Arlo Williamsburg: NYC's Hottest Hotel? (You HAVE to See This)
Arlo Williamsburg: NYC's Hottest Hotel? (You HAVE to See This)…Or Maybe Not? A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, so, Arlo Williamsburg. "NYC's Hottest Hotel?" The hype train is REAL, friends. I've seen the Instagram posts, the glowing reviews, the carefully curated shots of impossibly cool people draped in effortless chic against a backdrop of exposed brick and vaguely industrial furniture. I went in with high hopes. Let's just say, the reality was a bit more… nuanced.
Accessibility & Getting Down to Brass Tacks (and the Elevator, Thankfully!)
First things first: Accessibility. I'm not personally someone who requires wheelchair access, but I always look out for it. This is a big one. The website says they have facilities, but I didn't get a super clear vibe on the specifics. Elevator? Yes. Thank GOD. (Because frankly, the idea of lugging luggage up several flights of those trendy iron staircases is a hard pass.) But beyond that? I'd strongly advise contacting Arlo directly to get the FACTS if accessibility is a major concern. Don’t just assume, because… well, we’ll get to that later.
Checking In, Checking Out…and Checking My Sanity
The check-in/out process was supposed to be "contactless." In theory. Which means you're meant to avoid the front desk humans. IN THEORY. I was looking forward to avoiding the usual lines and the small talk about how my day was (like anyone actually cares). Actually, I ended up having to wait in line and do ALL THE SMALL TALK, so much for contactless. Sigh.. They do offer a 24-hour front desk - which is a lifesaver when you’re running on NYC time. Express check-in/out is also listed, but seemed kinda… pointless.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and The Surprisingly Small
So, the rooms. The vibe is definitely there. Think sleek, minimalist, and Instagram-ready (with a capital “I”). But let's talk about practicality. I’m not gonna lie, the rooms are TINY. I mean, really tiny. The blackout curtains were a blessing, allowing me to sleep off that godawful red-eye flight. The free Wi-Fi in every room? A MUST. I mean, what's the point of staying in a stylish hotel if you can't post about it immediately? The bathroom? Again, stylish! But the shower felt like I was taking a bath in a phone booth. Seriously. Plus, there weren't any hooks for my towel, so I had to leave it draped over the door. Little things, but they add up. Oh, a cool thing is the safety deposit boxes. I definitely used it because who can trust anything these days.
Available in all rooms: Yes to Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Hair dryer, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water. Nice!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Fun (and the Price Gouging) Happens
Alright, let's talk food and drink. Arlo Williamsburg boasts a bunch of options. I definitely checked out the bar. Stylish, yes. But the cocktails? Decently made, but also, expensive. Like, "I might need to skip dinner tomorrow" expensive. The restaurants themselves seemed trendy which made for a very confusing menu. I was also hoping for some good deals with their happy hour but the only thing that seemed happy was the staff.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Don't)
- Daily housekeeping: Check. Although, let's just say my room didn't feel spotless all the time. Maybe they're understaffed?
- Concierge: Hit or miss. Sometimes helpful, sometimes seemed to be running on NYC time (i.e., late and stressed).
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Dry cleaning & laundry service: Definitely nice to have, but I didn’t get around to needing it.
- Elevator: Yes, thank the heavens. My legs are not what they used to be.
- Luggage storage: Yup, and thankfully.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Seminars: Good if you're on a business trip. I guess.
- Gift/souvenir shop/Convenience store: Nice to have if you forgot deodorant or need a last minute gift.
For the Kids (And The Big Kids Who Still Like Toys)
I didn't have any kids with me, but they have Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Chasing the Wellness Dream
This is where things get interesting. Arlo Williamsburg offers a fitness center, which I bravely walked past several times. I believe there is a pool with a view (I did see it on the Insta), but it was packed the whole time. It also has a Spa/sauna. I sadly did not have time to check that out, but I imagine it's trendy and pricey.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Era Realities
They were definitely trying. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. They had Daily disinfection in common areas. Room sanitization? Supposedly, but I wasn't exactly seeing them come in and spray down my room. It's all relative I guess. I was glad for Safe dining setup, Cashless payment service and Staff trained in safety protocol.
The Verdict: Hottest Hotel? Maybe… For Whom?
Look, Arlo Williamsburg has its strengths. It's got style in spades. The views are great. The location is primo. But there's a certain… vibe that might not be for everyone. If you're looking for a truly relaxing, hassle-free experience, with spacious rooms and impeccable service, maybe look elsewhere.
But…If you're young, trendy, social media-obsessed, and prioritize aesthetics above all else, then YOU MIGHT LOVE IT.
My Bottom Line: It's worth a visit, especially if you're in the area. Just temper your expectations, pack light, and be prepared to spend some serious dough.
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- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel – stay connected and share your adventures.
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- Trendy restaurants and bars – sip on expertly crafted cocktails and savor delicious bites.
- Prime Williamsburg location – explore the neighborhood's hidden gems and vibrant nightlife.
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- 24-hour front desk available
- Poolside bar
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(Disclaimer: Please double-check specific accessibility needs with Arlo Williamsburg directly.)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a journey through the swirling vortex of my brain, which, coincidentally, will be happening in and around the oh-so-trendy Arlo Williamsburg in the heart of Brooklyn. Warning: Might involve strong opinions, questionable decisions, and a healthy dose of internal monologue. LET'S GO!
Arlo Williamsburg - The "Cool Kid" Hotel… or Is It? (Day 1)
- 1:00 PM - Check-in, or the Art of Pretending I Have My Life Together. Arrive at Arlo. Okay, pretty sleek. The minimalist chic is… a LOT. That lobby smells suspiciously like ambition mixed with expensive candles. Feeling a little intimidated, not gonna lie. Check-in itself? Smooth as butter, which is good because I’m already a sweaty mess from the subway. First impression: the staff seem… too cool. Am I cool enough? Asking for a friend (it's me, I'm the friend).
- 1:30 PM - The Room: Tiny But Potentially Genius. The room? Let's just say it's cozy. I've seen studios bigger than this. BUT! The space maximization is kind of impressive. Every inch seems planned. And the view! Okay, I can dig it. Gives off a bit of a “urban minimalist hermit” vibe, which I'm somehow strangely into.
- 2:00 PM - Reconnaissance Mission: Rooftop Bar (aka, Where All the Cool Kids Hang Out). Okay, deep breaths. Head up to the rooftop bar. The views are undeniably spectacular, the drinks are undeniably expensive. I order a…wait… a "seasonal concoction" that I can't even pronounce, and it costs more than my train ticket. I try to play it cool, pretend I know about the perfectly crafted cocktails, and fail miserably. I spill some on my top. Damn it. Observe the beautiful people, feel a surge of inadequacy, try to act like this is my everyday life. This is hard work.
- 3:00 PM - First Encounter: The Bedford Avenue Shuffle. Okay, time to brave the streets outside. Williamsburg, the land of artisanal everything and people wearing… well, a lot of interesting outfits. I stumble onto Bedford Avenue. It's a sensory overload! Every store is its own curated experience. A vintage shop with clothes that cost more than my rent. A bookstore with books that look like they were intentionally aged. Coffee shops overflowing with laptops and people who probably know what they're doing with their lives. I feel like a tourist. A lost tourist. And I love it.
- 4:00 PM - Coffee Crisis at a Place That Probably Judges Me. Find a coffee shop. The barista has a tiny mustache and a look that says, "You ordered what?". The coffee is good, I have to admit. But the whole experience makes me feel… judged. Like my choice of almond milk is wrong. I try to eavesdrop on some cool conversations, but mostly understand bits and pieces. Someone mention some amazing indie band I've never heard of. I feel like I should pretend i know.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner. The Quest for Food That Isn't a Mortgage Payment. Find a place to eat. Options abound. A vegan place named “Kale Yeah”. A pizza place with a line around the block. A fancy place where the menu is basically a poem about a single scallop. Settle on a place that seems sort of normal, but the food is surprisingly good. I order a burger, because sometimes you just need a burger. I eat it feeling guilty, but content.
