Pod Times Square
Best for travelers who want compact, affordable Midtown rooms and rooftop dining close to Times Square and Port Authority.
Hotel comparison guide
Pod Times Square vs Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Pod Times Square is a compact, design-forward Midtown West hotel with efficient "Pod" rooms and rooftop dining; it suits budget-conscious travelers, families and solo visitors who want a small-footprint base near Broadway. Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel is a Marriott-affiliated four-star property in the heart of Times Square for travelers who prefer a larger, full-service hotel with conference facilities and a familiar brand experience.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Best for guests who want a larger, brand-name four-star hotel in the immediate Times Square/Broadway core with meeting space and full-service amenities.
Quick Verdict: Pod Times Square vs Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
When Pod Times Square wins: choose Pod if you want smaller, design-forward rooms, lower typical rates, a rooftop Italian restaurant (Serafina in the Sky), and an efficient Midtown West location one block from Port Authority.
When Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel wins: choose Renaissance if you want a larger hotel with 317 guestrooms listed under Marriott’s Renaissance brand, on-site conference/meeting rooms, concierge services and a central Times Square address steps from Broadway.
Bottom line: both are solid choices for theater-district stays; pick Pod for compact, budget-friendly, rooftop-focused stays and Renaissance for a conventional four-star hotel experience with meeting facilities and the reassurance of a major brand.
Pod Times Square vs Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – At a Glance
| Category | Pod Times Square | Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Compact, design-forward, efficient | Four-star, large, brand-name |
| Location (neighborhood) | Hell’s Kitchen / Midtown West (about 0.4 mi to Times Square) | Times Square / Broadway (steps from Broadway and Rockefeller Center) |
| Size (rooms) | About 665 guestrooms across 28 floors | 317 guestrooms (supplier listing) |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; lead guest must be 18 to check in | All ages welcome (not adults-only) |
| Pools | No pool on site | |
| Restaurants & bars | Serafina in the Sky (rooftop Italian) and Bar 42 lobby bar | One restaurant and one coffee shop/cafe; bar/lounge available |
| Spa / wellness | No spa facility on site | Not published |
| Fitness | Small fitness center reported on 28th floor (confirm availability) | 24-hour fitness facilities listed |
| Known for | Efficient small rooms, rooftop dining and proximity to Port Authority | Central Times Square/Broadway location and Marriott/Renaissance branding |
| Meeting & events | One meeting room (North Lounge, ~779 sq ft) | Conference space: 4 meeting rooms, ~1591 sq ft (148 m²) |
Location: Pod Times Square vs Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Pod Times Square – Location
Pod Times Square sits at 400 W 42nd St in Hell’s Kitchen, one block from Port Authority and an easy walk to Broadway.
- About 0.4 miles (roughly a 6–10 minute walk) to the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district.
- Close to Hudson River Park, Javits Center and Moynihan Train Hall.
- Quick access to many subway lines at Times Square–42nd Street and Port Authority bus services.
A practical Midtown West base for theatergoers and transit users.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Location
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel is centrally located in the Times Square / Broadway core at 714 7th Ave.
- Steps from Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Madame Tussauds and other Times Square attractions.
- Preferred airport noted as JFK by the supplier listing; multiple airports are reachable from Midtown.
- Addresses the needs of guests who want to be in the center of theater and tourist activity.
Choose Renaissance for the shortest walks to Broadway and central Midtown attractions.
Rooms: compact Pods vs Renaissance guestrooms
Pod Times Square – Rooms
Pod Times Square offers compact, efficiently designed Pod rooms and larger Pod Pads for extended stays.
- Room types include Bunk Pod Room (2 Twin Beds) and Pod Room (1 Double Bed or 1 Queen Bed).
- Pods are small — typical room sizes are listed around 119–130 sq ft; Pod Pads provide apartment-style space and kitchens for longer stays.
- ADA-accessible Pod rooms with roll-in showers are available; cribs for 0–2 provided free in Queen Pod rooms.
Expect small, well-planned rooms — good for short stays and travelers who prioritize location over space.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Rooms
Renaissance lists a range of King and double rooms plus city-view and suite options under its 317 guestrooms.
- Room types include multiple 'Room, 1 King Bed' variants, 'Room, 2 Double Beds' options and Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View.
- Rooms feature down comforters, premium bedding and in-room wired/wireless internet available for a surcharge.
