Pod 51 Hotel
230 East 51st Street, New York City, NY 10022-6571
Full view
View all photos(2,349)2,349
Room & Suite (848)
Dining (59)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Avg. $284 /night, 9/17 - 9/18
$387
per night
$261
per night
$134
per night
Sep
Oct
Sep 17
Today
Sep 19
Sep 21
Sep 23
Sep 25
Sep 27
Sep 29
Oct 1
Oct 3
Oct 5
Oct 7
Oct 9
Oct 11
Oct 13
Oct 15
Oct 17
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.0
#222 of 505 hotels in New York CityLocation
4.6
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.0
Value
4.1
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Pod 51 is the most affordable hotel in NYC, with a focus on style and comfort. We offer room types for every budget and preference. Free week day walking tours and WiFi. Kick back and relax in our lobby, grab a bite to eat at our cafe, or soak up the city in our beautiful rooftop garden.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Taxi service
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
24-hour check-in
Parking
Wifi
Restaurant
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
230 East 51st Street, New York City, NY 10022-6571
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
LaGuardia Airport
5.2 mi•
See all flights
Teterboro Airport
8.1 mi•
See all flights
Lexington Ave / 53rd St
3 min•New York City Subway
Rental Cars
381 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
Reviews
4.0
6,386 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Pod 51 Hotel is celebrated for its prime location and value-oriented accommodation, despite the small room size and occasional hidden fees that some guests have pointed out. The noise from air conditioning, hallways, and the street sometimes disrupts sleep, as many travelers have noted. While rooms are often praised for their efficient layout and cleanliness, there are mixed reviews about their size and cleanliness.
The hotel's staff receives compliments for their service, although there are rare mentions of unhelpfulness. Guests appreciate the minimalist and functional atmosphere of the hotel, and while the cleanliness of the rooms is generally upheld, the shared bathrooms could benefit from attention. Amenities are seen as basic but satisfactory, given the hotel's economical convenience.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Minimalist
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Affordable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveler reviews and learn more about how the site works.
6,386Reviews226Q+A100Room tips
Traveler rating
- 2,192
- 2,841
- 854
- 257
- 242
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
I was traveling solo for a seminar, and stayed here because it was close, convenient, and affordable. Overall, it is definitely a hybrid of a hostel and micro hotel. Did not get to check out the roof, but it is February. It was considerably cleaner than I expected, but the hallways were quite dim. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Will hold your bags on checkout day if you have plans beyond checkout time.
I stayed in a queen room with private bath; the shower was about 30"x30". On morning #1, I had hot water in the shower within a minute; on morning #2, it was an 8-9 minute wait for hot water (I ate a cup of yogurt and a banana and still had time to kill). Bath and hand towels were provided, but no washcloths. When I inquired about this on checkout, they told me that they had a limited quantity, and washcloths were available upon request, I found this to be quite odd.
Other reviewers mentioned difficulty with rooms being either quite warm or quite chilly. When I returned from dinner on night #1, the room was 76 degrees; I switched from heat to AC, set it at 72 degrees and the room stayed around 70 all night. I turned the heat back on for about an hour on evening #2, and then went back to AC, and the temperature was fine, overall.
Other reviewers also commented on the noise from outside of the hotel. I didn't have a problem with this at all. The walls are not at all soundproofed, however, and I could easily hear the shower running on the other side of the wall, and people talking in the room on the other side of me.
Overall, it was convenient, clean, and met my needs for a very reasonable price close to midtown. Close to subway stops and lots of good restaurants. Will definitely stay here, or at another Pod, again when in Manhattan.
I stayed in a queen room with private bath; the shower was about 30"x30". On morning #1, I had hot water in the shower within a minute; on morning #2, it was an 8-9 minute wait for hot water (I ate a cup of yogurt and a banana and still had time to kill). Bath and hand towels were provided, but no washcloths. When I inquired about this on checkout, they told me that they had a limited quantity, and washcloths were available upon request, I found this to be quite odd.
Other reviewers mentioned difficulty with rooms being either quite warm or quite chilly. When I returned from dinner on night #1, the room was 76 degrees; I switched from heat to AC, set it at 72 degrees and the room stayed around 70 all night. I turned the heat back on for about an hour on evening #2, and then went back to AC, and the temperature was fine, overall.
Other reviewers also commented on the noise from outside of the hotel. I didn't have a problem with this at all. The walls are not at all soundproofed, however, and I could easily hear the shower running on the other side of the wall, and people talking in the room on the other side of me.
Overall, it was convenient, clean, and met my needs for a very reasonable price close to midtown. Close to subway stops and lots of good restaurants. Will definitely stay here, or at another Pod, again when in Manhattan.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Queen with private bath was on the corner/end of hallway.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel is small but perfectly formed. All the staff we very helpful and tried to accommodate everyone's needs. It was nice to see concierge, they gave us advice on companies to use for a cycle round central park and which bars to visit in lower Manhattan.
Metro station just round the corner, as well as convenience store and restaurants/coffee shops.
