay at the Pod Times Square Again?
Absolutely! It’s a FANTASTIC location for a great price, and in an area where I felt safe staying while exploring the area solo.
I also loved coming back to my room and sliding the blinds for the view of the Empire State Building at night and in the morning.
Additional Pod Locations in New York City
- Pod 39 – 145 East 39th Street
- Pod 51 – 230 East 51 Street
- Pod Brooklyn – 247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
More Information Pod Times Square
You can find out more about the Pod Times Square here.
