Pod 51
230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022, New York, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.1 / 5
Pod 51 is a hip, modern 3-star budget hotel on a leafy block in Midtown East, New York, positioned about 1.1 miles from Times Square. Rooms lean compact and colorful, with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, plus air conditioning and free Wi‑Fi; some rooms include bunk beds and work desks and/or sitting areas. Bathroom setups vary, with most rooms offering en suite bathrooms and some using shared facilities. On-site amenities include a year-round courtyard cafe, a funky lounge with games and a bar, and a furnished rooftop terrace for city-view downtime. The location puts major sights within an easy Midtown radius, including Grand Central Terminal (694 m), St. Patrick’s Cathedral (675 m), Rockefeller Center (870 m), and The Museum of Modern Art (956 m). Guests also have quick access to Bryant Park (1,186 m), The Plaza (1,084 m), Top of The Rock (954 m), and the Empire State Building (1,608 m).
Best for
Best suited to budget-minded travelers who prioritize a central Midtown base over large rooms, with easy access to Grand Central Terminal and nearby landmarks like Rockefeller Center and MoMA. It also fits social travelers who will use the lounge/bar and rooftop terrace, and those comfortable choosing between en suite or shared-bathroom room types.
Travel tips
If you’re sightseeing, plan to group nearby Midtown stops—St. Patrick’s Cathedral (675 m), Rockefeller Center (870 m), MoMA (956 m), and Top of The Rock (954 m) are all close enough to combine in a single outing. Grand Central Terminal (694 m) is a convenient hub for getting around NYC by rail connections and for day trips. Room types differ, so confirm whether your booking includes a private en suite bathroom or shared facilities if that matters for your stay.
What guests say
Guests frequently highlight the Midtown East location as a major strength, noting how easy it is to reach attractions and find nearby food and bar options. Cleanliness is a recurring positive theme, including both rooms and shared-bath facilities, along with dependable air conditioning. Service is often described as helpful and the overall experience as straightforward and convenient. The main drawback mentioned is room size, with some guests finding the pods very small even when they are tidy and well kept.
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