- Some accessible room types are published (mobility and hearing accessible options); private bathrooms with designer toiletries noted.
Renaissance offers more conventional, larger hotel rooms and suite options with accessible variants.
Dining & drinks: rooftop Italian vs on-site restaurant and bars
Pod Times Square – Dining & drinks
Pod’s standout on-site dining is the rooftop Serafina in the Sky plus Bar 42 in the lobby.
- Serafina in the Sky is an Italian rooftop restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating and dinner service (hours published).
- Bar 42 provides on-the-go breakfast, cocktails and snacks in a lively lobby setting with terrace seating.
- No all-inclusive meal plans; expect à la carte and pay-for items.
Pod favors a rooftop dinner experience and a single lobby bar rather than multiple full-service outlets.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Dining & drinks
Renaissance has a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge for guests.
- Buffet breakfasts are available daily for a fee (supplier listing).
- The supplier listing includes a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe for snacks and quick bites.
- Vegetarian and vegan menu options are listed among the hotel amenities.
Renaissance provides standard hotel dining outlets and breakfast service for guests willing to pay the daily fee.
Pools/Signature amenity: rooftop terrace vs meeting & event space
Pod Times Square – Pools/Signature amenity
Pod Times Square emphasizes rooftop dining and a terrace rather than pool or beach facilities.
- No on-site swimming pool or hot tub; rooftop Serafina in the Sky and Bar 42 & Terrace are the primary outdoor spots.
- Guest terrace and rooftop dining give skyline views but not pool facilities.
- A small fitness center is reported on the 28th floor (confirm availability).
Pod’s signature feature is its rooftop restaurant and terrace rather than a pool or resort-style amenity.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Pools/Signature amenity
Renaissance lists conference and meeting spaces as a notable on-site amenity rather than a pool.
- Conference space totals about 1591 sq ft (148 m²) across 4 meeting rooms per the supplier listing.
- Limo/town car service, express check-out and concierge services are available.
- No pool is listed in the supplier amenities.
Renaissance’s on-site meeting space and full-service hotel features are a practical asset for business and group travelers.
Wellness & nightlife: fitness, bars and nearby entertainment
Pod Times Square – Wellness & nightlife
Pod combines a small fitness room with a lively lobby bar and rooftop evening dining.
- Fitness: small gym on the 28th floor with cardio machines and free weights (guests should confirm availability).
- Nightlife: Bar 42 is the main on-site bar; rooftop events and seasonal terrace seating supplement evening options.
- Nearby nightlife: Manhattan theater district, restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance.
Pod covers basic fitness needs and offers on-site nightlife via its bar and rooftop dining.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Wellness & nightlife
Renaissance provides 24-hour fitness facilities and an on-site bar/lounge; surrounding nightlife is immediate in Times Square.
- Fitness: 24-hour fitness facilities are listed in the supplier amenities.
- Nightlife: hotel bar/lounge plus immediate access to Times Square nightlife and Broadway theaters.
- Concierge services can help secure show tickets and local recommendations.
Renaissance supports fitness needs around the clock and places you in the center of Times Square’s evening scene.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square — Serafina in the Sky gives you a dedicated rooftop Italian restaurant and terrace.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel — published conference/meeting space (4 rooms, ~1591 sq ft).
Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square — compact rooms and a focus on efficient, lower-footprint stays.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel — Marriott-affiliated four-star property with concierge and on-site services.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →Pod Times Square vs Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel: FAQs
Which hotel is closer to Broadway theaters?
Both are within easy walking distance to Broadway; Renaissance is steps from Broadway and Times Square, while Pod is about a 6–10 minute walk (roughly 0.4 miles) to the heart of Times Square and theaters.
Do either hotel have a pool or spa on-site?
Pod Times Square has no pool or spa. The Renaissance supplier listing does not publish a pool or spa, so a pool/spa is not confirmed.
Which hotel is better for business meetings or conferences?
Renaissance has more conventional meeting and conference space (4 meeting rooms, about 1591 sq ft), while Pod offers a single meeting room (North Lounge) suited to smaller events.
Are families welcome at these hotels?
Yes. Both hotels welcome guests of all ages. Note Pod requires the lead guest checking in to be at least 18 years old but provides family-friendly room types (including Bunk Pod) and cribs for infants.
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Book your stay
Rooftop dining at Serafina
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge