The Pod Hotel: Budget Traveler’s Delight

Budget travelers would approach New York with a good deal of skepticism, since the accommodation available in big and popular destinations such as this one is usually a trade-off between price and quality; both are rarely available together. However, there is one notable exception in New York – the Pod Hotel situated in Manhattan’s Midtown East district. This place is literally the budget-traveler’s dream – it is not expensive, it has a youthful and modern feel about it, and the cleanliness and facilities are nothing less than top-class.

Most of the 347 rooms here are actually quite tiny. However, they are comfortable, and the economization and use of space is so clever that guests should hardly feel cramped. The beds double up as comfortable couches during the daytime, with colorful coverlets maintaining the inviting feel. So, that’s one less item of furniture to contend with, and then there are drawers installed under the beds, so storage does not cost additional space either.

Consistent with the modern feel of the place, every room has an iPod/MP 3 docking station, a flat-screen TV that airs cable and satellite channels and free wireless internet access.  Besides, every room is air-conditioned with a climate control facility. Guests can opt for rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The shared bathrooms have rainfall showerheads with water-jets installed at the sides. The private bathrooms have the same showerheads, although without the jets, and very modern looking stainless steel sinks.

The guests out here can choose from various kinds of ‘pods’ or rooms: bunk bed pods, single, double, queen, or even suites, which are larger and provide more furnishing, apart from a more luxurious bathroom. On the whole, this is not a place where one would enjoy hanging out in the rooms, even though they are comfortable, neat and functional. They are simply too small for that. However, if you are planning to be out and about, and need a comfortable place to come back to and unwind, the Pod Hotel is perfect. The minimum you would have to pay for a room with a private bath is $139.

The entrance to the hotel is ideal, with two excellent, independently owned French bistros flanking the entrance – Le Bateau Ivre and Montparnasse. Both places serve a range of mouth-watering dishes, including light bites and full meals. The former one is conveniently open till the wee hours of the morning, and features a brunch and live jazz on Sundays. When you do get into the hotel, the artistic maple-paneled lobby should lift your spirits. There is a big and cozy couch right in the midst of it that just begs you to hang out a while. The hotel also features a roof-top garden bar, where you get some fine views of the city.

As far as the location goes, the best that Manhattan has to offer literally lies at the doorstep. Central Park isn’t far, Fifth Avenue is a mere four blocks away, and the theater district no more than six blocks. To sum up, the advantages of being in the Pod Hotel are nothing short of overwhelming for the active budget traveler.

Category: -