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A chic and colourful hotel that added to my unforgettable trip to the Big Apple.
You know what they say about New York City, right? “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” I decided to travel solo and discover one of the boroughs, Manhattan, on foot. While trying to figure out my stay, I came across Pod 39, a perfectly chic hotel situated right on 39th Street in Murray Hill. The hotel was everything I dreamed of. It was stylish, comfortable, and right by all the spots I wanted to tick off my bucket list. New York City, I was ready for you!
What drew me to Pod 39 was its location. New York City's greatest attribute is its exceptional walkability. I wanted a hotel that could give me easy access to the subway and parts of the city I wanted to explore on foot. Pod 39 was about a 6-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal, with subway lines connecting the entire city and inter-state trains. The Empire State Building was only a 13-minute walk, and the iconic Times Square was an easy 20 minutes away.
When I walked to the hotel from the subway station, I noticed several restaurants and pubs around. The neighbourhood was safe and exuded the quintessential New York City vibe, with its tall buildings and gorgeous brownstones. Even before I got to Pod 39, I knew that the hotel was going on my recommendation list for all my future New York travel plans.
In New York City, if you get a room with views of the Empire State Building, I say take it! Pod 39 had a bunch of rooms to choose from. When I checked in, the lady at the counter was extremely kind after I told her that this was my first trip to the city. She promptly changed my room and said that I deserved the right kind of view; I would be staying at the Full Pod room, which was priced at about Rs. 20,692 a night. It was absolutely worth the money considering its location.
When I got to my room, I realised that Pod 39 believed in functionality with no frills. The room was warm and cosy, the bed was soft, and there was a desk by the window. Yet, the pinnacle of my experience awaited just beyond the window—an inspiring view of the Empire State Building. Its majestic presence created a surreal ambience.
The other room options included the Bunk Pod, Queen Pod, Queen ADA, Single Pod, and the Queen + Bunk Pod. The tarriff for the rooms change almost every month and hike up during holiday season.
After a hot shower, I stepped out to explore the hotel. Pod 39 was an explosion of colour. The walls had eclectic line art, but my favourite part was the rooftop bar. The interior of the rooftop bar resembled a pocket-sized Mexico, adorned with tables boasting colorful tiles and Calaveras masks. The ambience was complemented by the presence of potent yet delightful Margaritas, delectable guacamole paired with nachos, and an extensive selection of expertly crafted cocktails.
The open-air part of the bar was breathtaking, with 360° views of Manhattan's skyline. I was visiting New York just at the onset of fall, so the weather was beautiful. I spent most of my evenings here.
Pod 39 made New York City accessible. My everyday walk to the Grand Central Terminal was accompanied by a hot cup of coffee from Matto Espresso, Starbucks, or Gregory's Coffee. I took the subway on most days.
During my time in the city, I watched Wicked, a Broadway musical that had my heart, and ambled through Central Park with a hot dog in hand. I even stumbled upon Korea Town, right by Herald Street, where I had authentic kimbap from The Gochujang and ramen from Noon Noodles. I spent my Friday evening at the MOMA.
My stay at Pod 39 was unforgettable simply because it became my window to the city of my dreams. Unlike most hotels I had considered during booking, Pod 39 presented accommodations that were practical, enjoyable, and cozy, featuring all the essential amenities without unnecessary embellishments. This streamlined approach made it exceptional. The staff displayed courteousness and kindness, contributing to the overall positive experience. Situated in one of the finest neighborhoods within the borough, the hotel's rooftop proved to be not only picturesque but also perfect for sharing on Instagram.
Since then, I have stayed at Pod 39 many times and through different seasons—a clammy summer, a frozen winter, and even fall. The hotel has never disappointed me. And for a city like New York City, Pod 39 is almost like a hidden gem, especially for the modern traveller who prefers investing resources and time in experiences rather than lavish hotel amenities like coffee machines.
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