
Pod Times Square
Best for travelers who want small, efficient rooms and lower rates while staying steps from Broadway and Port Authority.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Pod Times Square is a compact, design-forward Midtown hotel built for efficient city stays; read this if you want a budget-conscious, functional base close to Broadway. The Knickerbocker Hotel is a restored Beaux-Arts luxury property beside Times Square and Bryant Park; read this if you prefer a more upscale, full-service stay with historic character.
Updated · about 0.2 km apart

Best for travelers who want small, efficient rooms and lower rates while staying steps from Broadway and Port Authority.

Best for travelers who want historic luxury, more in‑house dining and event space within a short walk of Times Square and Bryant Park.
When Pod Times Square wins: choose Pod if you prioritize lower rates, compact efficient rooms (Pods), easy access to subway and Port Authority, and rooftop dining without paying for full-service luxury.
When The Knickerbocker wins: choose The Knickerbocker if you want a restored landmark hotel with more traditional luxury amenities, larger variety of room categories and multiple on-site restaurants/bars and meeting space.
Bottom line: both put you in the heart of Midtown and near Broadway; pick Pod for small, practical rooms and value, or the Knickerbocker for a higher-end, full-service Times Square address.
| Category | Pod Times Square | The Knickerbocker Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Compact, design-forward, efficient | Historic luxury, full-service |
| Location (neighborhood) | Midtown West / Hell's Kitchen, one block from Port Authority; ~0.4 mi to center of Times Square | Times Square / Bryant Park edge, directly on Times Square at 6 Times Square |
| Size (rooms) | About 665 guestrooms across the property | 330 air-conditioned rooms |
| Ages / policy | All-ages property; lead guest must be 18 to check in | |
| Pools | No pool or hot tub on site | |
| Restaurants & bars | Serafina in the Sky (rooftop Italian) + Bar 42 lobby bar (light bites, on-the-go breakfast) | Multiple venues including Charlie Palmer Steak IV, 5 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges |
| Spa / wellness | No on-site spa; a small fitness center is reported on the 28th floor (confirm availability) | Health/beauty spa listed as nearby; 24-hour fitness facilities and rooftop terrace on site |
| Known for | Efficient, small 'Pod' rooms and rooftop dining with skyline views | Landmark Beaux-Arts building steps from Broadway and Bryant Park |
| Meeting & event space | Small meeting room (North Lounge, ~779 sq ft) for modest events | Conference/meeting space totaling ~2200 sq ft with banquet facilities |
| Accessibility | ADA-accessible Pod rooms and wheelchair‑accessible paths/elevator | |
Pod Times Square sits in Midtown West one block west of Port Authority and within a short walk of Broadway and Times Square.
Choose Pod for quick transit access and a Mid‑town West base near transport hubs.
The Knickerbocker sits at 6 Times Square, immediately adjacent to Broadway and a short walk to Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center.
Choose The Knickerbocker for a landmark address in the Times Square/Bryant Park cluster.
Pod Times Square focuses on small, efficiently designed 'Pod' rooms and a few larger Pod Pads for longer stays.
Pick Pod if you accept small room footprints for practical, budget-conscious stays.
The Knickerbocker offers traditional full-size hotel rooms and a range of premium room categories.
Choose The Knickerbocker for larger, more traditionally appointed rooms and suite options.
Pod provides two on-site food and drink venues anchored by rooftop Italian dining.
Pod is good if you want casual rooftop dinner and a lobby bar without leaving the building.
The Knickerbocker lists multiple on-site restaurants and bars, covering fine dining and lounge options.
Pick The Knickerbocker when you want more on-site dining variety and a classic hotel restaurant program.
Pod has no pool or spa but offers rooftop dining/terrace and a small fitness room.
Pod's rooftop is the standout amenity; don't expect pool or full spa services.
The Knickerbocker highlights a rooftop terrace and fitness facilities; no pool is listed in supplier facts.
The Knickerbocker emphasizes rooftop access and fitness; book elsewhere for a hotel pool experience.
Pod offers basic fitness and a lively lobby bar with occasional rooftop events.
Pod fits travelers who want casual nightlife on site and minimal wellness facilities.
The Knickerbocker provides 24-hour fitness facilities, multiple bars/lounges, and concierge support for spa bookings nearby.
Choose The Knickerbocker for fuller front‑desk service, on-site bars and easier access to arranged wellness services.

Pod offers smaller, lower-cost rooms and minimal frills while keeping you close to Broadway.

Pod's Serafina in the Sky is a dedicated rooftop Italian restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating.

The Knickerbocker provides a restored landmark experience, multiple dining outlets, and larger room options.

The Knickerbocker lists ~2200 sq ft of conference/meeting space and banquet facilities for events.
Both are within a short walk of Broadway; The Knickerbocker sits directly on Times Square while Pod is a few blocks west (roughly a 6–10 minute walk to the center of Times Square).
The Knickerbocker lists five restaurants and two bars/lounges; Pod has two main venues (Serafina in the Sky and Bar 42).
Neither property's supplier facts publish an on-site swimming pool. Pod has no spa; The Knickerbocker lists a health/beauty spa nearby but does not clearly publish a dedicated on-site spa.
Both welcome children of all ages. Pod markets bunk rooms and family-friendly Pod types; The Knickerbocker offers larger rooms and suites that may suit families wanting more space.
Explore how Pod Times Square stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·