New York City’s next trend: Why the micro-hotel is on the rise
WELCOME to the future of hotel rooms, where space and size are overrated.
New York City is downsizing and its new hotels are here to prove it
Sprawling suites are a thing of the past, according to the Big Apple.
The micro-hotel is a trend that’s taking off in urban cities, to respond to the changing demands of guests.
One of the pioneers is Arlo, which just opened its first hotel in Lower Manhattan.
The first four-star hotel of its kind, Arlo Hudson Square has 325 rooms that take up just 160 square feet each.
Arlo Hudson Square has just opened in Lower Manhattan
So how do standard hotel features squeeze into such a small space?
With the use of efficient storage design, including fold-down desks, adjustable wardrobes and smart technology.
Each room features large windows with impressive city views and some even have an outdoor terrace.
Oleg Pavlov, the founder and CEO of Quadrum Global, which owns Arlo Hotels, commented: “Our hotels are designed so that everything is in its place and nothing is in excess, leaving you free to focus, think, feel, plan, create and experience what you want to the way you want to.”
Arlo's focus is on spacial living areas for guests to mingle in
Arlo and a host of other similarly sized hotels have bet on the evolving needs of millennials.
The generation is steering towards open areas rather than their private abodes, so the space has been saved for larger public spaces.
Guests can meet for work or leisure in lobbies transformed into living areas.
YOTEL and CitizenM have both capitalised on this trend already, showcasing communal areas as the star of their show.
Pod Hotel is credited with launching the tiny hotel room trend in New York
But it’s Pod Hotels which have been credited with launching the tiny trend.
The chain’s newest addition is Pod 39, set in a brick building in Manhattan’s vibrant Murray Hill.
Rooms with bunk beds have been called ‘pods’, to give travellers a competitive price for compact living in the city that never sleeps.
No space has been spare on the sprawling rooftop bar with fairy lights for guests to mingle under.
It follows on from the original Pod 51 which has seen roaring demand.