Pod 39

Hotel · Murray Hill

Pod 39

Hotel · Murray Hill

5

145 East 39th Street (between 3rd Ave &, Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

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Highlights

Rooftop lounge, game room, free Wi-Fi, walking tours  

Featured in The Infatuation
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145 East 39th Street (between 3rd Ave &, Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 Get directions

thepodhotel.com
@thepodhotels

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145 East 39th Street (between 3rd Ave &, Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 Get directions

+1 212 865 5700
thepodhotel.com
@thepodhotels

$

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Pod 39 Rooftop

"The Pod Hotel's rooftop is a gorgeous city oasis. Unlike many rooftop bars, this one feels warm and cozy and the cocktails are legit. Just beware of the mobs in the primetime hours, and consider coming in the quiet of the afternoon when you can fully relax and enjoy the city views." - Marcelo Cardoso

https://onthegrid.city/new-york-city/murray-hill-kips-bay/pod-39-rooftop
View Postcard for Pod 39
@infatuation

The Summer Friday Guide

"A rooftop near Grand Central is like a burger on an otherwise all-vegetarian menu - it’s going to get attention regardless of how good it actually is. But the bar on top of the Pod 39 Hotel isn’t just packed because it’s one of the only outdoor spots in the area. We’d like this place regardless of convenience - the big space is decorated with brick archways with great views of the city, and they serve a bunch of different and enjoyable tequila cocktails. To beat the crowds, you may have to leave work around lunchtime." - matt tervooren

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/summer-friday-guide
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@onthegrid

"Salvation Taco, Murray Hill Kips Bay by Marcelo Cardoso. Chef April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman's taqueria has the same laid-back vibe of their other restaurants (The Breslin, Spotted Pig), but in a much more colorful, vibrantly designed and funky environment. The food (like everything else they touch) is wonderful. Unpretentious, with a refined and modern twist on Mexican street food."

New York City
View Postcard for Pod 39
@onthegrid

"Salvation Taco, Murray Hill Kips Bay by Marcelo Cardoso. Chef April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman's taqueria has the same laid-back vibe of their other restaurants (The Breslin, Spotted Pig), but in a much more colorful, vibrantly designed and funky environment. The food (like everything else they touch) is wonderful. Unpretentious, with a refined and modern twist on Mexican street food."

New York City
View Postcard for Pod 39
@infatuation

The Day Drinking Guide - New York - The Infatuation

"If the sun’s out, and you’re in Murray Hill, and there’s nothing remotely urgent you have to do, you should probably just get a drink here. If you come during the daytime, you might even be able to avoid the crowds (unless it’s a weekend), and they also serve some food. Plus, the roof looks great (with little wooden stools and brick arches), and it’s hands-down one of the least-worst places to drink in the area." - Bryan Kim, Matt Tervooren

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-bars-day-drinking-nyc
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mariafernandaa415

Google
I really enjoyed my stay at Pod39. The location was excellent, the hotel was clean, and despite its very small size, the room was comfortable. It offers good value for money. However, I think it is important to recycle, and there were no recycling options at the hotel. Also, the temperature in the corridors was excessively cold. It is important not to abuse air conditioning as it is a major environmental pollutant. We all have a responsibility to take care of the environment and reduce our contribution to climate change. I would like to see hotels doing everything they can to help protect the planet.

ssilver33140

Google
Staff was really nice and helpful. Hotel was in a perfect location for what I needed. Check-in was quick and easy as well as checkout. They held onto my bags until I was ready for them in the afternoon. ||The room itself was relatively clean but very small, which I guess is to be expected from a pod hotel. The bed was really comfortable though, so after a long day we had a good sleep. I will very likely stay at pod39 when I visit midtown again. You can't beat the price.

Rene' Gilstrap

Google
Overall my partner and I had a fantastic stay! The review summary is very accurate: excellent location, great staff, but the rooms could be improved a touch. We'll be using this same hotel on our next visit or maybe trying one of the other Pod locations! Some comments for others: Pros: + Rooms were very clean and didnt smell like bleach/cleaning products more like a soft Gain smell + A/C in the room and on room levels was fantastic + Location, location, location + Coffee was free and pastries/bagel not any more expensive than other places + Plenty of towels in the room we didnt have to ask for more + Free luggage storage before and after checkin was very convenient Cons: - No mini fridge in the room - The rooftop bar closes very early at 11 - The rooms are great for couples but I would not recommend sharing a room for a friend's trip or possibly family either. The bathroom was only frosted halfway up the door and was just a sliding glass door. There was no fan meaning you can hear ~everything~ and see through to the shower.

Kristen D

Google
Great location, super convenient to train connections, they also have walking tours each day that are included. The roof top bar has amazing views, however the drinks are a bit over priced. The room was clean and tidy and I really enjoyed my stay! The attendants at the front counter were incredibly helpful and nice! Highly recommend!

candy W

Google
Convenient location, less than 10min walk from grand central Room is super clean, staff are super friendly Good quality of toiletries, finally some shampoo don't make my hair dry like straw. I love how they design the elevator and shaft, it's really cool The vent can be a little bit loud, but I wasn't bothered with it. They have a balcony bar.

Nico Mederos

Google
it's a great place for vacations. good balance between cost, service and location. full of young people and a couple of families. you can find very good deals here. the location is perfect. service was very good, nice people on front desk. rooftop is lovely and chill. you can send packages to the hotel and they take care of it without extra charge as well as leaving your luggage there while you take a walk before or after the check in. the bar downstairs is lovely too. free coffee every morning is something not very common in NYC so you save a couple of dollars every day. if you want to stay up all night having a drink this place is for you too. bedrooms are small . but that's part of the deal and its like most hotels in NYC anyways

Kathy

Google
Positive: Shower/mirror. I checked in late night and had a quite sleep. Quiet Negative: Price . Other chain hotels has more amenity ( gym, breakfast ) in the neighborhood (midtown east) Conclusion- room price not competitive at all. Service charge is high. Hotel service charge should at least have hot beverage available 24/7 in the lobby.

selimimre

Google
My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at Pod 39 Hotel for six nights between June 23rd and June 29th, and we both left genuinely satisfied with our experience. We chose this hotel based on its consistently high review scores and attractive pricing—especially for Manhattan, where comparable hotels with similar ratings tend to come at a noticeably higher cost. What we found was a well-run, character-filled hotel in a prime location with thoughtful amenities and truly attentive service.||Location: Central, Yet Calm||The hotel is situated on a quiet side street just off 3rd Avenue, putting it comfortably within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, and even Times Square (15–20 minutes on foot). Despite being in what’s arguably the heart of Manhattan, the area is surprisingly peaceful—especially when compared to the noise and chaos of staying directly near Times Square or Herald Square. Subway and bus connections are extremely accessible, and we never had an issue navigating the city thanks to this location.||Building & Design: History Meets Style||Unlike generic glass-and-steel towers, Pod 39 occupies a historic building that has previously been used as a hotel. The architecture retains its charm, with a beautifully preserved façade and an interior that mixes modern sensibility with vintage character. It has a personality—something that feels rare in today’s era of overly standardized hotel chains.||Room: Compact, Efficient, Comfortable||Yes, the rooms are small, but this is Manhattan—and honestly, for this price range, it’s expected. What’s more important is how well the space is used. Smart design elements like under-bed drawers, wall hooks, shelves, and a small closet corner made it surprisingly easy for two people to stay organized. The bed was comfortable, with ample pillows, and sound insulation was excellent. We barely heard anything from neighboring rooms, which is not something you can take for granted in NYC.||The bathroom and toilet area are separated from the sleeping area by a frosted glass wall and sliding door. It offers semi-privacy—not a problem for us as a couple, but perhaps worth noting for travelers who prefer more separation.||Despite a serious heat wave during our visit, the air conditioning worked flawlessly and kept the room cool throughout the day and night. Wi-Fi, TV, and electrical outlets were all fully functional, and we encountered zero technical issues during our stay.||Cleanliness & Housekeeping: Impeccable||Housekeeping was consistently excellent. We requested linen and towel changes a few times during our stay, and each request was fulfilled promptly and efficiently. Everything felt clean and well-maintained, from the floors to the shower.||Staff: Truly Outstanding Service||Our main point of contact at the front desk was Christine, who deserves special mention for her professionalism, warmth, and genuine helpfulness. She was a constant source of support throughout our stay, patiently answering all our questions—whether they were about the hotel, nearby food spots, or navigating the city. She helped arrange an early check-in and late check-out (both granted based on availability), which significantly improved our travel experience given our tight schedule. Her assistance truly made us feel welcomed and cared for—she was more like a New York ambassador than just a hotel staff member.||Amenities: A Rooftop Worth Visiting||The lobby bar and rooftop bar were both highlights of our stay. Far from being “just another hotel bar,” these venues were genuinely atmospheric spots where both guests and locals mingled. The rooftop view was exceptional, offering a panoramic look at the surrounding skyline. Cocktails were well-made, reasonably priced for Manhattan, and service was quick and friendly. We didn’t feel the need to leave the hotel for a drink—that’s how good the rooftop was.|| Final Thoughts: A Smart Choice in Manhattan||In summary, Pod 39 Hotel delivered exactly what we hoped for—and more. It combined a convenient location, thoughtful design, strong amenities, and exceptional service at a rate that made sense for us as travelers who wanted comfort and access without unnecessary luxury.||Would we stay here again? Absolutely. And we’d recommend it confidently to any friends or fellow travelers visiting New York, especially couples or solo travelers who want to explore the city all day and return to a clean, comfortable, and quiet space to recharge.

R H.

Yelp
Good location a few blocks from Grand Central. It was clean and fine for me as a single traveler but expect a small room. However your experience will vary depending on the floor. I stayed in a 2nd floor unit and the ac/heat was noisy. I moved to the 10th floor and it was much quieter and nicer. Price was OK given it is New York.

Cyn K.

Yelp
This hotel waits until checkin to disclose its mandatory facilities fee which raises the room rate by more than 20 per cent. FTC has ruled these hidden fees illegal, but apparently the hotel is still getting way with it as of tonight. Looks like the FTC rule takes effect soon, so they will soon have to be honest up front.
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Jared S.

Yelp
I went back to Pod 39 last Friday for the first time in nearly 10 years. Now I've been to their super hip (and yet quite chill) rooftop before but this was my first time at their bar/lounge area. Some friends from out of town were staying at the hotel for the weekend and they invited me to hangout for some drinks and games. Now I don't drink but the bartender did pour me a delicious ginger beer.. shoutout to the awesome bar staff. The decor is lovey and the games were all top notch and well-maintained. The pool table was perfect to get a few games on- the cue sticks were rather new and the felt of the table was smooth and clean. Really, it was a nice setup! My favorite part was the ping pong room. I LOVE ping pong so seeing that they had a whole little private room dedicated to it really put on a smile on my face. Pod 39 might have just become my go-to spot for meeting up with friends in the city! I mean seriously... you've got a swanky yet casual rooftop combined with a super slick yet uncrowded lounge.. it's a total unicorn in a busy sprawling city! And I didn't even mention their super friendly and accomodating hotel staff! It's an easy 5/5 from me
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Clarisa P.

