The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the views and location but consistently shocked by how small the rooms actually are.
Arlo Nomad
$150-350/ night
Book this if You want that viral 'floating in the sky' Instagram shot and don't mind living in a shoebox to get it.
Why People Love It
- The 'Sky' rooms with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows are genuinely breathtaking
- Rooftop bar A.R.T. NoMad offers Empire State Building views without the tourist trap lines
- Central location that puts you walking distance to Koreatown, Madison Square Park, and 5th Ave
Quick Take: A glorified, high-design dorm room with million-dollar views and paper-thin walls.
Reviewed by @malemalita: I stayed in the Sky King room and the views blew my mind. Even though the room is cozy, having those glass walls makes you feel like you're floating over Manhattan. It's the ultimate main character vibe for a weekend trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Urban Fee' feels like a cash grab unless you actually use the Citi Bike passes and off-site gym access.
- You are a solo traveler or a very close couple
- You prioritize views and photos over square footage
- You plan to spend 90% of your time exploring the city
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, but the tight spaces mean dust bunnies often survive under the bed.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though the glass walls show every smudge and water spot.
- Maintenance: Modern and new-ish, but high traffic leads to scuffed walls and worn carpets in hallways.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and white, though some guests report towels feeling a bit thin/scratchy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of Arlo's signature 'Deep Woods' scent; rooms are generally neutral but can trap food smells.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooftop bar bass on upper floors
- Slamming doors and hallway conversations
- Noisy HVAC units in some rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- There is NO on-site gym; you get a pass to New York Sports Club nearby.
- Luggage storage is available but the rooms have a 'secret' compartment above the closet for bags.
- The $35+ Urban Fee is mandatory and charged at check-in.
What to pack
- Earplugs/White noise machine (essential for thin walls)
- Packing cubes (to keep your explosion of clothes contained in the tiny space)
- Eye mask (the blackout curtains are good, but city light is bright)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sky King or Sky Queen (Corner rooms) — these are the only ones with the wraparound views.
- Floors 18-25 — high enough for views, low enough to avoid rooftop bass.
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms ending in -01 or -02 (often near elevators/service areas).
- Urban Queen rooms on low floors (views are of brick walls/alleys).
- 30th floor rooms (direct impact zone for rooftop noise).
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Sky' room on a mid-to-high floor (ideally 20-26) to maximize the view while avoiding rooftop noise. Please ensure the room is away from the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the view really like the photos?
Yes, but ONLY if you book a 'Sky' room. 'Urban' or 'City' rooms often just look at other buildings.
Can I fit two large suitcases?
Barely. You will likely have to store one under the bed or in the overhead cubby and live out of the other.
Is the rooftop bar free for guests?
Access is free, but you still have to pay for drinks, and it gets crowded with non-guests.
Does the bathroom have a door?
It has a glass sliding door that doesn't seal sound or sight completely. Privacy is minimal.
Is there room service?
No traditional room service, but there is a 24/7 Bodega in the lobby for snacks and coffee.
How bad is the elevator situation?
Bad. Expect to wait 5-10 minutes during peak times (morning checkout, evening bar rush).
Insider Tips
- ✨
There is a hidden luggage storage compartment located directly above the open closet/pegboard area — most guests miss it.
- ✨
The 'Urban Fee' includes Citi Bike passes; ask the front desk for the code immediately to save on subway fares.
- ✨
If the rooftop (A.R.T. NoMad) is too crowded, the 2nd-floor bar (BARlo) is often empty and has a nice terrace.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'glass floor' on the rooftop is terrifyingly cool but often covered by people taking selfies.
💡The HVAC units can be loud and rattle, acting as a white noise machine you didn't ask for.
💡You can hear your neighbors' conversations (and other activities) through the walls.
💡The shower pressure is surprisingly good for a micro-hotel.
💡The 'closet' is just a pegboard with a few hangers; don't bring a ballgown.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Arlo Nomad is located and what's nearby.