Finding a hotel in New York City can be a difficult task – ‘affordability’ takes on a new meaning in the city, and also ensuring that where you stay is clean and centrally located adds to the challenge.

On a recent trip to the Big Apple, I was fortunate enough to stay at the Pod 51 Hotel, a new concept and freshly renovated hotel in the heart of Manhattan.

Here’s my experience at the Pod 51 Hotel in New York City!

The Hotel

The Pod 51 Hotel is located in the Midtown East area of Manhattan, with two subway stations within two blocks of the hotel and both Central Park and Times Square a short twenty minute walk away.

Upon arriving, I entered into a bright and modern reception area where I was quickly checked-in and given the key to my room. Adjacent to the reception is a cafe and outdoor patio area. Free amenities of the hotel include Wi-Fi, luggage storage, toiletries, and daily weekday walking tours.

The Rooms

Pod 51 rooms range from twin to double and bunk beds. My room was a twin outfitted with a desk, flat screen TV, counter top sink, plenty of power sockets, and luggage rack. Some rooms in Pod 51 have an ensuite bathroom, while others used shared bathrooms in the hall.

The rooms can be described as compact; however, even though they are small in square footage, the usage of space is excellent and I felt like I had plenty of room. As well, the shared bathrooms were modern and clean, and I was always able to find one available when needed.

The Rooftop

The rooftop, atop the 14th floor, is an oasis to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of New York. Complete with colorful Adirondack chairs, day beds, and a long table with chairs, there are plenty of seating options to help with unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Since the rooftop is only open to hotel guests, you have a sense of privacy as well.

The Food

Pod 51 Hotel offers two dining options. In the morning, the cafe, located in the hotel’s lobby is a great place to enjoy a light breakfast and coffee.

The hotel’s lunch, dinner, and drink options are through a partnership with Salvation Burger, a restaurant just next to the hotel. You can either eat in Salvation Burger’s dining area, or have the food brought to you in the Pod 51 patio area. Our experience with Salvation Burger was excellent; we were seated and received our food quickly, and my juicy burger paired with a glass of wine hit the spot after a morning of sightseeing.

Have you stayed at the Pod Hotel? Would you want to?

More Information

• Hotel: Pod 51 Hotel
• Location: 230 E 51st St, New York, NY
• Price range: Mid-range; rooms range from $145-$265