PHOTO: Aloft Hotel

Fodor's Expert Review Aloft Harlem

Name: Aloft Harlem
Address: 2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd., between 123th and 124th Sts., New York, New York, 10027, USA
Telephone: 212-749–4000
Price range: $

2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd., between 123th and 124th Sts., New York, New York 10027, USA See on Map

Jessica Colley Clarke

An attractively priced option in an increasingly popular area of Harlem, this branch of the Aloft chain delivers with cheerful service and a fun atmosphere. Common spaces set this property apart, including a buzzy bar and a lounge with a pool table. Art from local galleries is exhibited in revolving displays.

room

Big windows let ample light into the modern rooms with convenient features like big desks with ergonomic chairs and free coffee and water--that's right, free water. Wood grain accents and bright white bedding gives the space a sleek feel.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some rooms do experience street noise. Rooms also lack space for hanging clothes.

bathroom

Spotless bathrooms have big, walk-in rain showers and Bliss bath products.

Photo: Aloft Hotel

lobby

The contemporary lobby has a front desk and several open spaces for lounging. The Re:fuel mini-market in the lobby sells everything from fresh blueberries to slices of red velvet cake and is open 24 hours a day.

Photo: Aloft Hotel

dining

While lacking a full restaurant on-site, this hotel does have a lively bar, W XYZ, serving cocktails and snacks. Entertainment is a common bar feature, with live jazz performances and DJ sets. Then, of course, there's always the Re:fuel market, offering grab-and-go light meals and snacks.

Sunday brunch is a neighborhood staple, often with live music and complimentary cocktails (with food purchase).

LOCATION

Getting Around

Located just south of Harlem’s main artery, 125^th Street, this hotel is in a convenient position for exploring the landmarks, restaurants, and shopping of the neighborhood. Subway access is nearby, with both express and local subway service (A, B, C, and D trains) at 125^th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. The 2 and 3 trains are also within walking distance at 125^th Street and Lenox Avenue. Central Park is nearby for guests that are looking to run or cycle. Taxis and Uber are available.

Restaurants

Cozy sidewalk seating in the warmer months enhances an already dynamite neighborhood restaurant, Vinateria (4-minute walk). Try the huevos rancheros for brunch or the black spaghetti with octopus and breadcrumbs for dinner. Chef Marcus Samuelsson brought worldwide attention to the neighborhood with the opening of Red Rooster (9-minute walk), a lively comfort food restaurant with a big bar. Sunday brunch with live music is a particularly good time to sample the chef’s signature fried chicken. In a neighborhood known for soul food, Melba’s (10-minute walk) serves all the classics from mac and cheese to collard greens to fried catfish.

Bars

A pub with an enormous patio, Harlem Tavern (7-minute walk) is a convivial spot for craft beers. Angel of Harlem (2-minute walk) is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant with a big bar, tasty cocktails, and entertainment like live DJ sets.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Set in a historic, residential neighborhood, this hotel offers a fresh entry point into life in New York City. We love the location near the Apollo Theater and Central Park, and the big common spaces including the bar and lounge with a pool table. This property is a solid pick for guests seeking value and convenience—express train subway service is around the corner.