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.