Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown Overview

Honestly, I walked past the Arlo Midtown about six times before I realized this sleek, narrow building was actually my hotel. It’s tucked right into that stretch of West 38th where Hell’s Kitchen starts getting interesting – you know, past the tourist traps but before you hit the really local spots where nobody speaks English to outsiders.

The lobby hits you immediately with this whole industrial-chic thing that actually works, unlike some places that try too hard. I mean, exposed brick and concrete sounds harsh, but they’ve got these warm wood accents and lighting that makes it feel more like a friend’s impossibly cool apartment than a hotel. The check-in was refreshingly quick – none of that “let me tell you about seventeen amenities you’ll never use” nonsense. What I really appreciated was how the front desk staff actually knew the neighborhood. When I asked about dinner, the guy didn’t just hand me a generic list but suggested this Ethiopian place two blocks over that I never would’ve found otherwise.

The rooms are compact – let’s be honest about that – but they’re designed by someone who clearly travels and knows what you actually need. The bed takes up most of the space, but it’s a good bed, and there’s this clever little workspace that folds out from the wall. The bathroom’s tiny but functional, with decent water pressure (always a gamble in older NYC buildings). Here’s what surprised me though: it’s remarkably quiet for being right in Midtown. I was expecting sirens and honking all night, but the windows actually block most of the street noise. You’ll hear the occasional fire truck, but nothing that kept me awake.

Location-wise, you’re basically equidistant from Times Square and the real Hell’s Kitchen, which means you can walk to all the touristy stuff but also grab a proper meal without fighting crowds. The A, C, E trains are right there at 42nd if you need to get downtown, and I found myself walking to Bryant Park pretty regularly just because it’s such an easy stroll. There’s a decent bodega on the corner – the kind where they know regulars’ orders – and honestly, that’s half the battle in this city.

The rooftop situation deserves a mention too. It’s not huge, but on a clear evening, you’ve got this great view toward the Hudson, and it never felt packed when I was up there. They’ve got a few tables and some of those fire pit things that make you feel like you’re not in the middle of eight million people for a minute.

Look, this isn’t the kind of place where you’re going to spend all day lounging around – the rooms are too small and there’s too much to do outside. But if you want somewhere clean, well-designed, and actually connected to the neighborhood rather than floating above it in some corporate bubble, the Arlo gets it right. I’ve stayed in plenty of places with more space and fancier amenities that felt completely disconnected from New York. This one feels like you’re actually staying in the city, not just visiting it.

Arlo Midtown Accommodations

Reviews of Arlo Midtown

• Michal from Israel (9/10)

  I was upgraded by the guy that checked me in.had a perfect stay

• Helen from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Good location based on our needs. Chilled vibes. Staff very good and friendly

• Daniel from United States (9/10)

  Great breakfast, both food and service.
  Great fitness center.
  Tiny room

• Susan from United States (9/10)

  I read the reviews and it sold me. The location is perfect. Close to everything but tucked away so the noise level is not bad at all. In fact it’s quiet at night! The hotel is beautiful, decorated perfectly and so functional and comfortable. The staff could not have been nicer and so helpful. They look like they enjoy their jobs. It was decorated beautifully for Christmas too. The food was outstanding. I cannot wait to go back!

• Martina from Ireland (9/10)

  Everything. Spotless clean. Absolutely Fantastic staff and super location. I can't fault anything.
  I particularly want to thank Mark, Richard and Jason for being so helpful when I lost a special momento that I bought as a souvenir and got personalised in Maceys. I had already left newyork when I realised it was gone. And I was very upset as this was a momento of our honeymoon . I called Arlo to see iff i left it the room but it wasn't there. They then went to maceys and got me an exact replica of the one I lost and posted it on to me. Service over and beyond what I expected. Thank you so much everyone for an Absolutely awesome honeymoon

• Graeme from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Fantastic location, great staff

• Sonya from Canada (9/10)

  Great location, quiet at night, helpful staff.

• Alan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location great.
  Manager very responsive about my complaint re 10% food/drinks however discount.

• Stephanie from United States (9/10)

  A beautiful property, wonderful staff and a location that's close to everything. The little cafe downstairs makes delicious coffee and has a nice selection of snacks. Check in was easy, many elevators made room access fast.

• Aleth from United States (8/10)

  I love the cozy vibes! I just love the simplicity of the aesthetics! The bathroom was awesome… & the water pressure in the shower = love love love!!! Felt so nice!!!

Surroundings

Facilities