BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Pod Times Square New York, New York
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Pod Times Square vs Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Pod Times Square is a compact, design-forward Midtown hotel with pod-style rooms and a rooftop Italian restaurant; read this if you want an efficient, central base for theater and short city stays. Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is a large, modern four-star property near Times Square; read this if you want full-service hotel amenities and a bigger-room footprint in the same neighborhood.

Updated · about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) apart

Street-level view of the Pod Times Square exterior sign and surrounding Midtown buildings.

Pod Times Square

Compact pods · Rooftop restaurant · Budget-conscious city stays

Best for travelers who want compact, efficiently designed rooms and a rooftop dinner option steps from Broadway.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, New York, New York

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Large four-star hotel · Free breakfast · Full-service amenities

Best for guests who prefer a larger, full-service hotel with many room options and a central Times Square location.

Quick Verdict: Pod Times Square vs Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

When Pod Times Square wins: choose Pod if you prioritize compact, thoughtfully designed rooms, a rooftop Italian restaurant (Serafina in the Sky), close theater access and lower-footprint, efficient stays.

When Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square wins: choose the Riu if you want a big four-star property with a large room inventory, buffet breakfast included, concierge services and more traditional hotel services.

Bottom line: both hotels put you within easy walking distance of Times Square and Broadway; pick Pod for a smaller, design-forward stay with rooftop dining and Pod-style rooms, or pick Riu Plaza for a larger, conventional four-star hotel experience and broader on-site services.

Pod Times Square vs Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Pod Times Square and Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
CategoryPod Times SquareHotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Overall vibeCompact, design-forward, efficient urban stayLarge, modern four-star hotel
Location (neighborhood)Midtown West / Hell's Kitchen, about 0.4 mi to Times Square
Size (rooms)About 665 guestrooms across ~28 floors649 air-conditioned rooms
Ages / policyAll ages welcome; lead guest must be 18 to check inWelcomes guests of all ages; not adults-only
PoolsNo pool on siteNot published
Restaurants & barsSerafina in the Sky (rooftop Italian) and Bar 42 lobby barThe Theater Buffet (restaurant) + 1 bar/cafe listed
Spa / wellnessNo on-site spa; small fitness center (28th floor)Not published
FitnessSmall on-site fitness center (28th floor) with cardio and weightsWheelchair-accessible fitness center listed
Known forPod-style compact rooms and rooftop diningLarge centrally located four-star with free buffet breakfast
On-site parkingNo on-site parking (nearby iPark garage)Limited on-site parking; nearby parking options listed

A Look Inside Pod Times Square

See all photos →

Location: Midtown access vs Midtown central

Pod Times Square – Location

Pod Times Square sits on W 42nd Street in Midtown West, a short walk to Broadway and the Port Authority transport hub.

  • About 0.4 miles to the heart of Times Square; very close to multiple subway lines and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
  • Walking distance to Broadway theaters, Madame Tussauds and Hudson River Park.
  • No on-site parking; nearby iPark garage one block away.

Pick Pod for the closest theater-district walking convenience and direct Port Authority access.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – Location

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is centrally located near Times Square and Rockefeller Center on W 46th Street.

  • Approximately a 4-minute walk to Times Square and close to Rockefeller Center and Central Park.
  • Preferred airport noted as LaGuardia (LGA); easy access to local attractions and theaters.
  • Concierge and 24-hour front desk to assist with local directions and tickets.

Pick Riu Plaza if you want a large, central hotel with full-service front-desk support in Midtown.

Rooms: Pods vs full-size rooms

Pod Times Square – Rooms

Pod Times Square offers compact 'Pod' rooms with economy-focused layouts and a few larger Pod Pads for extended stays.

  • Room types include Bunk Pod Room (2 Twin Beds) and Pod Room (Double or Queen).
  • Typical pod room size is around 119–130 sq ft; ADA-accessible Pod rooms available.
  • Complimentary Wi‑Fi included via a mandatory nightly facility fee; coin laundry and luggage storage available.

Pick Pod if you accept compact rooms in exchange for smart, efficient design and lower footprint.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – Rooms

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square has a large mix of deluxe rooms, junior suites and presidential options.

  • Room types list includes DELUXE KING (2AD), Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Junior Suite and Presidential Suite (New York Package).
  • All 649 rooms are air-conditioned; many room variations including deluxe, superior and family configurations.
  • Private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs are listed.

Pick Riu Plaza if you want conventional, larger hotel rooms and a wider range of room categories.

