Pod 39
by the TopOfHotel team
Pod 39 is the quieter alternative to Pod Times Square over in Murray Hill — the Salvation Taco rooftop bar with its Empire State views is the highlight.
Pod 39 is the quieter alternative to Pod Times Square over in Murray Hill — the Salvation Taco rooftop bar with its Empire State views is the highlight.
In-Depth Review
Pod 39 is the quieter sibling of Pod Times Square, set in Murray Hill inside a classic red-brick Manhattan building. Guests score it 8.2/10 on Booking.com and 8.5 on Agoda. The mood is calmer than the Times Square branch, and it suits travelers who like their Manhattan a little more old-school.
Rooms and decor
The 366 rooms are compact pods running roughly 10-15 sqm depending on type — from the Standard Queen and Bunk Pod up to a Triple Pod that sleeps three. The look is the easy-to-recognize bright yellow-and-grey scheme that Pod Hotels use, and bathrooms are clean with rain showers. Soundproofing holds up better than the size would suggest, and reviewers note that the red-brick building itself adds character to the stay. Rooms start around $157 a night.
Food and amenities
The rooftop is the headline. Salvation Taco is a Mexican bar-restaurant up top, serving food alongside views of the Empire State Building, and it gets busy most evenings. Beyond that the focus is on the pod format — efficient rooms, free Wi-Fi and air-con — rather than a long list of facilities, which is exactly the trade that keeps the price where it is.
Location and getting there
Pod 39 sits in Murray Hill on the eastern edge of Midtown. Grand Central Terminal is a 5-minute walk away, which makes getting around the city simple. Times Square is 15 minutes on foot or one train stop, and both the Empire State Building and Bryant Park are close by.
Things to know before booking
The rooms are small by design — fine for sleeping and a short stay, tight if you want room to spread out. You are not right on Times Square, so factor in the 15-minute walk or the single train stop if that block is the point of your trip. And because the pod format trades space for price, it works best for travelers who plan to be out exploring most of the day.
Our take
This is the pick for travelers who want genuine Manhattan atmosphere on a budget — young couples and solo travelers who would rather be somewhere quieter than Times Square. The Grand Central location keeps the whole city in reach, and Salvation Taco gives you a reason to stay in some nights. Skip it if you need a roomy space or you specifically want to be steps from Times Square.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A classic red-brick building in Murray Hill — the block is noticeably quieter than Times Square, and the older architecture gives the stay some real Manhattan character.
- The Salvation Taco rooftop bar is the standout: a Mexican bar-restaurant serving food alongside views of the Empire State Building, busy most evenings.
- Grand Central is a 5-minute walk away, which makes getting to any neighborhood in the city straightforward.
- Rooms start around $157 a night — solid value for somewhere this central in Manhattan.
- Rooms come in useful layouts, from a Standard Queen and Bunk Pod up to a Triple Pod that sleeps three, so small groups and friends traveling together have an option.
- Rooms are compact by design, roughly 10-15 sqm in line with the Pod concept — fine for sleeping and a short stay, tight if you want space to spread out.
- Times Square is 15 minutes away on foot, or one train stop, so you are not right on top of the bright lights if that is what you came for.
- The pod format keeps prices down but also keeps rooms small, so it suits travelers who plan to be out most of the day rather than holed up in the room.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- Head up to Salvation Taco for the rooftop bar and the Empire State Building views — it is the best reason to stay here, and it gets lively after dark.
- Walk the 5 minutes to Grand Central and use it as your transit hub; from there you can reach almost any neighborhood quickly.
- If you are three people, book the Triple Pod rather than squeezing into a smaller room — it is built for the count.