Pod 51

New York 40.75591000, -73.96907800 , 230 East 51st Street (Show on Map)
7.8
Good


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Summary of reviewsPod 51, centrally located in Manhattan's vibrant Midtown, offers an ideal retreat for both tourists and business travelers. Its strategic position allows easy access to iconic attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations headquarters with convenient subway connections providing direct routes across the city, including JFK Airport. The neighborhood is bustling with dining options, shopping and essential amenities, all within a quiet and safe environment.

The hotel stands out for its rooftop terrace, offering fantastic city views, enhancing the overall stay experience. The staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, efficiency and willingness to help, creating a welcoming atmosphere from check-in to check-out. Cleanliness is a hallmark of Pod 51 with both private and shared facilities maintained to high standards, contributing to the hotel's commendable reputation.

Rooms, though compact, are described as well-designed and efficiently maintained, reflecting the quintessential New York City experience where space is at a premium. Though on the small side, the rooms feature necessary amenities and clever storage solutions. Many appreciate the daily housekeeping and fresh linens, adding to the comfort factor.

Pod 51 offers a suitable breakfast experience with basic options available at its on-site café. While some guests expressed a desire for more variety and inclusive breakfast pricing, the proximity to numerous external dining spots ensures plenty of alternatives. Dinner options are equally accessible with several notable eateries and a cool bar attached to the hotel, praised for its food, drinks and lively atmosphere.

WiFi service garners mixed reviews with many guests commending its speed and reliability, though some encounter intermittent connectivity issues. Despite occasional noise complaints, the hotel's nightlife offerings, such as the rooftop bar with sweeping views, contribute positively to the urban experience.

Overall, Pod 51 is a stellar choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking clean, functional and centrally-located accommodations in New York City. Its blend of affordability, cleanliness, prime location and friendly staff make it a highly recommended option for those exploring Manhattan.
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Cheap Hotel
Pod 51, located in Midtown East, offers a reimagined budget hotel experience. It provides compact, stylish rooms at an affordable price, making it a great base for exploring the city.

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Room Types
Standard Double Room This room features a private bathroom, flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station. Premium bedding and blackout drapes/curtains are also provided.

Single Room with Shared Bathroom This room features a flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station. Premium bedding and blackout drapes/curtains are also provided. .

Standard Bunk Bed Room with Shared Bathroom This room features shared bathroom facilities, 1 bunk bed, flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station. Premium bedding and blackout drapes/curtains are also provided.

Standard Queen Room This room features a private bathroom, flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station. The room features a queen-size bed. Premium bedding and blackout drapes/curtains are also provided.

Single Room This room features a private bathroom, flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station.

ADA Standard Queen Room The double room provides air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. This double room features a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Pod 51 boasts a prime location in Manhattan, making it an ideal spot for tourists and business travelers alike. Situated in Midtown, the hotel is within walking distance to some of New York City's most iconic attractions such as Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations headquarters. Subway stations at Lexington Ave and 51st Street are just a few minutes away, offering convenient access to the entire city, including direct routes to JFK Airport.

The neighborhood surrounding Pod 51 is vibrant with an abundance of restaurants, bars, shops and essential amenities close by. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to dining options, pharmacies and grocery stores, which makes their stay even more convenient. Despite its central location, the area is described as quiet and safe, providing a pleasant retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Pod 51's rooftop terrace offers fantastic views of the city, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the stay. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the hotel and the friendly, helpful staff. The overall value for money, given its excellent location and affordable pricing, is another highlight frequently noted by guests.

While the rooms are described as small, they are efficiently designed and well-maintained, fitting the quintessential New York City experience where space is often at a premium. The combination of superb location, accessibility to major attractions and thoughtful amenities makes Pod 51 a standout choice for those looking to explore Manhattan.

Breakfast
Pod 51 offers a generally positive breakfast experience, although some guests desired more variety and the inclusion of breakfast in the room tariff. The hotel features a small café and a kiosk where guests can enjoy coffee, yogurt, pastries and limited breakfast items at affordable prices. Many appreciated the convenience of having breakfast options available on-site, highlighting the good service and the friendliness of the café staff.

