Pod Times Square
Best for fast-paced, budget-conscious visitors who want to be steps from Times Square and public transit.
Hotel comparison guide
Pod Times Square vs The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel
Pod Times Square is a compact, design-forward Midtown West hotel for efficient, transit-focused stays near Times Square; this comparison is for travelers who prioritize location, value, and quick access to Broadway. The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel is an iconic five-star Central Park luxury landmark for travelers who want grand rooms, formal dining, and full-service amenities.
Updated · about 1 km apart
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel
Best for travelers seeking formal luxury, a full-service spa, and a landmark hotel experience near Central Park.
Quick Verdict: Pod Times Square vs The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel
When Pod Times Square wins: choose Pod if you want small, efficient rooms, rooftop dining, and the shortest walk to Times Square, Broadway theaters, Port Authority and multiple subway lines.
When The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel wins: choose The Plaza if you want classic five-star service, larger, traditionally furnished rooms, on-site spa services, and ballroom/meeting facilities in a Central Park–adjacent address.
Bottom line: Pod is practical, transit-oriented, and value-driven for active city sightseeing; The Plaza is a higher-cost, full-service luxury option for travelers who want the Central Park landmark hotel experience.
Pod Times Square vs The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – At a Glance
| Category | Pod Times Square | The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Compact, design-forward, efficient Midtown hotel | Formal, historic five-star Central Park landmark |
| Location | Midtown West — 400 W 42nd St, a short walk to Times Square and Port Authority | 768 Fifth Avenue — steps from Central Park and 5th Avenue shopping |
| Size (rooms) | About 665 guestrooms across the property | 282 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | Family-friendly; lead guest must be 18+ to check in | All ages welcome (family-friendly), no adults-only designation published |
| Pools | No pool or hot tub on site | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Serafina in the Sky (rooftop Italian) + Bar 42 lobby bar (2 venues) | |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa; small 28th-floor fitness area reported (confirm availability) | Full-service spa and 24-hour fitness facilities on site |
| Known for | Efficient, compact 'Pod' rooms and rooftop dining close to Broadway | Historic luxury, Palm Court dining, event/ballroom space and concierge service |
| Business & events | One meeting room (North Lounge) and small event capacities | Extensive conference/ballroom space (21496 sq ft / 1997 m2) and 9 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family features | ADA-accessible Pod rooms, roll-in showers, complimentary crib for 0–2 | Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations), accessible meeting spaces |
Location: Midtown West (Pod Times Square) vs Fifth Avenue (The Plaza)
Pod Times Square – Location
Pod Times Square sits at 400 W 42nd St in Midtown West, one block from Port Authority and a short walk to Times Square and Broadway.
- About 0.4 miles (roughly a 6–10 minute walk) to the heart of Times Square and nearby theaters.
- Very close to major subway lines (A, C, E, N, Q, 1, 2, 3, 7) at Times Square–42nd St and Port Authority.
- Nearby bus and airport-shuttle access at Port Authority; convenient for convention and transit connections.
Choose Pod for the shortest walking access to Times Square, Port Authority and subway lines.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – Location
The Plaza stands on Fifth Avenue at 768 Fifth Avenue, immediately adjacent to Central Park and 5th Avenue shopping.
- Steps from Central Park and luxury shopping on 5th Avenue.
- Within about 0.9–1.6 km of Midtown attractions like Rockefeller Center and Times Square (supplier listing shows ~1–1.6 km).
- Limo/town car services and concierge are available for arrivals and local logistics.
Choose The Plaza if you want a Central Park address and easy access to uptown museums and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Rooms: Pod compact Pods vs The Plaza’s individually decorated rooms
Pod Times Square – Rooms
Pod Times Square offers small, 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 or 1 Queen).
- Pods are compact (reported around 119–130 sq ft); Pod Pads provide apartment-style kitchens for longer stays.
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi is provided but bundled into a mandatory facility fee; ADA-accessible Pod rooms are available.
Choose Pod if you’re comfortable with compact, space-efficient rooms and want lower-priced city-center lodging.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – Rooms
The Plaza’s 282 individually decorated guestrooms emphasize traditional luxury appointments and premium bedding.
- Room types include Room, 1 King Bed; Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed; Terrace Room King; Grand Room and Grand Luxe options.
- Guestrooms feature pillowtop beds, designer toiletries, minibars, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi‑Fi.
