Arlo NoMad

Arlo Hotels has rapidly made its mark in the New York hotel scene and is one of the most stylish, accessible, and wallet-friendly upscale options that you'll find in town. The NoMad outpost opened its doors in early 2017 and since then has served as one of the more lively hotels in the booming NoMad district. Even being a relative newbie, this hotel gives destination properties like the nearby Ace Hotel a run for its money. By day, the Arlo's common areas -- including a lobby lounge, Dale Talde-helmed restaurant, co-working spaces, and other homey nooks -- buzz with hotel guests and locals stopping in for coffee, a drink, or some nourishment. That constant activity helps make this property feel alive and social, though its all cut through with a light-hearted and open vibe -- it's more "see and be" rather than "see and be seen." Artwork by local artist Ryan Humphrey cuts a bold and bright swath through the property, which is otherwise outfitted in sober hues, lots of natural wood, and a softened industrial-chic style. The events and programming here -- from the wildly popular seasonal rooftop to quirky events like burlesque shows and knitting sessions -- only adds to the locals-only appeal. Expect to see all types of travelers at the Arlo NoMad, though most come as solo travelers, couples, or pairs of friends -- the rooms are compact, after all.

For tourists wanting to bed down amid one of Manhattan's most prototypical, busy, and trendy neighborhoods, the NoMad location of this hotel is hard to beat. To be clear: NoMad is a realtor-developed neighborhood that means the part of Midtown north or Madison Square Park. The hotel actually sits at the convergence of multiple neighborhoods, including Murray Hill, Herald Square, and Korea Town, putting all manner of bars, restaurants, and cafes within a five-minute walk. However, NoMad as a neighborhood has of-late become known for luxury boutiques and lifestyle brands, as well as plenty of trendy design shops. There are numerous other high-end hotels in the area, and the brand-name shops of Herald Square -- including the world's most famous Macy's -- are under a 10-minute walk away. The Empire State Building is within a four-block walk, situated just west of the hotel on Fifth Avenue. There are numerous subway stations within a five-minute walk of the hotel as well. Bryant Park and the New York Public Library are a 15-minute walk to the north, while Madison Square Park (home to the original Shake Shack) is a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction. From Herald Square, it's just one subway station to Times Square -- a trip that shouldn't take more than 15 to 20 minutes all in. Taxis are readily available in the area, and trips to JFK, Laguardia, or Newark Liberty Airports can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. 

There's no denying that rooms here are small -- in fact, the hotel openly admits that fact. However, bright white bed linens, handsome wood accents, and sober colors (plus massive windows letting in plenty of natural light) create spaces that are fresh, contemporary, and cozy. Design tricks are employed to help make storage a breeze, even with space at a premium. There are proper (if doorless) closets, retractable hanging hooks, under-bed storage, and compartments for luggage to make sure guests can keep rooms clutter free. The sleek lines contribute to the overall effect -- which is only amplified in rooms on higher floors. While you'll have to pay a higher premium for them, it's worth it. Nearly a quarter of the hotels rooms are corner units with dual-aspect windows, and the Sky Rooms have jaw-dropping city skyline views, many directly onto the Empire State Building. Bed options include bunk beds, queens, and kings. Standard features include minibars, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, free Wi-Fi, electronically controlled blinds, flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth alarm clocks/speakers, phones, hairdryers, and clothing steamers. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, though the frosted-glass partitions from the main body of the room might not please couples or friends traveling together. Even so, they include walk-in showers and spacious vanities, plus bespoke Blind Barber bath products. Accessible rooms are available. Despite the lively social vibe at the hotel and the busy neighborhood, rooms are well soundproofed and stay quiet. 

Like its sister hotel in Hudson Square, the Arlo NoMad is all about giving travelers an only-in-New-York experience. To that end, you'll find all sorts of neat perks and events, plus great food and beverage offerings, at this hotel. There's Massoni Bodega in the lobby that slings fresh, excellent coffee by La Colombe as well as locally inspired snacks and light bites (including popular pizzas). The official restaurant, Massoni, is helmed by Dale Talde of "Top Chef" and local dining-scene fame. A breakfast buffet of fresh juices, authentic cured meats, and other hot and cold options is served every day (but not included in rates). Lunch and dinner are popular affairs for locals and guests alike, with a menu that riffs on Italian fare, including signature Talde twists. Special events with guest chefs and themes like Sunday Supper are also regular affairs.The social vibe at the hotel is fostered by its bars as well, including Barlo (on the lower floors) and The Heights, the hotel's rooftop terrace. Barlo has a cocktail menu inspired by the city's subway system and open year round, while The Heights is open during warm weather. Keep in mind that The Heights can get extremely busy -- but that's justified. The open-air bar has one of the city's best views of the Empire State Building, as well as skyscrapers in every direction. What's more? There's a glass-bottom overhang that provides vertigo-inducing vantages to the street, which is dozens of stories below. Back inside, quirky events in the past have included burlesque shows and knitting nights, which are either free, have limited free tickets for guests, or come with a reasonable price tag. Should you need more local tips, there's a wall where previous guests leave suggestions on what to see and do in the city.While there is no fitness center or spa on-site, the hotel provides free access to a New York Sports Club that's within a five-minute walk. There are also limited free passes to local training facility Tone House. The hotel hosts yoga as well, which takes place on the roof in the summer -- rates are far lower than you'll find at other yoga studios in Manhattan. Designer gym clothes can also be rented through Routinely, should you not pack your own. Free bikes are available in season, though supplies are limited.The Studio is the hotel's living room-slash-meeting space (though meetings also take place on the second floor terrace and elsewhere when available). The space can be sectioned off into smaller areas, and is tricked out with AV equipment, charging ports, and TV panels that are hidden within the decor. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is no on-site parking, though some rates do include parking packages.