While the small room sizes were noted, they were equipped with necessary amenities and the excellent location near many external breakfast spots made it easy for guests to find delicious alternatives nearby. The presence of a fun bar and additional dining options next door also received positive remarks.

However, the absence of a comprehensive breakfast or complimentary coffee bar was a common point of criticism. Guests suggested improvements such as adding breakfast options, coffee facilities in the rooms and better communication about breakfast availability upon reservation.

Overall, Pod 51 provides a budget-friendly stay with essential breakfast services, though with room for enhancements to meet guest expectations fully.

Dinner
Pod 51 offers a vibrant dining and nightlife experience thanks to its strategic location and on-site amenities. Guests highlight the cool bar attached to the hotel, which provides a cozy yet lively spot for evening drinks. Conveniently, there are several exciting eateries and pubs nearby, including Clinton Hall next door, which gets high marks for its good food, drink selection and engaging atmosphere – perfect for a nightcap.

For guests looking to explore further, there are plenty of dining options in close proximity. Notable mentions include a great bagel shop around the corner and a delightful pizza place just three blocks away. The restaurant next to the hotel is praised for its fun vibe and there are also a number of quality restaurants within walking distance.

The hotel itself offers a few delightful spots for relaxation, such as a lobby bar and a coffee shop. For those who prefer a view with their drink, the rooftop is a highlight, providing amazing vistas of the city. Though some guests noted noise from the neighboring pub as a minor inconvenience, the overall accessibility to dining and social venues adds great value to the stay at Pod 51.

Rooms
Pod 51 offers cozy, clean and efficiently designed rooms, perfect for travelers looking to explore New York City on a budget. While the rooms are compact, often described as very small or tiny, they are well-maintained and include basic amenities such as a bed, TV, small sink, mini safe and air conditioning. Some rooms come with private bathrooms, while others share bathroom facilities, which are also consistently clean.

The decor is simple yet functional, making the most of the limited space. Despite the small size, storage solutions are cleverly implemented with shelves, hooks and small wardrobes to maximize the available space. The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness with rooms cleaned daily and fresh towels provided regularly.

There are some downsides, such as outdated furniture in some rooms, occasional issues with the heating or air conditioning and the lack of in-room coffee makers. Noise can be a problem due to thin walls and street sounds common in NYC, although some rooms are quieter than others. Additionally, the high-rise building does not allow guests to control the heating system in many rooms, which can lead to discomfort for some.

Pod 51's location is a significant advantage, providing easy access to public transportation, shops and restaurants. The rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view, adding a pleasant touch to the overall experience.

Overall, Pod 51 is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those looking for a minimalist and efficient stay in New York City, accepting smaller accommodations in exchange for cleanliness, functionality and prime location.

Beds
The guest reviews for Pod 51 reveal mixed opinions about the beds in the hotel. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable, citing clean and comfortable bed sheets and some even stating that the beds were superb and very comfy. Shared bathrooms received positive remarks for cleanliness and availability, adding to the overall comfort.

However, there were also consistent criticisms regarding bed size and firmness. Numerous guests mentioned that the beds were small, too short and often uncomfortable. Issues with old, worn and insufficient bedding were highlighted, alongside complaints about hard and lumpy mattresses. Some guests also felt that the pillows were inadequate, either too thin or hard as rocks. There were mentions of noisy beds and awkward bed arrangements as well.

Despite these drawbacks, many patrons felt the rooms, although small, were tidy and well-maintained, offering good value for New York City. For budget-conscious or experienced travelers, the balance between cost and comfort may suffice, but those sensitive to bed comfort might find the accommodations lacking.

Cleanliness
Pod 51 is consistently praised for its high standards of cleanliness, making it a standout choice for travelers. The rooms and shared bathrooms are frequently described as very clean with daily housekeeping ensuring pristine conditions throughout the stay. Shared bathrooms, a notable feature of the property, are highlighted for their cleanliness and availability, often described as clean and luxurious with marble walls. Common areas of the hotel also maintain a well-kept appearance, contributing to an overall clean environment.

Despite some isolated complaints about occasional lapses in cleanliness or maintenance, the majority of guests seem to find the cleaning standards to be excellent. The cleaning staff, described as friendly and efficient, play a key role in maintaining the hotel's cleanliness. Additionally, the hotel's modern and trendy features, including a bar with craft beers and a well-maintained rooftop terrace, further enhance the pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.

Overall, Pod 51 successfully impresses guests with its tidy rooms and well-kept facilities, making it a reliable and commendable choice for those seeking a clean and comfortable stay in Manhattan.

Staff
The reviews for Pod 51 highlight a generally positive impression of the hotel's staff, emphasizing their friendliness and willingness to help. The front desk and housekeeping teams received notable praise for being courteous, efficient and attentive, always ready to assist with inquiries and often going above and beyond to accommodate guest needs, including quick room changes and efficient resolutions to issues. Notably, the staff were described as extremely helpful and beyond accommodating, ensuring a pleasant experience from check-in to check-out.

The atmosphere created by the team was often highlighted as warm and welcoming, making guests feel safe and comfortable. The staff's responsiveness to complaints and their proactive efforts to maintain cleanliness, particularly in shared spaces, were also well-regarded.

However, a few reviews pointed out inconsistencies with some guests experiencing less friendly or uncommunicative interactions, particularly at the reception. Despite these occasional lapses, the majority feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, praising the staff’s professionalism, dedication and the overall excellent service provided at Pod 51.

Wi-Fi
The WiFi service at Pod 51 receives mixed reviews from guests, but many have positive experiences to share. Numerous reviewers appreciated the fast and reliable internet, describing the WiFi as superb, high-speed and excellent. The WiFi was often noted as being strong enough to browse the internet without issues and many guests had no problems with the connection at all.

However, there are mentions of occasional shortcomings. Some guests experienced weak or slow connections and a few pointed out that the WiFi requires frequent restarting and can be spotty or intermittent. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment towards the WiFi leans positive with many guests finding it satisfactory for their needs.

In addition to the WiFi, guests highlighted the cleanliness of the rooms and the helpfulness of the staff, which added to their favorable impressions of the hotel. Though there were a few minor criticisms such as a noisy environment and occasional problems with the TV remote, the functional aspects of the accommodation seemed to meet the expectations for most visitors.

Nightlife
Pod 51's nightlife scene garners mixed reviews from its guests. The hotel is praised for its prime central location, placing visitors in the heart of New York City's vibrant atmosphere. Several bars, restaurants and cafes are just a stone's throw away from the property, ensuring plenty of places to eat and drink and enhancing the overall urban experience. Guests particularly enjoy the cool bar attached to the hotel and the rooftop bar, which offers great views and a relaxed ambiance. Despite the abundance of nightlife venues nearby, the hotel's atmosphere is described as quiet and cozy during the night, allowing for a restful sleep despite the lively surroundings.

However, some guests mention noise from the street, which can be heard due to the thin windows. This seems to be a minor downside in an otherwise bustling and vibrant area. The staff's inability to provide food recommendations was noted, but the array of nearby dining options somewhat mitigates this issue.

In summary, Pod 51 offers a central and quiet retreat amidst New York City's dynamic nightlife with a variety of nearby dining and entertainment options and notable highlights such as the adjoining bar and rooftop terrace.

3 Star
Pod 51 is a budget-friendly, three-star capsule-style hotel ideally located in Manhattan, making it easy to access key attractions either by foot or using the subway. Many guests appreciate the great value for money, which is especially notable given the generally high costs in New York City. The hotel provides clean and comfortable rooms, though they are notably small and basic, in line with typical three-star accommodations in Manhattan. Despite their size, rooms are well-designed and functional, offering just enough standard amenities to meet guests' needs.

The hotel excels in cleanliness and offers practical amenities, including a lobby and dining area, as well as a reliable elevator service. Friendly and professional staff, including the cleaning crew and front desk personnel, enhance the overall experience. Additional perks, like convenient nearby coffee and bagel shops and the availability of hot tea and coffee in the lobby, add to the convenience and enjoyment of a stay.

Although some guests noted issues such as low daylight, loud fans and minimalistic bathrooms, these are generally outweighed by the hotel's affordability and central location. Overall, Pod 51 is recommended for travelers seeking cost-effective, clean and well-located accommodations in New York City.


No, Pod 51 doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Pod 51.

Yes, Pod 51 welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at Pod 51.

No, Pod 51 doesn't have a gym.

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