Micro Hotels are proof of one thing: hoteliers are going “big” by thinking small. The “micro hotel” trend is certainly challenging the status quo, and today more than ever, industry leaders are reacting. Many brands are shifting away from costly, full-service hotels towards sophisticated, space-saving accommodations for the modern traveler. In cities like NYC (where space is scarce and occupancies are rising), the micro-hotel concept is especially hot! Arlo Hotel is the latest addition to the micro market, which includes properties like Yotel and the Pod Hotel, and during our last visit to the city, we just had to see what all the hype was about.

With price points slightly higher than most of the competition, Arlo is pushing the micro-hotel trend into more upscale categories. This 250-room property is located on E. 31st Street, between Madison and 5th Avenue. It was designed by AvroKo, a leading concept and design firm in Manhattan, and has a mid-century modern aesthetic with an interactive lobby space, one that encourages visitors to document their travel stories on the Post It-lined elevator entrance.

Wander through the first two floors, and you’ll find gorgeous communal spaces in a library setting adjacent to BarLo. The hotel rooms are certainly small, but at no point do you feel cramped. Plenty of storage space is available for luggage and personal belongings, and corner rooms offer stunning views of the city, most times through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Just past the hotel lobby, look for Massoni, the "inauthentic Italian" eatery opened by Chef Dale Talde, David Massoni and John Bush of Three Kings Restaurant Group. The restaurateur trio made their Manhattan debut with a fusion concept based on multicultural flavors and ingredients. While you’re there, be sure to order the Burrata with spring panzanella and rhubarb, all of which pairs nicely with the Forest Hills cocktail: a mix of rosemary-infused gin and lemon thai basil. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, the cheesy romesco and garrotxa pizza are both heavenly. Much like the food, along with Italian-American influences, the cocktail program at Massoni stays true to its surrounding neighborhood. The name of each cocktail stems from the final stops of subway lines that run throughout the city.

Arlo Nomad is perfect for the modern traveler, the foodie, the light packer and the design guru alike. Here, you'll enjoy a sense of community amongst fellow travelers, taste a menu worth another trip back, and have the chance to experience the vibrancy of New York City that makes it so hard for visitors to leave.