Yelp
East coast is home and I needed a simple place to stay for one night on my way to visit for the holidays. Before booking, I read a lot of reviews here on Yelp with complaints about size and noise. I booked anyway for location and price -- it's a budget hotel in NYC, what do you expect? Once I landed in JFK, I took an easy train ride here. Again, I grew up here so navigating how to get here was a breeze. Honestly I was expecting less of Pod39 - it's marketed as a hostel-type experience with individual rooms. It's actually more of a dorm room where you can run into people from all parts of the world and because the lax nature of the hotel, it's easy to strike up conversation with anyone you may bump into. I was impressed with how many floors Pod39 had - I happened to be on the very top floor with easy access to the rooftop. It was closed for the season, but the door was open a few times and I was able to check it out. Regardless if the rooftop was open or not, there is quaint seating here before you exit onto the roof. It's a nice little area that most people probably wouldn't frequent knowing the rooftop is closed. I reserved a single pod which had one bed and was perfect for my quick stay. The layout of the room was smart and space saving - from the bathroom and shower and sliding door, to the storage underneath the bed. The room provides just what you need - bed, toilet and shower, desk, towels, even down to a safe. The one thing I did notice was the smell here - almost mold-like, which I think is a result of how humid it can get in here when running a hot shower and because the water hits the window shutters which probably causes some build up. The Club Room is an all encompassing lounge area where there's a bar, a game of pool, some arcade games, plenty of seating, and where breakfast is served. It reminded me of a winter cabin where you might run into your hallmark lover haha. The website says there is continental breakfast - when I think continental my mind automatically thinks free. The breakfast foods are not free and are individually priced. However, coffee, tea and water are free. Because I went in thinking I didn't need to pay, I didn't bring my wallet and my room ended up being charged which was fine. All in all, everything from check-in to check-out was smooth. They offer you to store your luggage safely away in a back room until 11pm so you can continue exploring the city outside of your check-out time. Pod39 was perfect for my one night stay in a city I'm familiar with. I would definitely recommend it for solo travelers (though I did see families of 2-3 here) and for short-term stays, or long-term especially in NYC where most of your time will probably be outdoors!

Alyssa C.

Yelp
It's a good hotel with friendly staff and basic features. However, there are multiple things that are very inconvenient. We booked a room with a bunk bed for my mother and I, and the bathroom was right in front of the beds with frosted glass in the middle with clear glass at the top and bottom. Weird and uncomfortable when you're staying with someone who is not your partner. They did offer us a quick change of room, however with one queen bed, no separate beds. I'm sure this is based on availability of rooms so this may no the case for everyone if they run into this issue. - Bathroom had the same glass situation, but was in the hallway so it wasn't as uncomfortable. Staff was great and quick with anything we needed Very clean and comfortable No fan in the bathroom??? Glass sliding doors which do not close like normal doors + no fan allows other people to hear you doing your business, which can be extremely uncomfortable! No microwave, fridge, iron & ironing board (did receive one after requesting one) which is not do or die, but can be inconvenient Lighting situation is super weird. Turn off the main light at the front, and the bed side lights turn off too? Just had to keep switching stuff on and off randomly to get lights to work No plugs on one side of the bed Most importantly, for the price of this hotel, you'd expect a little more.
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Deborah L.

Yelp
Fun place. The roof top bar is open now so it's worth the trip. Small efficient rooms. Bar, restaurant and friendly service.
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Irma F.

Yelp
Just checked in and this place is amazing! Beautiful lobby and wonderful friendly staff :) It is close to the central station subway so easy to travel! The room with selected was tiny but had its own bathroom. It was perfect for what we needed in NYC. The best part was definitely the Rooftop bar! Incredible views of the city and a great happy hour. Definitely recommend
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Taylor K.

Yelp
This review is only for the rooftop. I'm not sure if it was the bartenders or just their standard drinks, but they were definitely over pouring and over serving. I only had 2 drinks and was incredibly drunk. Multiple other people in our party had the same experience. I was incredibly hungover all day from TWO drinks. The drinks were also $19 each.
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Heather B.

Yelp
The place looked promising. But I'm gona have to give them a 1 star. We drove 7 hours. The hotel was booked while we were driving. We get here and they tell us they were over booked. Umh how do you overbook a hotel. Luckily I was able to rebook us somewhere else. Considering how late we got in I'm surprised we were able to find anything. Smh.
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Lisa A.

Yelp
I have stayed at 4 of the pod properties before - pod 51, pod times Square, pod 39 and pod DC (obviously, in DC not NYC) I can highly recommend any of them, for affordability, cleanliness, safety, and location. My past trip to NYC post covid I stayed in a queen (or maybe a full?) Pod at the pod 39 and it was a great stay all around. Staff is always pleasant and friendly - check in has always been no problem even when I have been a little early. In the downstairs they had a bar with pool tables and games. Then from 7-11 am it turns into a cafe with free tea and coffee and reasonably priced pastries fruit and juice. The top of the beautiful Italianate building is a popular bar in season. You can also go just take in the view up there starting at 11 am. My room was quite small (I'm guessing 9x9 or 10) with a small bath separated by glass doors. The windows are small but there was one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom so it let in a fair amount of light. There's a TV, desk, rack for clothes and lots of outlets. The halls were very quiet and my room was cleaned promptly and thoroughly each morning. For the price, you can really not go wrong with any of these hotels. This one is 3 or 4 blocks from grand central Station and all its many subway and train options (I easily took the LIRR in from JFk) The hotel attracts alot of young people but also European travellers who maybe used to smaller rooms, and just your standard budget traveller (i.e. yours truly). The room size and the fact that the bathroom is essentially in the room may be a deal breaker for sharing a room, but you could probably get two single pods for the price of a larger mediocre hotel room. If you don't mind small spaces and plan to be outside exploring definitely give Pod 39 a shot
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Cyann L.

