PodShare

So there is Podshare Hollywood and Podshare DTLA. And they are fairly different with one much better than the other.
Podshare Hollywood only has capacity for maybe six or seven people. There are just two pods, a couch, a couple roll out beds and the loft, where I slept for a few nights. The loft is placed above the small soundproof room used for recording, but can double as a private booth for phone calls or the like. The whole space is a single room with kitchenette and bathroom attached. Bathroom has a good large shower but water doesn’t get terribly hot.
In the main room there are a few computers to work on as well as two large tables with many power outlets underneath. Podshare Hollywood is a really great place to stay if you can afford to pay a little more and you’re looking for a quiet area to work during the day and lay your head at night. The kitchen has a shared food shelf, tea and coffee with a kettle and all the little utensils you need.
There is ample bars and restaurants located all around the Hollywood location so if you’re in need of something a little more social there are places to go. This place is definitely more suited to the stay-​in and work type rather than the go-​hard and party type. Further, linen was provided including a sheet, towel and blanket, and then an extra duvet when it got cold.
Podshare DTLA is a little different. For starters, there are 20 pods in the one large space. There are just two bathrooms which can make things a little hectic at peak times, and can mean you don’t get any hot water if you leave it too late to shower. There’s also only a sheet and pillow provided, no duvet or blankets, so bring something to keep warm with.
With so many people sleeping in the same room you can feel a little exposed at times. Unlike Hollywood which had the soundbooth for a little privacy, in DTLA you won’t ever not be in the company of another, so if this is an issue perhaps consider other options. Also there’s no windows which means you’re under florescent light constantly. The working conditions aren’t as ideal here, only two small desks to operate from under the artificial light. While you can work from your pod the beds aren’t great for sitting in and my TV which did have Netflix wouldn’t adjust volume. During the day the front garage door is opened which means in theory anyone can walk in or out.
There were a few less amenities in DTLA around the locale. There is a Starbucks a short walk away which I frequented for hotwater as Podshare here had no kettle, only an electric stove to boil water. Little Tokyo isn’t far which is good for tasty Japanese food but if you’re looking for bars there’s really only one or two within short walking distance.
When I stayed in Hollywood I quite enjoyed the feel of the place and was able to get work done and then go out for different food each night, or cook if I liked. While I was there the host would remind me a number of times how good it was in Downtown and how I should definitely stay there if I got the chance. Once I got to the DTLA location though I almost felt as if I had been cycled out of Hollywood and shunted to the cheaper option. It’s as if they pull you in a little with the safe and relaxed atmosphere of the Hollywood Pods and the move you onto the more intense experience of the DTLA venue to keep Hollywood available for the next customer.
Overall the Podshare experience was an interesting one to try and definitely different from a usual hostel. It might be an improvement to divide the space a little more in DTLA, perhaps let in some natural light and improve the kitchen facilities. Some more linen even as an option to rent would be good for travelers like me who rely on the host to provide some warmth.
My tip is to stay in the Hollywood venue if at all possible and avoid the DTLA one unless you need to be Downtown specifically. It’s not a terrible place to stay but there’s enough at issue to definitely preference Hollywood higher. For the price Downtown it’s worth considering but be prepared to be at times a little uncomfortable and never without someone else around.

I meant to review this place 2 summers ago.
In short, I was scammed on an airbnb place. While I waited for Airbnb to sort it all out (which they did) these guys at Podshare took us in with open arms. We got a private bunk room and the boys were thrilled bc of the balcony in room.
The hearts and hospitality of these guys is priceless.
It’s clean comfy and safe. I would definitely recommend Podshare and have.

I just did two stays here in a 4 day span over Thanksgiving week. I had some issues but I’m not sure they are indicative of everyone’s stay hence the 4 stars and not lower.
PROS–
Price — Can’t be beat. $ 50 a night. That gets you a bed, a swivel TV and roku.
The Pod Itself — The pod itself is spacious with room for a few bags. The bed is comfortable as hell and there is a power strip for all your gadget charging needs.
Parking — $ 10 for overnight parking. This is a steal. The lot is located right next to PodShare. It’s open until 2:30am and the closes until 8am. When it’s closed it’s in a gate secured lot so if you’re traveling with lots of bags that you don’t want to lug into PodShare you should be safe.
Location — It’s right between Sunset and Hollywood so there are plenty of places to check out like Arclight theater with their sweet dome. An awesome Amoeba Records is also within a 5 minute walk. The famous Roscoes Chicken and Waffles is within a 10 minute and of course the Hollywood Walk of Fame is right there. A Chase bank and a Walgreens (with a pseudo grocery store inside) are also within a very short walk. Lots of great food places as well.
Staff — The staff couldn’t have been better. Everyone was excellent, especially the lady on my second stay who looks like Kiera Knightly. They are incredibly friendly and will make recommendations regarding food and things to do in the area.
CONS —
Noise — For what amounts to an alley the street PodShare is located on is noisy as ****. I highly recommend either ear plugs or noise canceling headphones for sleep time. The other source of noise is your pod mates. There is no curfew so people might be coming back at all hours and aren’t always the best about being courteous to people sleeping.
Privacy — Or lack there of. This wasn’t an issue for me but be aware that these are OPEN pods so people can look in on you at all times and vice versa. So if you dislike the idea of people being able to watch you sleep then you might want to reconsider.
Bathroom — There is only one. I repeat, there is only one bathroom. There is No separate restroom. Just the one bathroom. So plan your showers strategically. Also don’t be the douchebag who takes over the bathroom for 30 minutes or more without at least asking if anyone else needs to use the facilities.
All in all I enjoyed my time there and will probably look to use them again if I’m in the area. There were some issues but now I know and knowing is half the battle.

How to classify it:
— Deluxe hostel
— Social hotel
Think oversized hostel dorm bunks with the nicest amenities and interior you’ve ever had in a hostel.
Bathroom review: I forgot to take pictures! But it’s one of the coolest bathrooms ever — polished concrete + glass shower + high ceilings + massive mirror + tons of room and plenty of places to hang things. Only one for the whole operation, but that never became a problem for me. Oh yeah, and super duper clean. So fresh and so clean.
Elvina, you rock!

In short: It’s a hostel in Hollywood that offers dormitory bunks.
The good: Almost too much to name. The owner is ultra-​friendly and so is the rest of the staff, which made us feel at home instantly. The kitchen is great and stocked with snacks, the whole place is very clean, the beds were comfy and had a personal flat screen on which you can watch Netflix, Hulu, play Angry Birds, you can borrow bikes or a skateboard, it’s within easy walking distance of the Pantages, Amoeba Records, the Walk of Fame, tons of great restaurants and coffee houses and a Metro station.
The bad: When you have to pee, waiting for somebody to get out of the shower is a bummer.
The ugly: The area is home to a lot of homeless. But hey, that’s all part of Hollywood’s charm, right?

Really enjoyed my stay. Within walking distance of the Hollywood Bowl (15 mins) — if you’re going to a show there, this is a great, clean, and easy (and friendly) place to stay.
Lots of food options within a quick walk.
If you’re bringing a car (then I’d give it 4 stars), see below…
Not a huge fan of the parking situation — but welcome to L.A. There is parking on the same block, I’d recommend using a different parking lot, though. This lot keeps your keys and will move your car between two lots. I’d rather have the peace of mind to park my own car knowing where it is and that I’m fully responsible for it. I had a problem with the lot and… after some wrangling… Podshare was able to make the situation right, very much appreciated.

My short stay at PodShare was hands down the best way to begin 2014. Trying to decide my favorite part of the experience is nearly impossible, although what I will remember the most is the amazing new connections I have made in just under three days.
The staff are so welcoming I never wanted to leave, and my fellow «podestrians» quickly became my new besties! ;)
Although I felt a bit timid upon arriving, within hours of starting my Hollywood trip, I felt right at home. Dancing down the street with Spencer and Ryan was amazing… and of course quite a relief knowing I had friends to help me find my way back to PodShare safely!
One night they had a comedy night, which exceeded any and all expectations and left my cheeks sore and happy!
All in all staying at PodShare enhanced my experience in Hollywood, and having my cozy clean Pod to come back to every night assured a stress free trip. I only hope there will be room for me at PodShare every time I am in the area. Thank you to everyone at PodShare for sharing the perfect adult slumber party to the world!

After some problems booking, I stayed at podshare. My experience was quite positive.
As a hotel, pod share is quite a good deal. The location is excellent, the beds were clean, and the pod spaces provided more of a sense of privacy and personal space than is typical at hostels.
The staff of pod share are also quite friendly, and do a good job of introducing people. During my stay people went out to a Fatboy Slim concern (we were given free tickets). The crowd at Pod Share tends to the younger side, though, so geezers may feel a bit out of place.
At the same time, even if you are not interested in taking part in hostel-​organized events, the connections that Pod Share helps to make between «Podestrians» (I think they should embrace the term «pod people» myself) contributes to a more harmonious environment. That benefits everybody, even those simply looking for a quiet night’s rest.
One slight caution — same day booking is risky with podshare because they have few employees, and are not able to constantly update the number of available rooms on their website.

I stayed here twice. There is a real personal touch about this hostel where the owner has paid attention to small details such as communal hygiene products, communal food, free ear plugs, custom TVs in each pod. It is a very tight knit experience each time you stay there because the place is open concept so you can get to know everyone who stays there if you want. Definitely go play dodgeball if you get a chance it feels like you are in a music video lol. Hands down best hostel I stayed in over my 6 weeks away!

I had the pleasure of experiencing this place on a Saturday night. The service was great, the sleeping areas were super clean, the guests were super friendly. My expectations were constantly exceeded (and I’ve stayed at a lot of hostels).
Also, I realized this place is a great place to rent out for a retreat or a night out in Hollywood. For a price comparable to a high-​end rooms (fit 4 maybe?) in one of the posh hotels, you can rent the entire place that sleeps 14! Imagine having a place to crash in the heart of Hollywood with a slumber party feel. I can’t wait to rent it out.

I stayed here this past weekend for one night and it was much better than expected. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing close to luxurious however the experience itself was awesome! There were some very cool folks staying here. And while it can be loud outside, when I came back late Friday night everyone was already asleep and it was dead quiet. There wasn’t even anyone snoring!
Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because upon arrival I was not able to pay my balance by credit card. I was advised that the credit card scanner has been down for a while and that I would need to pay by cash. While going back and forth with them, I received a $ 73 parking ticket out front while parked in a space that was not marked with red paint. I understand that things happen and sometimes technology does not work as it should, however, if it has been down for a while I should not have received an e-​mail before check in stating that I can pay via cash or card.

For my first trip to Hollywood all by myself I wanted to stay somewhere reasonable and fun. — I scoured the internet for places and read every review known to the internet. — And I’m glad I came across Podshare. — I checked in and was greeted with a warm welcome and a smiling face. — And a wonderful dog!!! — The tour was fun and friendly, and everyone staying there was great! — I was given the opportunity to hang out and play dodge ball! (I didn’t take the opportunity, but what fun to have been invited!) — I only stayed one night, but it was a great night… I checked out at 5 in the morning, and it was pretty easy (if you know how to use a door!) All I really had to do was pack my stuff and leave! — They offer a fridge where you can store «just for you» stuff and there’s a «community» area where everyone shares everything. — It was a wonderful experience and everyone is friendly and I recommend it for everyone who wants to stay in a hostel… Having never stayed in one it was a great first experience; one which I will do in the future on my next visit to the neighborhood!!! — Thank you Podshare, and thank you Elvina for making my (1 day) stay fantastic! (And for helping figure out how to open a door at 5AM!!)
Many Thanks!!!

