Pod Times Square
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-22.
Pod Times Square is worth booking if you need a clean, well-located base near Times Square and can accept compact rooms and potential extra charges. Skip it if you want spacious accommodation or dislike surprises at check-in.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who should book and who should skip
This hotel suits travellers who prioritise location over space. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring Manhattan and just need somewhere safe and clean to sleep, the Pod delivers. Its position puts Times Square 8 minutes away on foot and Madison Square Garden 11 minutes away. The 9.5/10 location score from guests confirms this strength.
Avoid this hotel if you value room size or have mobility issues that make small spaces difficult. Some guests report hidden fees and high deposits at check-in, which can sting if you are on a tight budget. The property lists air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, but verify what is included in your rate before arrival. Families or groups wanting to relax in their room will find better options elsewhere.
Location and getting around
The address is 400 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. Times Square sits 0.6 km away, roughly 8 walking minutes in a straight line. Madison Square Garden is 0.9 km away, around 11 minutes on foot by the same measure. Both estimates are straight-line distances, so add time for actual street routes.
Subway access is close, though specific lines are not confirmed here. For sights further than 30 minutes on foot, take public transport or a taxi. The hotel has a terrace, which may offer outdoor space in a dense neighbourhood, but check whether it is open during your dates.
What guests say
The overall score is 8.6/10 from 16,603 reviews, tied for second place among 20 eligible properties in the sample. Guests like the location, praising walking distance to Times Square, Broadway theatres and subway stations. Room cleanliness also earns praise, with tidy spaces and daily housekeeping mentioned.
The main complaint is value for money. While the nightly rate is affordable for the area, some guests report hidden fees and high deposits that push the total cost higher than expected. This is a real concern: ask the property for a full breakdown of charges before you book.
Price and what you get compared with our other picks
The reference price for 10 to 12 November 2026 is €244 per night for two adults in one room. This is not a live quote. That rate sits 48% below the sample median of €403 per night, making it the cheapest of our three New York picks.
Our Best Value choice, Hampton Inn Times Square Central, costs €431 per night and scores 8.6/10, the same guest rating as the Pod. Our Luxury pick, The Knickerbocker Hotel, is €547 per night with an 8.7/10 score. The Pod is roughly half the price of the Luxury option and 43% cheaper than Best Value. You trade room size and included amenities for that saving, but the location quality remains high across all three hotels.
Why it made our top three
The Pod Times Square earned the Budget slot after comparing 20 eligible properties. It posted the lowest eligible reference price once the upscale choice was reserved. The 8.6/10 guest score and joint second ranking by review performance show it is not just cheap but also well-regarded. The 9.5/10 location score stands out, even in a city where many hotels cluster near major sights.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a terrace. Breakfast is not confirmed as included, so check your booking. The property allows pets, useful if you are travelling with an animal, but verify any fees or restrictions.
Before you book
Confirm all charges in writing before arrival. Guest feedback about hidden fees and high deposits suggests the advertised rate may not be the final cost. Ask whether Wi-Fi, housekeeping and air conditioning are truly included or if surcharges apply.
Room size is not assessed in this data, but the Pod name and guest comments hint at compact spaces. If you need room to spread out or store large luggage, measure your tolerance for tight quarters. Noise levels and renovation condition are also unknown, so read recent reviews on the booking platform. Cancellation terms are not detailed here; check whether your rate is refundable. Breakfast is not confirmed, so plan to eat out or verify options at the hotel.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Pod Times Square from Times Square?
Times Square is 0.6 km away, roughly 8 walking minutes in a straight line. Actual street routes may add a few minutes. Madison Square Garden is 0.9 km away, about 11 minutes on foot by the same measure.
Are there hidden fees at Pod Times Square?
Some guests report hidden fees and high deposits at check-in. Ask the property for a complete breakdown of all charges, including deposits, resort fees and any costs for Wi-Fi or housekeeping, before you book.
Is breakfast included at Pod Times Square?
Breakfast inclusion is not confirmed in the data. Check your booking details or contact the hotel directly to find out whether breakfast is part of your rate or available for an extra charge.
Does Pod Times Square allow pets?
Yes, the property is tagged as pet-friendly. Verify any fees, weight limits or restrictions for your animal before arrival, as these details are not specified here.