- 7:00 PM - Post-Dinner Stroll and the Realization I'm Actually Enjoying Myself. Walking around after dinner. The city lights are sparkling. I see some incredible street art, and then, I see a dude breakdancing on the corner. Suddenly, I'm less worried about fitting in and more focused on just… seeing things. I love that. This is what I came for.
- 9:00 PM - Back to the Room: The Moment of Truth. Back in my tiny room at Arlo. This is my tiny, expensive, beautiful, and kind of lonely haven. The real question: do I leave the perfect little haven and meet new people? Or do I stay in, order room service (that will bankrupt me), Netflix, and let the perfect little introvert in me flourish?
Day 2: The Williamsburg Deep Dive… and Possible Self-Destruction
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Scrambling Around For Substance Okay, room service is obviously out of the question. Gotta leave some money for this trip. I'll hit up a local bakery but there are so many options. This one looks promising. I order something.
- 10:00 AM - Market Madness… and Impulse Purchases. The Smorgasburg market. It's crowded. Smells delicious. The food vendors, all so damn talented, are ready to take everything I've got. I almost order a giant pretzel, but get a delicious arepa, and the joy is instant. I consider asking the vendor for cooking lessons. Impulse buy a vintage scarf. Justified, because: culture.
- 12:00 PM - The Art Scene - or the Art of Pretending I Understand Art… Decided to attempt the art scene. There's an art gallery near the hotel. I walk in, and, well… I don’t always understand it. Lots of abstract shapes and philosophical statements. I nod. I stare at things for a long time. I pretend to be deep. Maybe I am deep? Suddenly I feel a connection. Okay, maybe I do get it.
- 2:00 PM - Brewery Quest… and the Questionable Decision to Order a Flight. A brewery. Because Brooklyn. Because culture. I order a flight. "Hazy IPA? Sure." "Barrel-aged something? Why not?" The tastes blend. A little bit of regret, a little bit of blissful buzz.
- 4:00 PM - The Vintage Shop Revisited… and the Questionable Decision to Order a Flight. Back to the vintage shop. I'm going to find a treasure! I browse for hours. Maybe I'm looking for something that reminds me of my childhood. Maybe I'm just looking for something cool. I'm going to buy something!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner with the ghosts of my past… Back to that place that seemed normal. And its even better than I remember. Food is comfort. I'm beginning to understand Williamsburg.
- 8:00 PM - Rooftop Revelations… and Embracing the Weird. Back to the rooftop bar. This time, I know the cocktail. The views are still incredible. This time, I see a couple that came here on the first day. They are still together, and they're smiling. Maybe I can be like them. I'm going to try.
- 10:00 PM - Back to the Room: Maybe I Love This Place? Now, back in my room. Exhausted. A little tipsy. A little happier than yesterday. Do I love Williamsburg? Maybe. Do I hate it? Definitely not. Okay, goodnight.
Day 3: Departure… and a Hint of Nostalgia
- 9:00 AM - One Last Coffee, One Last Judgment. One last coffee shop. Try a new place, get a new look. The barista? Knows my order. Oh no. Maybe they're judging me! Wait. Maybe that's a smile?
- 10:00 AM - Pack, Reflect, Resolve. Pack my bags. Look around the room. This is my tiny, expensive, beautiful, and not-so-lonely haven. I really have to get back to reality. But I'll cherish the experience.
- 11:00 AM - The Subway Shuffle and the Lingering Feeling of "Maybe Someday…". The subway back to the airport. The city lights fade. I'll come back. Again.
Okay, that's it. The roller coaster ride is over. Arlo Williamsburg? A cool hotel in a crazy, beautiful, infuriating, and inspiring part of the world. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I do things differently? Probably not. And that, my friends, is the beauty of traveling. The imperfections, the heartbreaks, the questionable decisions - everything adds up to something… real. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Le Mas D'Aigret, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence!