Elvina was very easy person, cool and very kind. She accepted to host me at
her Podshare which is a great idea for hosteling and networking between
young people. Friendly staff. GL with your next project :-)

Warning: This is going to be a long one. If you are looking for lodgings in LA, I encourage you to read about my experience at PodShare.
PodShare is fucking awesome. I had the most wonderful experience here. Elvina, the lively and lovely owner of PodShare, is such a sweetheart and goes the extra kilometer for her «podestrians.» She loves to hang out with her podestrians and make sure everyone is happy and everything is taken care of. The employees are very chill and love to get to know the customers. This is not just a hostel. This place feels like a home.
There is free «community» food for anyone to enjoy, either bought by Elvina or left by past podestrians. Things like cereal, bread, candy, ramen, cooking spices, milk, etc. are available for everyone. Also you are free to cook your own meals; there are pots and pans as well as miscellaneous things like plastic bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, things you’d find in a home. The bathroom is very clean and there are tons of free shampoos, conditioners, and body washes for you to use. Not to mention they have towels for you.
There are 8 single beds and 2 queen-​sized beds. Each pod has tons of outlets, a TV, a shelf, a hook, and a hanger. The pods are very comfy. You can also choose to sleep on a cot for $ 30 a night (Elvina calls them «AirPods,»).
Free things you can use at PodShare:
Slippers
Blindfold
Towels
Blankets
Ironing Board
Computers + Printing
Food
Kitchen Ware
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Nail polish remover
Board games
Books
Things you can rent for cheap:
An iPhone 4 for $ 10/​day
Bicycle
Parking space at the parking lot next door. $ 10/​day but only 2 cars max. can be from PodShare
Taxi service
Laundry for $ 5
Lock (for the lockers) for $ 3
The location is AWESOME. It is close to so many different places (Trader Joe’s, Hollywood Blvd, Providence, burger joints, Sapp Coffee Café, Griffith Observatory, etc.). Plus it’s close to some bus stops.
I’ll never forget the community aspect of this place. I met people from all walks of life and we loved to explore LA and hang out together. Some people love this place so much, they get PodShare tattoos!
Because this place is so «chill» and has a huge community aspect, this place is more suited for the younger, energetic crowd, but anyone and everyone is welcome at PodShare. It can get loud as times because the employees and the customers like to chat and watch movies together, so just tell them to be quiet. The only con to this place is that there is only one bathroom so you will have to wake up earlier if you want to take a shower. If I ever find myself vacationing in LA again, I’d definitely want to book with PodShare.

I’m kinda surprise they’re so many five stars rating. maybe it’s some «magic» that Unilocal is doing. My review is probably gonna be blocked due to low stars. Anyway, here is the review.
It is really noisy here. I stay here on Fri and Sat night. I went to bed at 11 and couldn’t fall sleep until 3PM due to the noise. Across from this place is a some kind of club so in the evening (after 1PM), you can hear people talk, yelling, and even fighting outside. On Saturday night, it was 1AM and people in the hostel were watching movie with the volume up to the maximum.
the place is nice and organize. no street parking in the evening so if you’re driving, this place is not a good place to stay overnight.
When I checked in, i didn’t have any cash with me so i pay with my credit card. the lady at the front desk took a picture of my credit card for some reason. today, my bank just told me that someone in California is using my credit card number to purchase a $ 1000 worth of items. Maybe it was just a coincidence or maybe someone at the hostel use my card to purchase stuffs. who knows.