Yelp
Room space was realistically true to all reviews. Only about a step away to get to the bathroom, and two to the door. Conveniently their bed is design to store ur luggage under with some space by the door as well, so only a party of 1-2 is ideal for this place. The place is clean as expected, the shower could of use some work. House keeping comes every morning, the rooftop was beautiful and drinks were reasonable from nyc. We got to see the fireworks from there thankfully! also easy location to get around by transit, mostly grand central! breakfast is not free but coffee and water is! negative points, no hot water or microwave in lobby
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Ted R.

Yelp
The room is clean. The room is small. Tiny. The price is right. Tiny by New York standards. Four stars one $. Value accommodations with some style. check out the Italian renaissance facades downstairs and on the roof. The free wifi is a bonus! So is the lounge with games. Pod 39 describes it as budget-friendly. 100%. I don't at all understand reviewers who talk about things being expensive in New York. This is the fricking financial capital of North America. It's supposed to be more expensive than Atlanta, Hoboken, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Peoria, or even Chicago or Los Ángeles. For 275 bucks, on booking.com, this place is a flat out deal. If you can't afford New York, then just go to the biggest city close to where you live. But don't call the relatively inexpensive hotel expensive because you're not used to paying that much. Period. The bed was very good, nice comfort level, but not the best. I had no issues with noise on the 15th floor in 1513. The small but stylish (with the white subway tiles bathroom) worked for me. The glass door isn't an issue for a solo traveler, but only the bottom half is clouded. Not full privacy if that's what you prefer with your roommate. Love the rooftop bar, Empellón Al Pastor. You pay a premium to drink at these in Manhattan, but this one is included with the price of your room. They even give you a 20% off discount coupon. Ask for the bartender, Josh. He knows his spirits and will make you a fantastic cocktail. The tequila and mezcal collection is superb, by the way. The margarita with fresh squeezed lime juice and agave sweetener is 100% on point. This is a fantastic value hotel. If you need larger rooms, you know all the big brands, so go ahead and stay there instead. I mean pay there...cha ching. This is a stylish, but cheap boutique stay that's nowhere close to being a loud, dirty youth hostel. Private bathroom. Clean, quiet room. I highly recommend Pod 39 if you're looking to save bucks while you're in New York and don't need a lot of space in your room. Which is very much the case if you're gonna be out in the city by day and night. Why come to New York to hole up in your room? Have fun, see the sites, have enough conversations to understand why New Yorkers are uniquely awesome. Stay here and you can afford to use Yelp to find some great but expensive meals.

Danielle M.

Yelp
You want a fun night? COME TO POD 39 - do you want an epic night?? GET ALYSSA to be your server!!! Holy C**P what an AMAZINGGGGG night on the opening night of the rooftop at Pod 39. I will be coming back for #Sports Nights and after work Cocktails - WOW BLISS!!!!!! Pod 30 - what a memorial night and thank you Alyssa for making so special by being so attentive and SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
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Ethan G.

Yelp
An uncomfortable unpleasant stay with showers straight out of a concentration camp. Not to mention a facilities fee that was not disclosed when booking the room. For the same money you can do better in the area.
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Amit P.

Yelp
Gorgeous view of the city from the rooftop! It's located on the 17th floor of the hotel. 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline with food and drinks! We had an order of the Charcuterie and it was perfect with the beer! Definitely recommend if you want some good views of the city with drinks! The food is overpriced, but let's face it, you pay for the NYC views for it!
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Lisa R.

Yelp
My opinion? NO. Not sure if just this location, or all - my review is only for Pod 39. Never mind claustrophobic, I was so uncomfortable, because I felt like I was in an unclean Hotel. I couldn't afford to just leave; arrived late/left early for medical. Disabled, really was stuck there. I have help writing this review. Check In. Not much of a greeting or even interaction (not a busy desk), but it was quick. Odd thing, they never asked for ID or credit card (booked online, direct & first timer). When I walked downstairs later, no one there. You can walk right in from street to enter the bar area. Need to swipe a room key, but just step in the elevator w/anyone & you're in/up. NOT great security. ElevatoR/hallway: s-l-o-w. Maybe 1 wasn't working? HOT. Stuffy & humid. Same for windowless narrow hallways (a little airflow would help). Poor signage in halls for elevators/stairs in an emergency. Wife is handicapped, we always pay close attention. Can only speak for 1 room; 516. Claustrophobic at best, biggest concern was cleanliness and pride/upkeep, or lack thereof. Bath: Shower basin w/noticeable large tuft of hair in center of drain. Hair on walls. Basin foot area w/soap & water stains, fabric threads. Fingerprints around ALL knobs. Sink drain clogged. 2 washcloths slung over sink kept falling on the floor (no place to put them). Heavy water (?) stains on floor under sink, around the trash. Toothpaste dried on the wall, toothpaste/soap stains on the (only) TINY shelf, prints on silver toilet mechanism (obv never wiped frm prior guests), half roll of toilet paper hanging (no other roll), floor filthy w/white stains, watermarks, etc. Cracked/dirty light switch. Dirty glass sliding door into bathroom w/prints/white marks all over both sides (tp or something stuck between glass doors, clearly visible!) Bath floor in front of toilet had white marks. Black shutters above sink covered w/prints & toothpaste (?) residue. Positive? They give you 2 small bars of soap & stack of plastic cups. SO obvious not cleaned. Entry door: Metal; absolutely filthy. Didn't want to touch it. White marks, fingerprints & God knows what else. INSIDE. Exterior also bad. Above door obvious dust & dirt, easily accessible for cleaning. Long vents LITERALLY dripping w/dust. Wife has lung fibrosis... Really not a good environment. Other areas: clock Isn't even straight; crooked & they couldn't take time to straighten. Dust on hangers & where you hang. White marks & small debris on rug that would/should have been picked up by vacuum. Water bottle found *INSIDE* small windowsill. Speaking of that specific black shuttered metal window - looking outside, next to the bed - you can only open the left side partially, or it hits the bed. Other side looks like someone beat it. The small, single metal chair has rust on the seat & God knows what else sticking out of the back of it where you sit. Zero decor unless you count the crooked clock. The Positive? A small safe. (The bath towels are stored next to it.) BEDS: bunkbeds. Fingerprints!! When you lay flat in the bottom bunk & look up, all you see. Handprints on Formica (?) & metal areas. Obvious stain/mark ON TV screen. Note- there's a tv on EACH bed, at your feet. Marks on walls. Dingy. Positive? Sheets mostly clean. Black marks & black hair on outside of top bunk. One thin mattress. Suitable. I checked for bedbugs! Never saw one in my life, but don't think there were any. OTHER: If you care about view- ASK. 5th floor courtyard & I could have had convos w/the neighbors. Not a nice courtyard either. From what I could see thru filthy windows. Room SIZE: Small, *as expected*. MUCH smaller than anything pictured in the "twin" category. Smaller than even online photos depict. Felt like I was in prison. Or train sleeper car. Claustrophobic. Thank God I'm not a heavy/thick person, or I probably couldn't fit between wall & bed. Would be painful for 2 adults. Oh... sleeping on the top bunk? You can easily watch your roommate shower. Only bottom of glass bath doors are frosted. Cost: I ended up paying $255 incl taxes/fees very end of Sept, a Tues. The room itself was approx $200 w/o fees. While less expensive than other hotels in area, (not hostels or obvious seedy locations), it was NOT worth it. I'd spend +$50-$100 to get a larger room elsewhere. Never mind larger, but cleaner! SO disappointed. Thought would be fun & unique experience, since it was only one night because of nearby medical appts. Takeaway: room wasn't cleaned- beds/towels changed. Maybe building isn't suited to their needs, & they can't give the "Pods" experience they market. I get the less is more marketing, but not LESS cleanliness/airflow/hospitality/comfort. Never recommend to anyone, at any price, for any reason. I want my money back. I'm not going to waste my breath asking. Most miserable, Hotel stay I've ever had in my life. Never again.
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Lamar R.