The rooms are clean and inviting though very small. This is something we knew through previous recommendation. Two people and two bags was a tight squeeze, though doable for a short stay. Beds are comfortable. Visit the rooftop for see views of the city day and night! The bar next door to the hotel is great, especially if you like beer, good music and lots of board games.
My only concerns whilst there was outside noise, just be wary if your a light sleeper we stayed on the 3 or 4th floor. The shower/toilet - the shower was just clear glass so could be seen from the room and the toilet door (slide Infront) was tinted. We ended up doing a little manoeuvre and used the sliding door to cover the shower.
Metro station just round the corner, as well as convenience store and restaurants/coffee shops.
The rooms are clean and inviting though very small. This is something we knew through previous recommendation. Two people and two bags was a tight squeeze, though doable for a short stay. Beds are comfortable. Visit the rooftop for see views of the city day and night! The bar next door to the hotel is great, especially if you like beer, good music and lots of board games.
My only concerns whilst there was outside noise, just be wary if your a light sleeper we stayed on the 3 or 4th floor. The shower/toilet - the shower was just clear glass so could be seen from the room and the toilet door (slide Infront) was tinted. We ended up doing a little manoeuvre and used the sliding door to cover the shower.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
Depending on demand, it can be hard to get a good weekend deal in NYC. After seeing 5 Broadway Shows in one week, I felt I should get a bargain hotel for the weekend. POD51 was half the price of everything else. Beds and pillows were comfortable and shared bathrooms were always available our entire 2 night, 3 day experience. Level 3 was quiet by bedtime. Don't let the party atmosphere scare you off. Everyone went to bed early. There were women and children, families, international travelers, groups of ladies, an elderly woman with a walker. It was a truly diverse crowd. The man running the baggage room was extremely helpful and considerate in storing our luggage at check in and check out. The location is close to excellent restaurants and a 24/7 Diner if you need to eat early or late. You can easily walk to shop 5th Ave, go to Times Square or to see a Broadway Show. We even walked back to the hotel from shopping the Sunday Bizarre by the Natural History Museum and shopped the while way back. If you want an experience, a great price on the weekend, and a central location, POD51 checks all the boxes. It is safe, comfortable and fun!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shanna Soares, Marketing at Pod 51 Hotel
Responded Apr 25, 2022
Thank you for the great review! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you again.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for a week at the end of January 2020. Check-in was quick and simple, can't remember the name of the guy but he was very friendly and was eager to help. Note that you don't get much documentation about the hotel in your room (if a small menu for the cafe downstairs was in the rooms I would have went a lot sooner)of what is nearby but if you ask at reception they had pages of nearby bars/restaurants that they gave.
If you go accepting the fact you aren't getting a huge room and accept it is a budget hotel, you'll love it. Cosy rooms albeit a bit more sound protection from the hallway would have been preferred (I fear my loud snoring may have went through to every room 😆).
I opted for a full pod which included a bathroom inside, tight squeeze but worth it I feel. Rooms included a safe, comfortable bed and a TV.
Make sure you do one of the walking tours offered by the hotel.
When you're visiting NY you'll not be spending much time in your room but Pod 51 was a perfect location to be able to get out in the morning, pop back for a recharge if needed and head out again. Highly recommend.
If you go accepting the fact you aren't getting a huge room and accept it is a budget hotel, you'll love it. Cosy rooms albeit a bit more sound protection from the hallway would have been preferred (I fear my loud snoring may have went through to every room 😆).
I opted for a full pod which included a bathroom inside, tight squeeze but worth it I feel. Rooms included a safe, comfortable bed and a TV.
Make sure you do one of the walking tours offered by the hotel.
When you're visiting NY you'll not be spending much time in your room but Pod 51 was a perfect location to be able to get out in the morning, pop back for a recharge if needed and head out again. Highly recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We got the family suite- we had a queen and two twins and plenty of room compared to a normal hotel room. We normally get two rooms at a hotel, but December in Manhattan can be pretty pricey. This was a great solution. We liked the location, everything was clean, the rooftop during the warmer months looks like it would be a lot of fun. The restaurant connected was also very nice and had good food. Plan to return!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Room was not clean on arrival, we asked to clean and change towel, but nothing happened only after complaining again about it, the hotel seems to be a hostel instead of a hotel, too much noise from other visitors, the rooms have thin walls, etc. The windows were so dirty it looked like it was foggy outside. There was also no real blanket, even a sleeping bag would be more comfortable. The bathroom was so small you could only dry yourself in the bedroom not even in the bathroom because there was no space. I could write a complete book about our experiences but summarized it was way too expensive for the service and facilities we got.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My daughter and I first stayed at Pod51 last summer and were placed in a wonderful queen room with an amazing view of the city and access to a private balcony. The room wasn't much larger than the bed, but it was clean and had a private bath. We had a great stay and I've recommended the hotel to numerous people since.
