I stayed at "The Pod" because it was the only reasonably priced hotel (less than $300) within a relatively short distance from an office I was visiting in Midtown when I booked my trip nearly 2 months in advance. Based on the reviews of the hotel, I was not expecting anything glamorous; rather I expected a small and clean room. I was not disappointed as the room itself came as advertised. I had a queen bed with an in-room bathroom (awkwardly placed toilet, small stainless sink with an unfortunately placed/designed faucet, very small shower stall) that was sparsely decorated. The doors to the hallway did not seem to keep out noise from outside which normally may not have been a problem, but during my stay was (see below). I appreciated the location which was 1 ½ blocks from the subway and close to the major thoroughfares, 1 block from a police precinct headquarters.
However, the problems I had with the hotel mostly related to the service and the other guests who stayed at the hotel. When I walked into the lobby of the hotel the first night (and the subsequent nights that I returned), I was nearly overwhelmed by the number of teenagers talking loudly and lounging throughout. The night I arrived I had to request three times (at the desk and on via the phone) for an ironing board and iron be sent to my room. Once the board arrived (a small table top version), I had difficulty setting it up as the feet were both broken. On the first two nights of my stay, the hallways were loud with guests running up and down the halls, slamming doors, playing soccer and yelling to one another. One night this commotion went on until nearly midnight. I spoke to a desk manager about the issue and he told me that they had left messages with the teens’ chaperons, but that there was nothing that they could do about their guests’ behavior. I understand that this hotel is reasonably priced, especially for Midtown Manhattan, but guests should know that this will also attract students and groups, many of whom don’t necessary share an understanding of acceptable hotel behavior.
As the hotel felt more like a trendy European hostel than a grown-up hotel, and I do not want to take the chance of being kept up by the hotel’s guests, I do not think I will stay at the hotel again. If you stay, just understand what you may be getting yourself into; a bargain hotel in Midtown, with clean, small rooms that you may sharing with rambunctious travelers and a slow or unresponsive staff.