Yelp
I had an amazing stay. The ladies, Jensen and Angela were rays of sunshine. After a long early morning flight from Los Angeles we had to wait until the check in time. They allowed us to check our items so we could explore the city and grab a bite to eat. They were polite, even after our dumb LA questions (I still don't know what a bodega is). Give the a raise! Amazing young people. They will go far in life. Oh, and promote them and give them a raise.

Carmen H.

Yelp
The rooftop is so cute! Our server Alyssa was so amazing, took care of us and got us our drinks right away. Will definitely be back for her amazing service and the delicious drinks!
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Kimberly W.

Yelp
This place has a lot going for it. Excellent location, good price, fairly trendy looking, clean, and safe. Keeping in mind that I knew coming in that the rooms were tiny, I would likely hear a bit from nearby rooms, and that an occasional pot smell was likely, normally, this place would be a 5. However, there is a huge flaw that will keep me from returning or recommending this place to anyone. The HVAC system. The heating does a good job of warming the place, but the sound level is unlike anything I've ever dealt with at any hotel or hostel I've ever stayed at. Think of the loudest mostly broken bathroom fan at the cheapest hotel you've ever stayed at. Multiply the noise by 10. It still will not reach the noise level I'm talking about. The noise literally vibrates the floor, walls, and furniture. And the worst thing is that it's not really your own room that is the cause of the loudest version of this, but rather other rooms. Now the reason I didn't knock them all the way down to a 1 is that if you stay during part of the year where everyone's Heater or A/C isn't working overtime or if you get pass out drunk every night of your stay, you might be able to get some sleep. Or you might end up contemplating the cost of switching hotels because you can't sleep with your bed shaking a few minutes every half hour.
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Charlene C.

Yelp
We got room 15 which had a bunk bed and private bathroom. Suuuuper small, but doable for two people. My boyfriend is 6ft and we shared the top bunk because he didn't want to be separated. We didn't have the best nights sleep but it also wasn't too terrible. I definitely hit myself on the rail a few times during the night. The room itself seemed very clean, just hella dusty. The bed is always my main focus at hotels, and the sheets and pillows were up to my standards. No weird smells or suspicious stains. The shower wall tiles could use an upgrade. The black stuff between the tiles kept washing off during each shower... also, the lights would randomly turn off. Outlets would stop working. The attached communal area/bar downstairs is a pretty little spot to hang out and get out of the small room. However, the blond bartender was a little tooooo friendly with my bf. Her eye contact and conversations were mostly directed towards him. At least our water cups were always filled lol. Would potentially stay at this Pod again if I ever return. Good spot not too far from Time Square, etc.
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Eva Z.

Yelp
If you're going to New York with a Boujiee Budget this hotel is would be good. The room is really tiny but honestly you'll be out in the city for the most part so it doesn't matter. The rooftop in this hotel is so pretty! Got to go there early morning and have it to myself. So pretty
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Pete M.

Yelp
I stayed here for two nights earlier this week. Booked the room with Southwest Airlines. The single room was really tiny, but I was by myself and I travel light. Not a problem. The room was very clean, the bed was nice, a TV with a lot of channels just several feet away. Mini bathroom just a step away. Lots of towels; shower was effective and had body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Now, I must say that the lobby/bar area amenities were really lacking. In the morning when I checked out (4/28/22) , one coffee maker, almost empty when I tried it. No breakfast stuff at all. Not even a stale muffin! You can do better. Especially at these rates. I'll give it a conditional "good" review. Room fine, other stuff, not so fine. I liked the location on 39th Street and it's just a short walk to 3rd Avenue. There are some nice spots for food and drink nearby. Maybe a later review for these.
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Allie G.

