Pod Times Square

Rooms and decor

The 665 rooms are compact Pods running 8-18 sqm depending on type. The lineup goes from the Standard Pod with a Queen bed for two, to the Bunk Pod with bunk beds for families, up to the Family Pod that sleeps four. The look is bright and deliberate — grey, yellow and red — with storage tucked under the bed and a shower kept separate from the toilet in each room. Reviews are consistent: the rooms are small but clean, and the soundproofing is good. Rates start around $165 a night.

Food and amenities

The rooftop bar, The Patio, is the highlight. It stays open year-round because it's covered and heated for winter, and the Manhattan skyline views give it an atmosphere that feels upscale for a 3-star. There's a restaurant and café in the building too, so you're not stuck leaving every time you want a coffee or a bite.

Location and getting there

This is a properly central Midtown address on 9th Avenue. It's a 7-minute walk to Times Square and close to the A/C/E subway station, which makes getting around the rest of the city straightforward. For a hotel at this price, being this close to the lights and the Broadway theatres is the real draw.

Things to know before booking

The pods are very compact — a Standard Pod is about 8-12 sqm and uses every square centimetre. Luggage space is limited, so this suits travellers who pack light far better than anyone with big suitcases. And the format is practical rather than plush: it's a smart, affordable base for a busy Manhattan trip, not a room you'll want to spend the whole day in.

Our take

Pod Times Square is the pick for solo travellers, younger couples and small families trying to keep the hotel bill down in Manhattan. You trade square footage for a price roughly 30-40 percent cheaper than the surrounding 4-star hotels, and The Patio makes the whole stay feel more premium than the rate suggests. If you need a spacious room, look elsewhere — but for location and value this close to Times Square, it's hard to beat.