Let’s start with the pros. It’s a great idea. I travel a lot, have stayed at hostels, couchsurfed, hotels, campsites… the works. I’m still friends with many people I met at hostels or while couchsurfing more than 5 years after my first trip! So, I’m not thinking it’s me. I was really, really excited about the concept. I was bragging about finding out about this place before I left and even got my friends interested. I had a few days in LA for fun and to attend a concert down the street. I liked having my individual sleep space with a TV and power outlets and pretty comfortable bed. Fantastic location and managed to find free street parking a few blocks away everyday. There was a great Farmers Market just on the main road during the weekend and The Fonda is a couple blocks away. Amoeba Music is around the corner for the music enthusiasts. The price for the location is incredible.
On the other hand, I didn’t have the same experience as everyone else, it seems. Not sure if it was just a bad week for the staff or the other «podestrians,» but everyone was pretty self-​involved. No one staying there talked to each other. There were a few people there on what looked to be solely work purposes, wearing suits and heading out early and coming back early evening. The staff all sat on the sofa and behind the desks all day and night. The doors were left open all night and they played music loudly… all night. I don’t mind a fun atmosphere, but I really felt for the people in town on work. I did have to wake up early some morning and relied on the provided ear plugs and melatonin to survive. It seemed like the staff just invited their friends out and they’d party in the entryway all night. I know, I sound like a grumpy old man, but it seemed a bit extreme at 5am having movies and music blasting. All the beds were full everyday, some with 2 – 3 people and there were several air mattresses on the ground each night. People would come in, ask if they had availability, they’d look around and say sure, if they didn’t mind sharing an air mattress. It was a maze trying to walk around without stepping on someone. All these sharing one bathroom, it was a mess! You had to run when it was open to get there first.
I was so sad that I didn’t like it. I think the owner tried hard to set it up, but I only saw her around once or twice, no one introduced themselves to me. I hate having to leave this review, but felt it was necessary. Not sure if I would return. I’ve gone back to LA several times since staying there last year and have done a hotel or crashed with friends or airbnb with locals, all better experiences. Sorry. :/

If you are traveling alone or with a small group and need a cheap, fun, progressive place to stay in the heart of Hollywood, I recommend Podshare.
Podshare is awesome. I came from Austin, TX for an interview in LA. I came alone, didn’t want a hotel because I was trying to save money… Podshare couldn’t have been more perfect for my needs. It is cheap ($ 35 I was on the air pod) and the time I spent there I met so many cool people, for instance the people that work there (Mikee and Stephen) as well as the other people in the pod, «podestrians».
I was honestly a little nervous at first, for my safety, for the safety of my belongings. When I first arrived I was a little nervous and everyone was mostly gone, going about their day. As I came back in the evening, only 10 minutes into hanging out with everyone I felt instantly at home. The majority of podestrians are international travelers, worldly cultured individuals or aspiring actors/​creatives getting their feet wet and starting off in LA. There is good security so that people on the street cannot enter. Everyone is very respectful as we all shared 1 bathroom, a kitchen and communal sleeping space.
Podshare thinks of everything they have soap, shampoo, curling irons (for girls) and the most awesome is tons of maps, magazines and «things to do in LA» that helped me tremendously as I found myself with 8 hours of nothing to do on my first day. additionally, they have a driver (Stephen) who can help you get around time cheaper than a cab. He was incredibly helpful and taught me all the ins and outs of the city.
I would very much recommend this place, whether traveling alone, with a group or going for a long or short stay!
Only drawback: Decent sized locker to hold your stuff, but if you shop (like me) and find yourself overflowing with crap, there is not a secure place to put it. However, like I said, everyone is respectful and I left an entire bag of my good clothes/​shoes out in the common area for the whole stay and even as I was in and out no one touched it. So it was fine!

I came to this location for their PodCom show, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything here. I’ve never been to a hostel before, but this place is a lot better than what I would have imagined one would be – probably because they have almost everything you need here.
The feel to this place is urban and modern, no doubt. It’s a small space overall, but I’m still impressed by the set up here. Each «pod» has everything: Television (monitors), bed, outlets, light, cup holder, towel holder, white board, guard rails for the top bunk.
Immediately, you can tell that Elvina (The owner) has put in a lot of thought and consideration for anyone who plans to stay here because very rare do I feel a living space, such as this, very homely.
Honestly, it actually feels more comfortable than some hotels I’ve been to and even dorm rooms back in college. I’m glad LA has something like this place because I’ve heard stories from friends how they’ve stayed in various places across the U.S. and met great people at them but never mention anything about the place they stay at. However, I think this is one place that people will remember and talk about in addition to the people they’d meet here.

