Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown, New York City: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Arlo Midtown stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property in New York City, generally receiving positive acclaim for its stylish design, prime location, and engaging social spaces. It's often described as an "effortless and efficient" hotel with a "surprisingly personal touch."

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Arlo Midtown is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its overall value, dining options, and breakfast. The hotel maintains a strong rating, reflecting a delightful stay for many.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Arlo Midtown for several key features:

• Location: Its central position in the Garment District, often referred to as "Times Square South," is a major draw, offering easy access to many major attractions.
• Design: The hotel boasts elegant contemporary interiors by Meyer Davis, featuring a modernist-influenced style with rich textures like wood, leather, marble, and tile. The lobby's atrium-style design creates a sense of grandeur.
• Amenities: A buzzy rooftop bar with "insane views of New York City," a happening cafe and bar, a full-service restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center are frequently highlighted. The communal spaces are designed for co-working and socializing, transforming into a cocktail lounge at night. The hotel also features a 24-hour bodega for snacks and coffee.
• Service: The staff is often described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, contributing to a pleasant guest experience.

3. Room Quality

Arlo Midtown features 489 rooms spread across 26 floors. While some guests note the rooms can be "small" or "tiny," they are consistently described as "very clean" and "comfortable." The design is characterized as sophisticated, bright, cozy, chic, and minimalistic. Key room features include:

• Laptop-friendly workspaces and safes.
• Free WiFi and air conditioning.
• Eco-friendly toiletries.
• Many rooms offer spectacular city views, especially those with large windows or lounging banquettes.
• Bathrooms are efficiently designed, often with glass-enclosed showers.
• Some rooms include a refrigerated drawer and a steamer, though in-room beverage stations or concealed closet space might be absent. King Suites and the Arlo Suite (with a 270-square-foot terrace) offer more space.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a variety of dining options. There is an on-site restaurant, Altair, that serves both breakfast and dinner, a bar and lounge, and a café. Guest reviews speak highly of the dining options and breakfast. The coffee shop/cafe is noted as a perfect spot for a quick bite. While an adjacent property of the same brand, Arlo Nomad, had some reports of overpriced and not very good room service food, the on-site dessert at Arlo Midtown has been praised for its presentation and taste.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Arlo Midtown consistently receives praise for being "friendly" and "welcoming." Guests have highlighted the "wonderful front desk staff" and their accommodating nature, such as assisting with requests like popping microwave popcorn. Complimentary early check-in and late checkout are also offered if rooms are available.

6. Location & Accessibility

Arlo Midtown is strategically located in the Garment District, providing excellent accessibility to many of New York City's major attractions. It is situated between Times Square and Hudson Yards.

• Walking Distance: Guests can easily walk to Broadway, Bryant Park, FAO Schwarz, Macy's, Madison Square Garden, and Peloton Studios (10-12 minute walk).
• Public Transportation: The hotel offers easy access to public transportation, with 42 St. - Port Authority Bus Terminal Station just a 4-minute walk and 34 St. - Penn Station a 6-minute walk away. Taxis are also readily available.
• The area is generally considered safe, even for solo female travelers.

7. Value & Pricing

Prices for a one-night stay for two adults typically start from around $129 to €114 (approximately $148 USD), excluding taxes and fees. While rooms can be "pricey" at certain times, the hotel is generally considered to offer good value for money, especially given its location and amenities.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: The most frequent comment is that the rooms, particularly standard ones, can be quite small, with some comparing them to cruise ship cabins, noting limited closet and desk space.
• Elevator Wait Times: During peak times, especially on Friday or Saturday nights when the rooftop bar is busy, waiting for elevators can be a "nightmare."
• Neighborhood Nuances: The immediate area, while generally safe, does have a few homeless social service agencies, meaning guests might occasionally encounter individuals sleeping on the street or exhibiting signs of drug use.
• Past Utility Issue: One guest reported a temporary issue where the hotel ran out of water for 18 hours during their stay.

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