Is Pod Times Square worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — Pod Times Square is worth it if you prioritize a central Midtown location, compact budget-friendly rooms, and rooftop dining over spacious guestrooms or resort-style amenities. If you need a roomy suite, on-site parking, or a pool/spa, another hotel may suit you better.
In this guide
Where it is and how easy it is to get around
Pod Times Square sits at 400 W 42nd Street in Midtown West, roughly 0.4 miles (about a 6–10 minute walk) from the neon center of Times Square and steps from Broadway theaters and the Port Authority transit hub.
The location gives quick access to many subway lines at Times Square–42nd Street and to bus services; this makes it a practical base for seeing Midtown, getting to Penn Station or catching an airport bus.
- Address: 400 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
- One block from Port Authority / Times Square transit
- Walking access to Broadway theaters, Javits Center and Hudson River Park
| Nearby Spot | Approximate Walk |
|---|---|
| Times Square / Broadway | ~0.4 miles |
| Jacob K. Javits Convention Center | ~0.4 miles |
| Empire State Building | About 15 minutes |
Room types and what to expect
Rooms at Pod Times Square are small, efficiently laid out ‘Pods’ intended for short city stays. The hotel lists two main room types as Bunk Pod Room (2 Twin Beds) and Pod Room (1 Double Bed or 1 Queen Bed).
Typical Pod room sizes are compact (around 119–130 sq ft). Expect space-saving features like wall-mounted racks, under-bed luggage storage, and frosted glass or glass-enclosed bathroom partitions in many rooms.
- Room types: Bunk Pod Room and Pod Room
- Compact layout with luggage storage beneath beds and wall racks
- ADA-accessible Pod rooms with roll-in showers are available
| Room | Bed(s) |
|---|---|
| Bunk Pod Room | 2 Twin Beds |
| Pod Room | 1 Double Bed or 1 Queen Bed |
On-site dining and nightlife
Pod Times Square has two main on-site food/drink venues: Serafina in the Sky (rooftop Italian restaurant) and Bar 42, the ground-floor lobby bar. Serafina offers indoor and alfresco rooftop dinner service with skyline views.
Bar 42 serves cocktails, snacks and an on-the-go breakfast; both spaces are useful for a quick meal or evening drink without leaving the hotel.
- Serafina in the Sky: rooftop Italian dinner service (hours vary by day)
- Bar 42: lobby bar with cocktails, snacks and morning grab-and-go options
- Terrace seating is available for drinks and casual outdoor dining
| Venue | Typical Offer |
|---|---|
| Serafina in the Sky | Italian dinner, indoor and alfresco seating |
| Bar 42 | Cocktails, snacks, on-the-go breakfast |
Amenities, fees and practical details
The hotel is smoke-free and offers free Wi‑Fi bundled into a mandatory nightly facility fee (the property lists a facility fee figure). A 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, complimentary luggage storage and coin laundry are available.
Pod Times Square does not have a pool or on-site parking. A small fitness center on the 28th floor is listed by the hotel, but some third-party reports suggest guests should confirm current gym availability before arrival.
- No pool or spa on site
- Small fitness center reported on 28th floor — confirm availability
- No on-site parking; nearby iPark garage one block away
- Mandatory facility fee covers internet and domestic phone calls
| Service / Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi | Included via facility fee |
| Parking | No on-site parking; iPark garage one block away |
| Luggage storage | Complimentary |
Who this hotel suits (and who it doesn’t)
Good fit: solo travelers, couples or families who want a central Midtown address, low-cost compact rooms, and rooftop dining within the hotel. The hotel markets some rooms for families (Bunk Pod Room) and provides cribs for infants 0–2 at no charge.
Not a good fit: travelers needing spacious rooms, on-site parking, a pool or full-service spa, or undecorated luxury. If you prioritize larger living space or extensive resort amenities, consider a different property.
- Ideal for short stays and sightseeing-focused trips
- Family-friendly in that children of all ages are welcome; the registering guest must be 18+
- Avoid if you require large rooms, parking or a pool
| Traveler Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Solo / couple on city trip | Recommended |
| Family with young kids | Possible (Bunk Pod Room or Pod Room + crib) — check bedding limits |
| Guest wanting pool/spa/parking | Not recommended |
Pros and cons — honest summary
Pros are centered on location, price point, efficient room design and rooftop dining. Cons focus on small room size, mandatory facility fee, and limited on-site leisure facilities.
Weigh these trade-offs against your priorities: if Midtown proximity and a modern budget room matter more than spacious accommodations, Pod Times Square delivers. If a bigger room or resort amenities matter, look elsewhere.
- Pros: central Midtown/Times Square location, rooftop restaurant and terrace, compact efficient rooms, complimentary luggage storage, family-friendly with Bunk Pod Room option
- Cons: very compact room footprints, mandatory facility fee, no pool or on-site parking, guests should verify gym availability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Central Midtown location; easy access to theaters and transit | Small Pod rooms (119–130 sq ft) |
| Rooftop dining (Serafina in the Sky) and Bar 42 on site | Mandatory facility fee for internet/phone |
| Complimentary luggage storage and 24-hour front desk | No on-site parking, pool or full spa |