If you’re an extrovert, you will love The PodShare.
However, in my four days and three nights here, there were a couple of people who only strayed from their personal pods to use the bathroom or get something to eat. So being an extrovert isn’t a must.
However if you are looking for intense privacy, then you may want to think twice about staying at the PodShare. Note I use the word «intense.» You can have privacy here, people will respect that. But that’s not what the PodShare is all about.
The PodShare is a hip, trendy hostel where 10 people can stay the night, get to know each other and make new friends. At minimum, podestrians walk away with great memories while staying in a unique space.
Your pod is a glorified bunk bed, separated by three wooden walls, where you have your own flat-​screen TV, reading light, white board to leave a pithy quote for the next «podestrian,» a shelf and small space to put your suitcase or backpack.
When I first read about the PodShare, I thought it seemed Japanese in concept, and it turns out it is very much like the capsule hotels there.
Each bed has jersey knit sheets with a warm blanket and two pillows, one foam and one feather. More blankets are available if needed.
Wi-​Fi is included in the price of a night’s stay and has a strong signal.
Each flat screen TV comes with a subscription to Roku so you can watch Netflix, and other on-​demand services with TV shows and movies, music, news. Don’t forget your ear puds so you don’t disturb your neighbors, or better yet, invite them over to watch something with you.
But seriously, who has time? You’re at the PodShare in the middle of the happenist part of LA.
The owner, Elvina Beck, does a great job of creating activities when the occasion deems it appropriate to engage podestrians to participate in a collective project. I was fortunate to be there for the making of the 2012 Christmas video. It was fun to watch the evolution of the video as more podestrians arrived and joined in the fun.
Elvina is passionate about the PodShare, and it shows. It’s not perfect, but gradually she is working out the kinks, always looking for ways to improve the experience.
The PodShare has a great little kitchen complete with cooking supplies and community food stuffs. Each podestrian has his or her own half shelf for food in the frig. Coffee, cereal, and pancake mix is available for an informal, DIY breakfast.
A couple of downsides to staying at the PodShare. There isn’t a dining area, though you can find a place to sit in the front entrance/​reception area, either on the couch or along the bar, which can also be used for those with laptops to work and charge electronic devices or a place to sit and socialize. The only issue here is that you run the risk of getting caught up in the swarm of those checking in. This space, though small, doubles as a movie venue with Netflix, Vimeo or other videos projected on the far wall.
The modern-​designed bathroom, though lovely, needs to be split up into at least two private areas, so someone can use the toilet at the same time another person is using the shower or needs a place to change clothes. The bathroom is the only private area, and given the co-​ed, open nature of the PodShare, most people may be inclined to change clothes in there, too, instead of their pod. The pod probably isn’t the best place to change clothes.
Elvina said that during high-​use times, she has bathrooms upstairs which podestrians can use, located in one of several lofts she owns, which can be rented for overnight stays or by the month.
«I have a rule of never say no,» Elvina said. If all the pods are booked up for the night, and you really need a place to stay, she’ll bring out an air mattress, and you can sleep on one for $ 25 per night.
The PodShare provides laundry for a reasonable $ 5, and do a great job.
It has an iPhone for rent, which is mainly an option for foreigners.
And there’s a Nissan Leaf available if you need a car. The rental price is a suggested donation, and a driver is provided.
There are three free computers.
The PodShare has a person who solely does housecleaning, so it’s a priority. «With 10 people using the bathroom and kitchen, a clean space is pertinent,» Elvina said.
There is a bank of personal lockers to put belongings when you feel the need to secure items for more safety. I have to admit, I found this place to be safe and secure. There are also two surveillance cameras. One trained on the front entrance and reception area and one focused on the pods.
For after hours, guests access the place by using a security keypad.
If only one woman is staying the night, then Elvina and another female staff member stay downstairs with the guests, so the woman feels comfortable.
Right now, they only accept cash. No credit cards.
The location is excellent, being within two blocks from the most popular part of Hollywood Boulevard and just three blocks from the Hollywood/​Vine Metro Red Line stop.

As though the previous reviews didn’t count, I’ll repeat what EVERYONE else said… The PODS are AWESOME! Elvina (owner) is a very helpful, accommodating and creative when it comes to her business. If you want something chill, trendy and safe in the area go with the Pods. Elvina has put A LOT of TLC into the Pods & she has very well delivered a peaceful and hip spot for guest to enjoy!
I’ve suggested this to friends and they always feel welcome & leave with the greatest remarks about this place!