When we arrived this week for another stay at Pod51 - this time I'd booked a double - we were shown to a tiny, musty, worn room whose window AC unit indicated that the filter needed changing (view was of a wall). I asked for us to be moved to a better maintained room, and we were shown to another worn room whose window AC unit had cardboard and tape as part of its installation. The unit's location would have prevented our being able to close the blinds at night, so city light would have poured in.
I asked to be moved again, offering to pay for an upgrade. To their credit, the front desk staff worked magic (given the number of booked rooms) and transferred us to a large queen room in excellent condition. They were patient with the several moves I requested, and I really appreciate how accommodating they were.
I don't know if the queens are just better kept than the doubles, but the doubles I saw were pretty dire and I'd never try one again. The two queens I've stayed in have been great, so I can recommend those.
When we arrived this week for another stay at Pod51 - this time I'd booked a double - we were shown to a tiny, musty, worn room whose window AC unit indicated that the filter needed changing (view was of a wall). I asked for us to be moved to a better maintained room, and we were shown to another worn room whose window AC unit had cardboard and tape as part of its installation. The unit's location would have prevented our being able to close the blinds at night, so city light would have poured in.
I asked to be moved again, offering to pay for an upgrade. To their credit, the front desk staff worked magic (given the number of booked rooms) and transferred us to a large queen room in excellent condition. They were patient with the several moves I requested, and I really appreciate how accommodating they were.
I don't know if the queens are just better kept than the doubles, but the doubles I saw were pretty dire and I'd never try one again. The two queens I've stayed in have been great, so I can recommend those.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here recently and it was my first time staying at a pod hotel. I was looking for a hotel located near where I’d be working during this trip and there isn’t too many options for midtown East. This location ended up being only a few blocks walking distance from where I needed to be and was very convenient to get around. I looked up reviews and I felt comfortable enough to give it a try and very happy that I did. I traveled solo for a work a trip, so most of the day I was out and really just needed a place to rest and shower. My flight got in a bit early and I called the hotel when I landed to see if early check in was possible, they said if my room was available - yes, otherwise they could store my luggage while I wait for it to be ready. By the time I arrived, I was so happy that the room was ready and I was able to check in 2 1/2 hours early. The room I stayed in was the single pod with shared bathroom. The room is small but definitely has everything you need- a bed, wifi, AC, TV, sink, towels, safe, hairdryer, a small closet/place to hang your things,& a desk. I was concerned a shared bathroom would be a bit busy or potentially dirty but I have to say I had zero issues. Not once did I have to wait to use a bathroom and it was never dirty, the staff here is constantly cleaning and it’s very clean and comfortable. The downstairs lobby is spacious if you want to get some work done on your computer outside of your room and definitely check out the roof deck on the top floor, a nice place to hang out and catch some views. I had a great stay and I would definitely look into staying here again and other pod hotels. Thanks for a great experience!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The rooms are very small but I knew that going in. We had the room with bunk beds and it was enough for 2 of us with 3 bags each. The separate bathrooms weren’t a problem and there was always one open and they were constantly being cleaned. The roof deck and garden on the side of the hotel are nice spots to relax after a long day of exploring the city. The restaurant attached to the hotel has great food and an excellent selection of craft beers. The location is great being 2 blocks from a subway station and walking distance from most major attractions. I would stay here again.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
great mid-town location. Quiet neighborhood. If you don't care about being pampered and just need a decently clean place to sleep, this is a good option. Rooms are small, sharing a community bathroom is the lowest price point, but the bathrooms are readily available or a short wait and they are reasonably clean.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry but I have no idea
Hi,
The private bathrooms have the soap/shampoo dispensers attached to the wall in the shower. Safe travels!
Best,
Margareta
Thank you for your inquiry. We do not offer day use rooms.
…
"Ensure you know how much you pay for incidental please and why they would charge you - just in case "Read full review
"Being able to use my credit card I could’ve also set up my phone. It’s now easy to pay bus fare and take advantage of this system."Read full review
"If you detest weed smoke, even secondary, keep off this property. There's actually a weed shop right downstairs ....for good measure"Read full review
"Call Security for loud, late night partiers. Get a room in the rear of the hotel to avoid the street noise."Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
$180 - $363 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pod hotel new york city, the pod hotel, pod hotel nyc, pod new york city
LOCATION
United StatesNew YorkNew York CityTurtle Bay / Midtown East / Manhattan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
156
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingPOD 51 HOTEL - Updated 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Pod 51 Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Pod 51 Hotel?
Nearby attractions include St Joseph's Chapel Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero (0.2 miles), Greenacre Pocket Park (0.03 miles), and St. Bartholomew's Church (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Pod 51 Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Pod 51 Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pod 51 Hotel?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Pod 51 Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Spice Symphony, Obao Midtown, and Dos Caminos.
Are pets allowed at Pod 51 Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Pod 51 Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Are there any historical sites close to Pod 51 Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum (3.8 miles), World Trade Center Memorial Foundation (3.8 miles), and Hamilton Park (2.7 miles).
Is Pod 51 Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.