The Pod Hotel in NYC
Every time I visit New York, I stay in The Pod Hotel. Centrally located in Midtown East, The Pod not only has great views of the Chrysler Building, it’s a short taxi ride to both Uptown and the Village and Soho. For me, staying at The Pod is like coming home, as I lived just three blocks away for ten years. Luckily, this newly renovated European-style hotel sprouted up just after I moved to San Francisco.
The Pod world consists of appropriately tiny-size rooms, with touches like iPod docks and metallic vanities for a thoroughly modern look. The Pod is a tourist class hotel offering $99 rooms, a bargain in a city where the norm hovers at three times that. For the price you share a bathroom in the hallway (something I’ve never done even on trips to Europe, but hey, this is New York). The communal bathrooms are brand-new and in pristine condition with lots of stainless steel and polished granite. Larger rooms that include a bath are slightly more expensive.
The decidedly Pop Art atmosphere continues through the lobby lounge with its primary-colored decor and completely makes sense when you consider that Andy Warhol’s original Factory was located nearby. The silver phone on the lobby wall is a telltale indication of the Pop Art master’s presence.
Stay in The Pod next time you’re in the city that never sleeps. It’s the best place at the best price to hang your hat and handbag for the night.—Michelle Zaffino