Dining & drinks: Rooftop Italian vs buffet and cafe

Pod Times Square – Dining & drinks

Pod Times Square centers its dining on a high-floor rooftop Italian restaurant and a lobby bar.

  • Serafina in the Sky serves rooftop Italian dinner (hours Tue–Thu & Sun 5–10 pm; Fri–Sat 5–11 pm).
  • Bar 42 provides cocktails, snacks and an on-the-go breakfast option.
  • No other on-site restaurants listed; nearby Midtown dining options are plentiful.

Pick Pod for a rooftop dinner experience and a lively lobby bar close to your room.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – Dining & drinks

Hotel Riu Plaza lists The Theater Buffet as a main on-site dining option plus a coffee shop/cafe and bar/lounge.

  • Complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • On-site coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge provide casual options and drinks.
  • Vegetarian and vegan menu options are listed among amenities.

Pick Riu Plaza if a daily buffet breakfast and multiple on-site dining outlets matter to you.

Pools & signature amenity: rooftop dining vs banquet/meeting capacity

Pod Times Square – Pools & signature amenity

Pod's defining amenity is its rooftop dining and terrace rather than pool or spa facilities.

  • Serafina in the Sky offers indoor and alfresco rooftop dining and skyline views.
  • No on-site pool or spa; a terrace provides outdoor seating and views.
  • Small meeting/event space (North Lounge) is available for modest group functions.

Pick Pod if rooftop dining and a compact event room meet your needs rather than pool or spa offerings.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – Pools & signature amenity

Hotel Riu Plaza emphasizes full-service hotel features and meeting/banquet facilities.

  • The property includes a banquet hall and meeting support for events.
  • Number of restaurants: 1; bars/lounges: 1 listed on supplier facts.
  • Limited parking available onsite and luggage storage and concierge services support events and arrivals.

Pick Riu Plaza if you need banquet/meeting space and full-service hotel logistics.

Wellness & nightlife: small gym vs larger fitness and lobby life

Pod Times Square – Wellness & nightlife

Pod offers a small on-site fitness center and rooftop/lobby nightlife spots rather than a spa.

  • Small fitness center on the 28th floor with cardio machines and free weights (confirm availability before booking).
  • Bar 42 and rooftop terrace host the hotel's main nightlife/activity after dark.
  • No spa or pool on site; nearby spas in Midtown are an option for treatments.

Pick Pod if you want a compact gym and rooftop/lobby social spots rather than full spa services.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square – Wellness & nightlife

Hotel Riu Plaza lists a wheelchair-accessible fitness center and 24-hour front-desk services for guest support.

  • Fitness facilities are listed as wheelchair-accessible in the supplier listing.
  • 24-hour front desk, concierge services and luggage storage support late arrivals and departures.
  • Spa details are not published in the supplier facts provided.

Pick Riu Plaza if you prefer a conventional fitness setup and full-service front-desk operations.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for theatergoers on a budget
Modern hotel lobby seating and worktable area inside Pod Times Square.

Pod Times Square

Pod Times Square puts you steps from Broadway with compact rooms and lower-footprint rates.

Best for full-service hotel stays
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, New York, New York

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Hotel Riu Plaza offers a larger hotel experience, buffet breakfast and more traditional room categories.

Best rooftop dining
Hotel reception desk with staff assisting three guests at Pod Times Square.

Pod Times Square

Pod's Serafina in the Sky provides rooftop Italian dinner service and alfresco seating.

Best for groups and events
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, New York, New York

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Riu Plaza has banquet/meeting facilities and a large room inventory suited to group bookings.

Frequently asked questions

Pod Times Square vs Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is closer to Broadway theaters?

Both are within easy walking distance of Broadway, but Pod Times Square advertises being steps from many theaters and places you very close to the theater district.

Which hotel has larger rooms?

Hotel Riu Plaza lists many deluxe and suite categories (including Junior and Presidential suites); Pod's rooms are compact pods (around 119–130 sq ft) with some larger Pod Pads for extended stays.

Do either property offer a pool or spa?

Pod Times Square has no pool or spa on site. Hotel Riu Plaza's supplier facts do not publish pool or spa details.

Which hotel includes breakfast?

Hotel Riu Plaza provides a complimentary buffet breakfast. Pod Times Square offers an on-the-go breakfast for a surcharge at Bar 42.

Modern hotel lobby seating and worktable area inside Pod Times Square.
Book your stay

Rooftop dining at Serafina

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Pod Times Square after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Pod Times Square.

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.

About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Pod Times Square. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Pod Times Square or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer