It’s our first morning staying at Arlo NoMad hotel and I wake up to a breathtaking New York hotel view of the sun rising from the East River horizon. Our room is up on the 18th floor and I’m excited to see this phenomenon. I tap Glenn violently – still fast asleep – so that he wakes up to experience this too. I know from this spectacle that this is going to be one of my favourite hotels from our travels. 

We had previously stayed at Arlo NoMad’s sister property, Arlo SoHo Hotel, on the other side of Manhattan in Hudson. While there are similarities in the modern design and decor, and the micro hotel trend between both properties, there’s a different vibe at Arlo NoMad.

Located off Madison Avenue and on 31st Street, the hotel is designed for urban travellers who appreciate sleek and contemporary hotel interior design. Like many boutique hotels where space can be limited – let’s also remember that this is New York City where you’re spending more time out than in – the designers have focused on the necessities and kept things minimal while emphasising on quality and style.

The bed in our room goes almost right up to the floor to ceiling window in a corner which creates a setting that is both intimate and immersive at the same time. The view of Manhattan with its century old gothic buildings looks daunting from the window, contrasting the modern skyscrapers while streets continue into the distance. It’s winter and on one of the days, we’re lucky to witness snow falling, as it slowly blankets the city.

I don’t know about you but we’re not one of those who dine in at a hotel’s restaurant, unless we’re suffering from jet lag. That’s another area where the Arlo team succeeds – they’ve transformed their restaurants and bars into destinations, serving food and drinks that aren’t afterthoughts like many hotels.

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There’s a conference hall where guests gather for meetings or just to hang out. Hospitality and community are blurred and Arlo Nomad becomes an urban oasis with a trendy and vibrant vibe, similar to The Drake Hotel in Toronto. Modern explorers and savvy locals bring together an energetic buzz in spite of their different purposes.

The hotel is situated on the quieter side of mid-town but the subway, restaurants and cafes are just a short walk away. K-Town is just on the other side of the hotel on 32nd Street so fans of Kim Chi and Bibimbap, take note. Bread and Butter, a deli that serves a buffet of salads, hot food, fresh juices and pastries, is just around the corner. Glenn and I love this place and recommend it if you need a place for breakfast, lunch or groceries.

For the style-conscious, the way-too-hip Dover Street Market is five minutes away and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), your credit card is bound to get a workout. Needless to say, I’m a happy camper with all the Thom Browne and Comme Des Garcons purchases. Could this be one of the coolest hotels in NYC with its design, view and proximity to my favourite retail boutique? I think so…

While Arlo SoHo’s King Room offers a unique modern sleeping alcove experience, Arlo NoMad’s King City Room showcases a New York hotel view of Manhattan like no other. Waking up to the sun rising in NYC with access to an expansive scenery? Tick and tick. Prepare to flood your social media with #lifewelltravelled photos.