Yelp
I knew Pod 39 wasn't going to be a luxury experience when I booked it, but it's just wild how little you get for your money. One night (a Saturday) cost me $211, and was actually the cheapest option on HotelTonight. The check-in process was quick and relatively painless (be prepared to wait a little if you arrive close to 3PM), but the room was just SO small. Like even by hotel room in Manhattan standards, these are tiny. Again, I get it, it's called "pod", but expect to feel cramped if you're sharing the room with someone else. As a positive, the hotel was clean and we had no issues with our stay or check out (11AM, pretty standard). Not terrible, but also not sure I would return.

Greg B.

Yelp
Spent a wonderful evening on the rooftop of the Pod 39 hotel. Didn't even go with the intention of eating, but my waitress coaxed me into the lobster roll sliders and they changed my life! Alyssa was a phenomenal server, we spent the whole night chatting with her and ended up running up quite a tab! Ambiance was amazing and will definitely be back. 10/10 for Pod Rooftop!

Melissa F.

Yelp
the service at the rooftop was so great! Loved the Watermelon Smash! Alyssa is the best server !
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Luis I.

Yelp
Great new way to check in the only thing I did not like was the bathroom set up but comfortable bed was very surprised to how close everything was to this hotel PS great staff good luck guys

Mary S.

Yelp
NO PRIVACY. It's warm, there is a bed. Other than that, save your money unless traveling alone! Pictures don't show the dismal bathroom experience-- SEE-THROUGH sliding doors with a hint of frosted glass. My travel mate and I must take turns sitting outside anytime we need to use the bathroom. One star for shelter, one star for location and price. 2 stars is generous.
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Araceli C.

Yelp
I book 2 nights by expedia Safe hotel Small but comfy beds My only complain was a Sound from phone or safe box kind annoying Other then that I have great stay
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Lee D.

Yelp
I have been a client of Pod 39 for nearly 20 years, and it is without doubt my favorite hotel in New York, for the following reasons: 1) Great location. 2) Extremely reasonable rates. 3) Cool vibes and decor, with spacious reception including comfortable seating, a free coffee service in the morning and cool, spacious adjoining bar with daily happy hour, plus a rooftop bar. 4) Concierge service including shuttle service to NYC airports and luggage consignment. 5) Clean and comfortable rooms and baths. 6) Friendly staff and reception service ((the manager, who is very personable, is onsite and accessible). The hotel did close for a while during the height of the pandemic scare, taking advantage of the time to do some remodeling and upgrades. My check-in today with Jamal at the front desk was a very welcoming and pleasant experience. Like all Pod 39 front-desk staff, he was accommodating, fast, and extremely personable. Thank you, Pod 39!
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Dee M.

Yelp
Perfect for me. Modern furnishings. No bed bugs (at least for me). View of the Empire State Building. Nice shower and shower head compared to other hotels with similar fees. I should add that my room was TINY. My bed was twin-sized, the bathroom was so narrow, the rail with clothes hangers was above a tiny, corner desk with towels piled on top of it, and the chair, other desk, and wall lamp (which was quite huge) were all made of metal, so if you clang them against each other late at night, you may wake your neighbor. It's easy to accidentally bang your ankle against the corner of your bed since the room is so tiny, but honestly, it suffices for a place to sleep in after a day of exploring. Loved the windows and city view. Lastly, service was great and they actually have a 13th floor (that's where I stayed lol).
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M C.

Yelp
Good thing it was only for one night! Not worth the $300 spent. The room was smaller than I could have imagined. Literally no walking room near the bunk beds so if you're slightly bigger don't bother. The bathroom has a clear sliding glass door that doesn't even close. Also has a big hole as a nob. No privacy lol or fan! No closet for our things so we were tripping over our bags trying to get to the bathroom. Conveniently located near grand central station but thats its only positive. The 'bar' is a joke, no real alcohol! And we sat there for 10 min and no one worked there. Nope.
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Lucy W.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my one night stay here. I loved the small and modern room. The best part for me was the tacos and drinks at the rooftop bar! Seriously the best crunchy taco I've had in years! I want to go back.
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Josephine E.

Yelp
Stayed here for 1 week in a private double room. It might be adequate for 1 person but way too small for 2 people. There is really nowhere to put our stuff and we only had one backpack each. Bathroom door and shower wall is all semi-frosted glass so there's no privacy. On top of which the door couldn't fully close-- think poop smells throughout the room each time someone had to go #2. Tv is tiny and doesn't swivel and when you open the window blinds it just covers half the tv. What a joke. The absolute worst thing about our stay was 3 full days of fire alarm testing that we were not made aware of before booking. Alarm testing started around 9am and went through the afternoon! Totally unacceptable! Not only could I not sleep in but I couldn't work from my hotel room. The alarms were nonstop and obnoxiously loud. I felt like I was being tortured and was forced to leave to find some peace. I had other options with even lower prices, so I would not have chosen to stay if I had known about the fire alarms beforehand. I asked the front desk about a discounted stay due to the fire alarm disturbance and not only did they say no, they weren't nice or apologetic about it. Also, the rooftop bar is closed until spring! It was a big reason for staying there. AND there is a $20 facility fee for each night! Overall, I do not recommend Pod 39. Location was mediocre, other than being close to Grand Central, it wasn't great. No food open late at night in that area.
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Liv B.

Yelp
My best friend and I stayed here for 4 nights for a trip to see the city and we loved it. We had the bunk pods and the room was admittedly really tiny but for the price we sort of expected that. Passed the bedbug check, was super clean and the staff was SO nice. The TVs didn't work very well but by the time we got back to the pod we were so tired it didn't really matter. I will say though, if you're not comfortable being in super close quarters with your roommate the bunk pod may not be for you. There is zero privacy even in the bathroom but luckily the bathrooms in the basement are super nice and just an elevator ride away.
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Joyce G.

