Local Expert Michael Webster shares what you must see and do when visiting Arlo SoHo & Arlo NoMad located in one of the greatest cities on earth!
Q: What makes New York City such a great LGBT destination?
A: There’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner, or an over-the-top, LGBT burlesque show, New York has it all.
Q: What’s one thing that NYC offers that you can't find anywhere else?
A: Each neighborhood has its own unique energy, which is really special. Walking along Arthur Avenue in the Bronx makes you feel like you’re in old-town Italy, but the Lower East Side gives you that true NYC gritty vibe. It’s a hundred little cities all within one.
Q: What are the top five reasons for LGBT travelers to visit your city and stay with Arlo?
A: 1. Arlo’s hotels are located in two of the coolest, most innovative neighborhoods in the city: NoMad and Soho.
2. Our rooms are perfectly sized for traveling duos, efficiently designed to provide a comfortable, cozy stay.
3. For fans of seasonal American cuisine, Harold’s at Arlo SoHo is a can’t-miss dining experience. The surprise mini ice cream cones at the end of the meal are darling!
4. Massoni at Arlo NoMad has “Italian-ish” cuisine, taking classic Italian dishes and putting a sexy twist on them, courtesy of Top Chef alum Dale Talde.
5. We bring the best of the surrounding neighborhoods into the hotels. From our Real Sexy Variety Party (R.S.V.P.) to Surfset rooftop yoga, we have it all.
Q: Arlo SoHo & Arlo NoMad boast “micro” guest rooms that feature “playful” touches. Can you share more about all the wonderful, fun possibilities packed into each of these spaces?
A: Our guest rooms have space-saving efficiencies that make life easier, like a mini steamer instead of a full ironing board, cozy Jefferson-style beds surrounding the beds in our King rooms, and convenient fold-down desks. Playful touches are packed everywhere possible, like the Tic-Tac-Toe boards outside of the elevators on each floor for waiting guests, and our Dylan’s Mini Candy Bar in the lobby of Arlo SoHo.
Q: We know that Arlo Hotels has partnered with Tone House® to provide guests convenient, authentic fitness experiences while on the go. Can you tell us more about this amazing relationship and all that your visitors can expect?
A: Monday-Thursday each week, guests at Arlo NoMad can enjoy complimentary guest passes to Tone House, one of NYC’s toughest workouts! Get ready to sweat in this athletic, sports-based workout.
Q: Both Arlo SoHo and Arlo NoMad offer Priority Bicycles. Why—in your opinion—is bicycling one of the best ways to venture around NYC?
A: Because you can take twists and turns down all of New York’s storied streets! Cabs almost never go down the truly charming streets. With our Priority Bicycles, travelers can travel with almost no restrictions, and get a workout in while they’re at it.
Q: Arlo SoHo and NoMad feature spectacular wine ‘n dine experiences. If you could pick one cocktail and dish at Harold’s, The Rooftop Bar, Massoni, and BARlo, what would they be?
A: Harold’s - The Double Cheeseburger! To die for.
Arlo Roof Top at Arlo SoHo - Frosé of course.
Massoni - The deep-dish pizzas are so good and so filling.
BARlo - The Prospect Heights uses matcha-infused green tea vodka. So. Good.
Q: Other than these fine eateries, what are some of your favorite nearby restaurants that you would recommend to guests?
A: I absolutely love Westville, Aqua Grill, and MAMO.
Q: In terms of location, what makes each Arlo property so great?
A: Arlo NoMad is perfect for travelers who want a central location, close to all the major subway lines for convenient transportation to any of NYC’s five boroughs. Arlo SoHo is good for second-timers who are looking for something a little quieter and closer to downtown Manhattan’s evolving neighborhoods like Soho, TriBeCa and the West Village.
Q: There’s A LOT happening at Arlo in terms of exciting events. Which, in your opinion, are some of the MUST-dos?
A: We have “Movie Nights” every Monday and Tuesday at Arlo SoHo, which is great for a low-key evening with friends. The Real Sexy Variety Party (R.S.V.P.) at Arlo NoMad is the must for a crazy, fun evening among talented singers, dancers, magicians, burlesque performers and more. You never know what you’re going to get.
Q: What is your favorite bar/club in the area? Any LGBT-specific attractions?
A: I enjoy Whiskey Tavern and Ear Inn...I like Boxers as one of the LGBT bars, and Pauls Casablanca. Any show that Company XIV is putting on is a must-see too!
Q: We know Arlo hosts some of the most fantastic weddings around NYC. Why should LGBT love birds choose SoHo or NoMad for their special day?
A: Arlo is perfect for an intimate affair with close friends and family. The approachable atmosphere of both of our hotels appeals to all types of wedding guests, and the comfortable rooms are perfect for crashing post wedding! Our food & beverage are phenomenal, so the catering of all of our weddings is spot on.
Q: Favorite place to unwind on the property?
A: Arlo SoHo’s rooftop bar A.R.T has a very cool vibe. I also enjoy the courtyard with all of the pop-up activations we do there, like the current greenhouses that provide a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
Q: Does your NYC have a ”gayborhood”? If so, please tell us about it!
A: The Christopher Street area is so much fun! Lots of boutiques to choose from if you are in the shopping mood, or authentic NYC restaurants for lunch and dinner if you just want to hang out with friends and enjoy the neighborhood. Marie’s Crisis Cafe is a favorite for show tunes-singing patrons and is right on charming Grove Street.
Q: What three things do I have to pack to enjoy NYC?
A: 1. Comfortable walking shoes
2. Backpack for carrying all the essentials, while also being able to hop on a Citi Bike or cram onto a packed subway car.
3. Camera!
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: You can’t go wrong. The Spring and Fall are magical because it’s the perfect temperature to explore all of our neighborhoods, but Summer is great for all of the outdoor activities, and the holiday decorations in the Winter are incomparable!
Q: I’m in town for 24 hours. What are three things I absolutely must do?
A: 1. Museum of Natural History
2. Winter - Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink and the Oculus
3. Summer - Central Park and the Highline
Q: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about your city?
A: New Yorkers are some of the nicest, most inclusive people on Earth. Don’t be a stranger - strike up a conversation with those around you, and you’ll be surprised at the unlikely friends you make!
