The Pod hotel has a good location with very tiny rooms - some with bunk beds and either shared or private bath - your choice. But the rates are rock bottom for clean, decent places.

Can't comment on storing luggage at JFK since I live here. I know there is one place that does so - believe you hae to take the shuttle bus. He should check the JFK web site for info.

Thanks ny. I was also surprised at the rates, and it should work out fine for 1 night.

We are doing the same in January and found the same rate at Affinia Shlebourne at at Pod39.

http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?name=Shelburne-Murray-Hill

Must use corp code FUZZY to get 10% off

Thanks Debit, I'll send him the suggestion.

We got a king room for $117 and then I got a pop up that gave me a free bottle of wine!

I just checked for his dates and Affinia comes up as $144 (after discount) vs Pod39 at $85; maybe the lower rates sold out. Of course it is a much nicer hotel.

What date does he need? Is he 21 or older? There is storage at JFK but they charge.
http://www.jfk-airport.net/luggage-storage.html

He is over 21 (I'm only helping out!) and knows there'll be a charge. I was wondering if anyone had experience with this. He arrives on 1/18 and leaves 1/19.

If he can find a way to get there with his luggage the HI Hostel is at 891 Amsterdam @ 103rd St. If you just need a place to sleep and take a shower, it will cost much less than $100/night.
Hostels also have a kitchen in case he wanted to cook and save a few dollars compared with going to a restaurant.

Thanks Tom. I'm sending him all the suggestions so he can decide.

Yes, but depending on how much luggage he has - a hostel might not be secure enough. OK for a back pack that fits inthe locker -but perhaps not for now.

Most HI Hostels have a luggage storage room near the front desk if the bag will not fit in a locker. Carry your own padlock for a locker and maybe a bicycle cable lock. http://www.hihostels.com/
IMHO HI hostels are better and more secure than the Backpackers or independent hostels.

I think he can win a 4* hotel for $100 plus tax bidding on Priceline for that night. There's a 4* secret sale on quikbook.com in Murray Hill for $105. You can see how small the room is at Pod 39 on quikbbok too.

Thanks mc, I appreciate the extra information. I don't know if he'd feel comfortable using Priceline but I'll mention the possibility to him.

He couldn't find a suitable connection which is why he decided on 2 separate tickets. The reason for the long layover is to avoid connections. He was originally going to stay at an airport hotel but found out about luggage storage which gives him the opportunity to have a few fun hours.

Unless his luggage is absolutely huge, he can probably manage and just take it the hotel via the Airtrain (Pod 39 is within walking distance of Penn Station, so that's his best and cheapest airport transit option (its a lot cheaper on weekends, when you can buy a City Ticket, so he should do that on Saturday). But if the bag is really huge, I see the allure in laveing it at the airport. I'm sure it will be safe enough to leave the suitcase at the airport.

I have stayed at both Pod hotels and think they are very good . The. Rooms are small but clean and very functional . I like them and recommend them . I'd stay at either one again for sure .

Thanks kodi; it is good to know you'd recommend them.

Doug, I think he'll have 1 large suitcase (long trip) and a smaller carryon so IMO he is better off storing the larger piece but it is up to him.

YMCA is $79

If you can get the Pod 39 for $85, it's a better deal than the YMCA and in a more convenient location. Tell him to try Kyo-chon for Korean Fried Chicken wings (corner 32nd/5th Ave).