The Importance of Glass at the Arlo Hotel Nomad
Beds set into the cityscape, a stunning see-through rooftop floor and more
When glancing skyward from the base of the brand new Arlo Hotel Nomad, one notices an overhang composed of glass. It isn’t until guests step out on the spacious 31st floor outdoor bar that it becomes evident this is a small, transparent floor. It may be vertigo-inducing for some, but it’s more than an uncommon design flourish; it’s actually a telling indicator of the importance of glass throughout the micro-hotel. This material connects those inside of the hotel to the city outside with such vibrancy and openness that even the smallest rooms feel like they’re extending out toward nearby skyscrapers. And yes, the term micro-hotel makes clear these are not massive rooms—better suited for queen beds than kings—but from design to service, the impact of size isn’t as noticeable as you’d think. This is the second Arlo Hotel in NYC (the Arlo Hudson Square opened this September) but it’s just a 250-key property and inside all that glass there are plenty of other notable amenities.
What began over seven years ago with the Ace and now extends east to the Marmara Park Avenue is a telltale community surrounding the Nomad neighborhood’s considered development and burgeoning allure. It’s no longer void of acceptable accommodation. Rather, it’s lush with offerings—including the Nomad Hotel’s award-winning bar and the recently opened Rebury’s luxuriant pizza-driven restaurant Marta. And while this thriving ecosystem of refined hospitality has much to offer, there’s nothing quite like the Arlo. And like the others we’ve mentioned, it’s got pretty interesting food and drink options.
First, however, it’s necessary to touch upon the rooms. They are petite, but brightly lit thanks to the sheer amount of glass—with inlaid working windows. From the bed, especially in corner rooms, it feels as if one is floating on cloud in the sky, with views that feel startlingly close. There’s storage space underneath each bed. In lieu of closets, there are hooks and stow spaces. Dual clocks, set into the wall beside the bed, allow guests to set one to home time. The bathroom remains basic, but the rain shower head and The Blind Barber products certainly demonstrate attention to detail. This is a room primarily designed around the idea of a good night’s sleep and a sunny wake-up.
Rather than stuff the room with everything else, the hotel makes strong use of its additional public spaces. There is, of course, the rooftop bar known as “The Heights” which features neighborhood-inspired cocktails and 360 degree views of the city. But this is just the start. There’s a second floor bar and adjoining terrace, both with an authentic city energy—the terrace is surrounded by the exposed brick of buildings on either side, and fire escapes. It’s very Hitchcock’s Read Window, but happily so. And perhaps most fascinating of all, the large lobby contains an area known as the Bodega, where guests (or locals) can grab all sorts of NYC-centric food and drink items.
Perhaps the most exciting food addition, however, will be the restaurant Massoni. It’s spearheaded by Dale Talde (of Talde restaurant fame, who is also doing the snacks at the roof bar), as well as David Massoni and John Bush. They group is calling it a new “inauthentic Italian restaurant.” Talde furthers this by referring to it as “Italian-ish.” This means that there’s more than an American cuisine impact on it, but the idea of what’s at arm’s length ingredient wise. For instance, with Koreatown one block away, certain Korean spices will factor in. Listening to Talde describe the menu was so stimulating that we get the sense it will become another must-visit pizza and pasta destination in the city.
Choosing a hotel comes down to personal preference. At the Arlo Nomad, you’re getting a smaller room but access to skies around it. And as for food and drink, it’s about to offer up something fun, tasty and convenient for all types of day.
The Arlo Hotel Nomad is now accepting reservations for stays commencing on or after 20 November 2016, with rates starting at $199 a night.
Images by David Graver