Okay, so, Arlo Williamsburg: Hype Real or Just a Brick Box with a Fancy Coffee Machine?
**Anecdote Alert:** I actually arrived a little frazzled, late for a *very* important meeting (don't ask), and immediately tripped getting out of the cab, spilling half my oat milk latte down my new (and sadly now stained) white shirt. The good coffee? Saved my sanity. Seriously. That first sip felt like a tiny, caffeine-fueled hug. The coffee machine is a win. Definitely.
So, brick box? Nope. Fancy coffee? ABSOLUTELY YES.
The Rooms: Tiny? Or Tiny-er? And Is It Worth the Squeeze?
**Personal Experience:** My room (a "city view", which, let's be honest, was more of a “peek-a-boo of the Manhattan skyline if you squinted really hard”) was so small, I kept stubbing my toe on the *stylish* but ultimately inconveniently placed bedside table. More than once. And don't even get me started on trying to *work* in there. The tiny desk was a joke. Could barely fit my laptop. I ended up working from the lobby, which, on a busy day, was about as relaxing as a mosh pit.
So, worth the squeeze? Honestly, that depends. If you're planning on spending most of your time *outside* the room exploring Williamsburg (which, let's be honest, is probably the point), then maybe. If you're a homebody who likes to spread out… probably not. It's a trade-off for the location, you see.
The Vibe: Is It All Just Cool Kids and Expensive Drinks, or Is There Something More?
But… there IS something more. I *think*.
**My Odd Observation:** One night, I was sitting in the lobby, nursing a (overpriced, but tasty) cocktail, and I saw this older couple. They were clearly tourists, a little lost, looking a little bit overwhelmed. They ordered two coffees, sat down, and just… *watched* the scene. And they looked genuinely happy. Like they were soaking it all in. And it made me realize that maybe, just *maybe*, the Arlo isn’t *just* about being cool. Maybe it's about being *present*. About experiencing. Even if you're slightly out of your element. Plus, the people-watching is *amazing*.
So, yes, cool kids. Yes, expensive drinks. But also… possibility. And that counts for something, right?
The Rooftop Bar: Worth the Wait and the (Probably) High Prices?
**Rooftop Rambling:** I went up there at sunset, and I swear, the colors were unreal. The whole city, laid out before you... the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline… It literally took my breath away. The music was good (not too loud, not too pretentious, *thank god*), the atmosphere… electric. It’s cliché to say it, but seriously, it was like a movie scene. I ended up staying until way past when I'd planned, ordering one too many cocktails (again), and chatting to a random stranger about… well, everything. The rooftop is definitely worth the wait. And the prices. Don’t even think about it. Just go. You'll thank me. Seriously.
The Location: Is Williamsburg *Really* Where You Want to Be? (And How Easy is it to Get Around?)
**On Transportation:** Getting around is pretty easy. The subway is close (the L train. Brace yourself for potential delays, it's the L). You can walk to a ton of places. Uber/Lyft are readily available (and can be expensive, especially during peak hours). You're also right near the East River Ferry which, frankly, is a total game changer when traffic is atrocious. I personally preferred the ferry over the subway at times as it was more scenic. Just saying.
The bottom line is, the location is *excellent* if you want to experience Williamsburg. If you don’t, then pick another hotel. Simple as that. It IS one of the hotel's strongest assets.
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
**My Honest Opinion:** * **Go if:** You're looking for a stylish, well-located hotel in Williamsburg. You're okay with compact rooms. And you like a good rooftop bar experience that can be, at times, transcendent. * **Maybe Skip if:** You need massive rooms with lots of space. You're on a tight budget. You hate crowds. And you *really* dislike the whole "hipster" vibe.
For me? I'd go back. Despite the tiny room and the occasional eye-roll at the self-proclaimed coolness. Because honestlyDigital Nomad Hotels
