New York — By Steve Mirsky on January 31, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Filed under: featuredarticle, Hotels & Places to Stay

Pod Hotel

If you plan on staying the night in Manhattan, it’s nearly impossible to do it without spending less than $200 per night. Bargains can be found but you’ll either have to cut back on the already closet-like living space, or stay in an outer borough neighborhood. With this reality in mind, The Pod Hotel is a perfect choice for hip rooms at reasonable rates.

Inside Pod Hotel Room

Sure the rooms are tiny and the bathrooms are either shared or reminiscent of the airline variety but that’s where the detractions stop. In the heart of Midtown East, you have your pick of pods ranging from the Bunk Pod all the way up to the Veranda Pod. Every room comes with an iPod docking station, dimmer control lighting, free WiFi, an LCD TV, and separate climate control. The Veranda Pod offers three travelers one double and one twin bed. Best of all, you can step right out high above the city on a small private terrace. The Queen Pod, also one of the most spacious options, includes a bed with in-built storage drawers, in-room safe, and glass enclosed private bathroom with an invigorating Rain shower. The Single and Bunk Pods have twin beds, open closet, stainless steel sink and an in- room display indicating availability of the shared bathrooms.

Before you shudder, rest easy in the fact that these lus have opulent showers, streaming music, and designer sinks all lined in marble and granite. And don’t forget the multilingual concierge service, another amenity not usually found in ultra budget accommodations. Beyond scoring tickets to the latest show and providing directions, they offer Pod Spots and Vibe Tours such as Midtown Madness: an itinerary covering some of the best shows and most affordable restaurants and All Around Town: a line-up of unique happenings from Statue of Liberty special events to Cotton Club tours in Harlem.