Yelp
I just checked in this hotel. The rooms are small but overall is a good deal being in NYC. Rooms are clean. The location is not in the heart of everyone's but is walking distance. When I first arrived, the inside is very modern. The name fits the space...( Pod). The desk clerk was nice. There is a concierge. There is also a Mexican restaurant in the lobby. I will try it tonight and tell you what it is. I just left the Fairfield Inn which is further down on 40th Street. My room there was pretty much the same size but cost more. If you just need a place to allay your head down in the city on a budget, this is a great choice. I upgraded to the queen size room since I checked in early, but they offer bunk bed style rooms, which was fine with me. Update: I will come here again. I slept well and left the next morning. SN: The drinks at the Mexican restaurant was priced high and not great. I felt like I needed to buy a bottle of wine at a corner store.
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Manisha S.

Yelp
Love this hotel! I had a great nyc experience because of the hotel! I would recommend booking the tickets on the actual pod website as the often times have discounts. Compared to other nyc hotels that run from 300+ a night I got mine for less than 150 a night. Very convenient location everything is walking distance from the major sightseeing popular spots nyc has to offer. PROS- Cheap Clean Great location Safe Private bathroom and bedroom Cons- -Rooms are VERY small, all you get is a bed and a shower, you basically have to live out of your suitcase -between the bed and the shower the glass door is somewhat see through -they have bunkbeds not sure if it's for all rooms though (pro each bunkbed has a tv!!) I was looking for a basic hotel so this satisfied my needs!

Patrick R.

Yelp
It's completely unacceptable to have fire alarm testing multiple days of a stay starting around 9am with no schedule as to when it will start or end.. to top that off, they give you no warning before you arrive that this will be happening so you could decide to book elsewhere. We asked if they post on their website, no they do not. They do not post it anywhere they said, there's literally no way to know they have fire alarm testing before you're there and no discount is offered even though your experience is significantly worse because of this. They claim it's a NYC law and there's nothing they can do about it but that's BS. Other hotels aren't doing this. If you go and stay at a Hilton or anywhere else they're not going to blast you with a fire alarm test every morning for multiple hours. I could not work here as I had planned as I need to talk in meetings and a constant obnoxious beeping doesn't work for me... I ended up getting sick during the trip and wanted to sleep in and it was completely impossible with a fire alarm going off back to back for multiple hours. The room itself is okay, it's very small, perfect for one person, too small for 2 people. You cannot stay here with friends as the wall to the bathroom is glass and see through. The rooftop bar was closed while we were there and we did not get to experience that, which was very disappointing... all in all I'm extremely unhappy with the stay. The staff is also not friendly... If you experienced what we did. Please complain to your credit card companies or booking service as it's the only way they'll change the policy. And also write reviews on yelp/google/ trip advisor. You will likely get money back and make a better experience for other people in the future.
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Rula R.

Yelp
Nice little hotel. Definitely good price considering the area. I got the bunk beds room. Very small so this is a good room for just sleeping nothing else. No privacy when it comes to the bathroom either because the door slides and it's kind of exposed. So if you're sharing the room with another person you have to be comfortable with that person. PS: there's no clothing iron. That was a bummer.
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Kevin S.

Yelp
Slightly better than the dirt hole I slept in while in the military. When we opened the door I thought it was a joke; bunk beds! It closely resembled a prison cell but was much smaller. The room was so small (about 70sq ft?) I had to put the luggage into the bath room to step inside. With no more rooms and four days fully prepaid (it was not cheap), there were no other options. This Disabled Veteran and my "celly" had a miserable time and it all but ruined our NY trip. We are both over 50 and the bunk beds and maneuvering around the cell were an added stress. The ladder rungs were like cheese slicers on the feet. "Hip & Trendy?" I nearly broke my trendy hip coming down from the top bunk. This term is nothing more than an excuse for cramped and uncomfortable. The cell had an attached bathroom with a sliding glass door. It was half frosted and offered little to no privacy. Our toilet seat was broke, exposing what seemed to be thick trapped human waste, however it was quickly fixed. There is one very narrow long shelf that things would fall from. The sink was small with no room to place anything. The single faucet knob offered no pressure adjustment. The shower had the same single knob and a full curtain that would flow inward and stick to your body. We suggest using your own shampoo and conditioner, as the cell-supplied were low quality. The towels were thin and there was no out-of-shower mat. We just used another towel. The cell had one tiny shuttered window behind the beds that would offer minimum light when opened. It only added to the claustrophobic feeling. The metal shelf located and each bunk had a plug for convenient charging. I swung my hand while sleeping and everything fell to the bottom bunk. The hotel staff were very friendly and seemed to be this places only saving grace. It is in a good location with about a five minute walk to Grand Central Station. There are a few coffee shops close by which is rather nice since your room won't have any. As a frequent world traveler and not one to complain much, I can honestly say this is the absolute worst hotel I have ever stayed in...by far!
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Dominic M.

Yelp
Looking through the reviews, there is a wide range of opinions. Honestly, I think this is where you can see people's poorly managed expectations and tendency to jump to conclusions when they could just ask a simple question. That being said, I didn't require much, other than a place to sleep, so perhaps that contributed to my stay being quite pleasant. I work remotely and stayed at Pod 39 for one night so that I could attend my office holiday party in NYC. I chose the single pod, as I didn't plan on using the room for anything other than sleeping and showering. Check in was straightforward, and I was informed of the temporary $30 hold for incidentals. It's annoying yes, but it also has nothing to do with not using a credit card to make your booking, as I did use a credit card. The room looked exactly as it appeared on the website, and was clean. There is space below the bed for luggage storage, as well as a large pull out drawer and a coat/shoe rack combo behind the door. The desk has a strip of various cord socket options, though the USB slot was not working in my room. The rain shower head is annoying- to have water coming down at that angle, you need to have better water pressure. The bed is comfortable, and I managed to get good support by using both of the pillows provided. I was tucked away far from the elevator, but could still hear it quite loudly. Though, it's NYC so there were sirens blazing and all kinds of noise reaching me up on the 13th floor. Check out took less than a minute, and it was confirmed that the $30 incidentals hold would be dropped. If I was not getting reimbursed for my stay, I would still consider staying here as a solo traveler. I am not sure about the value for space with the larger rooms, so I cannot speak to that.