- Larger suites and connecting/adjoining rooms are available and the property enforces a 21+ minimum age to check in.
Choose The Plaza if you want larger, classically furnished rooms and full-service hotel comforts.
Dining & drinks: casual rooftop and lobby bar vs formal hotel dining
Pod Times Square – Dining & drinks
Pod’s on-site dining is compact but focused: rooftop Italian plus a lobby bar with snacks and breakfast-to-go.
- Serafina in the Sky — rooftop Italian restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating (dinner service).
- Bar 42 serves creative cocktails, snacks and an on-the-go breakfast; small selection of casual items like personal pizzas.
- Limited outlets: the hotel cites two on-site venues and nearby off-site restaurants within a short walk.
Pod is a convenient option for rooftop dinner and quick drinks before heading out to shows or sightseeing.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – Dining & drinks
The Plaza offers multiple formal dining options, bars/lounges, 24-hour room service and banquet catering.
- Two restaurants and two bars/lounges are listed, including The Palm Court for American cuisine.
- 24-hour room service and private/couples dining options are available.
- Breakfast is offered for a surcharge; the hotel supports event catering and banquet service.
Choose The Plaza if you want formal dining options, tea or ballroom catering without leaving the hotel.
Pools & signature amenity: rooftop dining vs full-service event space
Pod Times Square – Pools & signature amenity
Pod’s signature public amenity is its rooftop dining and terrace rather than pool or spa facilities.
- No pool or hot tub is available on site.
- Rooftop dining (Serafina in the Sky) and terrace space provide city views and outdoor seating.
- Small 28th-floor fitness center has been reported but availability can vary—confirm before booking.
Pod focuses on rooftop dining and efficient city amenities rather than on-site pool/spa facilities.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – Pools & signature amenity
The Plaza emphasizes full-service hotel amenities, including an on-site spa, ballroom/event space and fitness facilities.
- Full-service spa and spa treatment rooms are available on site.
- Extensive event and conference space (21496 sq ft / 1997 m2) with 9 meeting rooms and a ballroom/banquet hall.
- 24-hour fitness facilities and concierge/limo services support leisure and business travelers.
The Plaza suits travelers who want comprehensive on-site services, spa treatments and large event spaces.
Wellness & nightlife: small fitness and lively rooftop bar vs spa, lounges and formal bars
Pod Times Square – Wellness & nightlife
Pod’s wellness offering is modest and nightlife centers on rooftop and lobby bar spaces.
- Small fitness center on the 28th floor (guests should confirm current availability).
- Bar 42 & Terrace and Serafina in the Sky host evening drinks; rooftop events have been held occasionally.
- No on-site spa; nearby spas are available off property.
Pod works for guests who want a simple gym and casual rooftop nightlife tied to Times Square energy.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel – Wellness & nightlife
The Plaza provides a full-service spa and multiple formal lounges and bars for evening plans.
- Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials.
- Two bars/lounges and formal dining at The Palm Court offer evening options on site.
- Concierge and valet/limo services support reservations and arrivals for nightlife or theater.
The Plaza is a better pick if you want on-site spa treatments and more formal evening venues.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square — short walk to Broadway theaters, Times Square and Port Authority transit connections.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel — landmark address, ballroom and extensive meeting/event space.
Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square — Serafina in the Sky rooftop Italian restaurant and terrace seating.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel
The Plaza — full-service spa, 24-hour fitness and multiple formal dining/lounge options.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →Pod Times Square vs The Plaza, A Fairmont Hotel: FAQs
Which hotel is closer to Times Square?
Pod Times Square — it’s about a 6–10 minute walk to the heart of Times Square; The Plaza is roughly 1 km farther toward Central Park.
Does either hotel have a pool?
Pod Times Square has no pool or hot tub on site. The Plaza’s supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool.
Which is better for families?
Both properties welcome families. Pod markets family-friendly Pod and bunk rooms and provides cribs; The Plaza accepts children and has larger rooms and suite options.
Is Wi‑Fi included?
Pod Times Square provides complimentary Wi‑Fi but it is bundled into a mandatory facility fee; The Plaza lists free Wi‑Fi in its amenities.
Which hotel is better for events or business meetings?
The Plaza — it has extensive conference and ballroom space (21496 sq ft / 1997 m2) and multiple meeting rooms; Pod has a single meeting room (North Lounge).
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Book your stay
Rooftop dining at Serafina
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge