Arlo Midtown Hotel Review: Boutique Design Meets Unbeatable NYC Location

Location, Location, Location

Arlo Midtown plants you firmly in the heart of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhood. The hotel's positioning is nothing short of strategic—you're steps from multiple subway and bus lines, making the entire city accessible within minutes. Theatre lovers will appreciate the easy stroll to Broadway's theatre district and Times Square's electric energy, while sports fans and concert-goers are just a short walk from Madison Square Garden. Hudson Yards' modern architecture and the iconic Empire State Building are equally close, giving you a roster of NYC's greatest hits right at your doorstep.

For travelers who want to maximize their time exploring rather than commuting, this location delivers. You're positioned at a true crossroads of Manhattan, where Midtown's business energy meets the creative pulse of the theatre district and the architectural ambitions of Hudson Yards.

What Makes Arlo Midtown Special

Arlo Midtown distinguishes itself through its layered approach to hotel hospitality. Rather than offering just a place to sleep, the property creates multiple experiences within one building. The ground floor houses The Restaurant at Altair, a destination dining spot that draws both hotel guests and neighborhood locals. For those seeking elevated views (literally), the rooftop is ranked among the top rooftop bars in Midtown—offering stunning vistas of lower Manhattan that are perfect for sunset cocktails or morning coffee with a skyline backdrop. While walk-ins are welcome, I'd recommend making a reservation during peak hours to secure your spot.

The hotel also caters to different moods and needs throughout your stay. The Bar Room on the first floor features chic decor and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces that feel more like a stylish living room than a traditional hotel bar. Need a quick caffeine fix or grab-and-go breakfast? The first-floor cafe handles your expedited needs without sacrificing quality.

What truly sets Arlo Midtown apart, however, is the staff. Across every space—from the front desk to the restaurant, bar, cafe, and rooftop—the team consistently delivers warm, thoughtful, and genuinely welcoming service. In a city that can sometimes feel transactional, this human touch makes all the difference.

Photo Credit: Alaina Gallagher

Amenities & Room Review

The Value Proposition

Here's where Arlo Midtown becomes particularly compelling: it's exceptionally well-priced for what you're getting. The combination of prime location, thoughtful design, and robust amenities typically commands much higher rates at comparable Midtown properties. You're getting boutique hotel style and service without the boutique hotel price tag.

Guest Perks

Arlo Midtown includes a complimentary Citi Bike pass for guests, giving you an excellent way to explore the city beyond the subway system. Whether you're biking along the Hudson River Greenway, cruising through Central Park, or simply navigating crosstown more efficiently, this perk adds both value and flexibility to your stay.

Room Options

The hotel offers thoughtful variety in its room configurations to suit different traveler needs:

Standard/Economy King rooms maximize efficiency but keep the larger bed
Urban/City King rooms give an increase in size from the standard King (room to walk around each side of the bed) with smart design
Terrace rooms provide private outdoor space—a rare commodity in Midtown
Double rooms accommodate friends or family traveling together
Suites offer additional space for those who want more room to spread out
Accessible rooms ensure the Arlo experience is available to all travelers

About the Urban & City King

Let's address the reality: the king room is small. But here's the thing—this is exactly as expected for NYC real estate, and Arlo Midtown has turned size limitations into a design showcase. The rooms are beautifully decorated with a keen eye for detail, and the layout is smartly engineered to maximize every square inch without compromising aesthetics.

You won't find wasted space or awkward corners. Instead, clever built-ins, strategic storage solutions, and multi-functional furniture create a room that feels intentional rather than cramped. The design team clearly understood the assignment: create a space that's visually appealing and functionally efficient for the modern traveler who spends more time exploring the city than lounging in their room.

The hotel's multi-floor amenity approach means you're never confined to your room. Whether you're working from the Bar Room, socializing on the rooftop, or fueling up at the cafe, Arlo Midtown extends your living space throughout the building.

Images above of lobby provided by property

Pro Tip:

Grab your complimentary Citi Bike pass at check-in and use it to explore neighborhoods beyond Midtown. The bikes make it easy to reach Central Park, the High Line, or the Hudson River waterfront without dealing with subway transfers. Also, take advantage of the ground-floor cafe for your morning routine—grabbing breakfast here and eating in one of the communal spaces lets you skip the rush of nearby coffee shops while still soaking in the NYC energy.

Not For You If...

You need significant in-room space for spreading out work materials. While the design is smart, the standard king rooms are genuinely compact. Consider upgrading to an urban/city king or suite if room size is a priority.
You prefer quiet, residential neighborhoods over high-energy urban centers. Midtown's proximity to Times Square and major transit hubs means street noise and constant activity are part of the package.
You're seeking a traditional luxury hotel experience with expansive rooms and extensive in-room amenities. Arlo Midtown leans into boutique efficiency and communal spaces rather than sprawling in-room luxury.