Morgan T.

Yelp
First time finding and paying for a hotel in New York independently and this hotel was a very good experience. The staff was very helpful and understanding along with fast and friendly. The room was small (as it was advertised) and the price was fair and reasonable for the condition and cleanliness of the building. The rooftop was very clean and the views were outstanding and the staff let us up even after we checked out because we were curious. The only improvement we could think of was the bathrooms need a fan, and the room would get very humid after the shower was used. Overall a very good experience and money well spent here and a would stay again.
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Lady G.

Yelp
Always clean and consistent. The rooftop is a bonus however it was closed both time we attempted to go to have a drink. They do have free water and coffee in the lobby but they do need to refill them more. It's a great location and clean rooms. Easy check in and out,.

Tatiana M.

Yelp
It is a hotel with nice facilities but with lousy customer service. Today I arrived in New York for the first time, I was so excited until I arrived at the hotel, first they didn't have the reservation and the manager, what a rude, rude person, even told me that he was going to make me wait until 12 to make the reservation, I left the place I was so upset then I came back and this person did not want to attend to me and that my friend had already charged a part to her credit card. All because he was not clear about the reservation. I do not recommend this place. the manager is a bad person.

Edie U.

Yelp
My daughter & I shared a bunk pod on a quick overnight in NYC! The pod/room was spotless & the beds were extremely comfortable! The website is accurate so we knew we were getting a tiny room. We had a great time & enjoyed delicious tacos & drinks on the rooftop!!! The staff were fantastic and the location couldn't have been any better!! We will definitely return!!! Amazing value for NYC!!!
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Brittany A.

Yelp
Pros : clean, centrally located, A/C worked well, inexpensive ($170 USD seemed good for Manhattan), and we felt generally safe in our room. Real talk : the rooms are SMALL. I lay down on the bed and outstretched my arms and legs and could touch both sides of the room. Hence the name "Pod." Would not recommend to a couple or more than two people for sure but we made it work. Cons : The front desk staff (all except for one lovely gentleman) were overly rude and generally unhelpful. I understand it may be exhausting to work in this environment with a banging club in the lobby every night but that's not my fault. General politeness is always appreciated. End rant. The lobby (as I just mentioned) fills up with drunk peeps from about 3pm every day onward. Lots of shrieking and intoxicated people waiting in line to get up to the rooftop bar. The rooftop is really lovely but was WAY too lit fam when we visited and we couldn't get a drink at the bar. So we promptly left. WOMP. Random thought : I wish they had a towel hanger in the room! There was no where to hang wet towels so we ended up having to ask for fresh ones daily. Not ideal. Would I stay here again? Possibly but most likely not.
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Danilo A.

Yelp
We like this place. We really do. Not for the food; the rib and chorizo nachos are good, the baby back ribs are way too heavy and crunchy although the tomatillo and avocado salsa is good and the Chihuahua cheese sticks are just bad. (Tip: all appetizers are huge) But there are so many other reasons to like this place. The really excel in the details. The art for example is creepy and fantastic. The staff is great and the music is accurate. The drinks are good too. We love the rooftop also. It has really great views of the city, from a place that is kinda surreal. Yeah, it's a hotel and everything but with 7 hours of happy hour per day and a sick rooftop during the summer, it's a great place to come for a drink or 7.
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Aaina P.

Yelp
If you are looking for a place to stay in New York and have a low budget, Pod 39 is a great option! Know that you will be getting in to a very dorm like hotel room that focuses on essentials rather than luxury. Each room has a hanging rack, safe, desk, bed, small TV and a bathroom (just saying the lighting in there is absolute fire). The hotel staff were are efficient, friendly, and helped me find fun things to do in the city! The hotel also has an amazing rooftop bar with fun drinks and great snacks.
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Nina R.

Yelp
I'm giving The Pod 39 a solid 3 stars. Yes, I will definitely stay here again. I like this place because it's clean, very affordable, and close to the Theater District. I had a room with a queen size bed, very comfortable with big fluffy pillows and I slept very well. I had room 506 to be exact. Not noisy at all. My only issue was how small the room was. The toilet was literally about 3 feet away from the bed. There is a sliding door to separate the the bathroom from the bed, however, it is really close. I wish there was a wall instead of the sliding door. That's really the only shocker for the room. The heat thermostat worked well. My room was warm and toasty in not time. I was comfortable in the room. It would be tight with 2 people because there is not much space for a lot of luggage. Just enough space for coats and small carry-on suitcase. The lady that checked me in was not very welcoming, sort of unprofessional with a condescending, know it all attitude. Like you ask one question, she's distracted and giggling with co-workers, redirects attention, gives you an editorial and opinions, and eventually answers the question. I don't know, sort of off-putting. Other than that, I'm not in love with Pod 39, but it does the job. The staff at Pod 51 were a lot more friendly, in my opinion. A pinch further away, but I had a much better - cozy feel there.
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Jeanne M.

Yelp
I agree the room is small but the City is where you want to be so get OUT of your CLEAN room. My 16 year old niece and I stayed in a bunk bed room based on the suggestion of the reservation desk. Perfect for us. Roof top bar was nice to chill while our room was being finished. The view! Wow. Coffee at the breakfast bar with Joel, delicious coffee and conversation. Empellon Al Pastor has the perfect food and drink for a night cap. Great service too. Steve, the concierge, will make planning your days easy. He's my new BFF.