"Why book? An artsy hotel in the heart of Wynwood with a rooftop pool, excellent dining and a trendy indoor-outdoor cocktail lounge. Set the scene The first hotel to officially open in Wynwood, Miami’s graffiti-clad neighborhood that’s now home to dozens of galleries, shops and restaurants—the splashy Arlo is an art-filled oasis that seeks to strike a balance between being a splashy getaway and a vibrant urban hotel. The hotel’s aesthetic draws on the neighborhood’s high concentration of street art with the property's exterior walls featuring works by Miami-based artist Hoxxoh, and 250 pieces of contemporary art positioned throughout the public spaces and guest rooms. There’s an inviting 9th floor rooftop pool with a cocktail bar and views of the Miami skyline. The hotel also strives to be a hub of activity for its guests with weekly programming like comedy nights, fitness classes and space devoted to loungey co-working environments with a pool table and a yoga deck. The backstory The hotel opened in 2022 and it’s fitting that the Arlo brand—known for being an independent, experience-driven hotel brand that designs hotels as “home bases” for explorers and a launch pad for all things local—is the first to open in this eclectic neighborhood. The casual atmosphere and community-driven environment are a good fit for Wynwood which still has a scruffy quality to it, despite rapid development and commercialization that has occurred in the last few years. The rooms Despite having an active restaurant and bar scene, the hotel’s 217 guest rooms provide a peaceful place to rest up and recharge. In keeping with the hotel’s simple-but-modern aesthetic the rooms are outfitted in white-oak furnishings, bedside wireless charging stations, Bluetooth radios, LED TVs featuring staycast capabilities, and complimentary WiFi, as well as mini fridges, Nespresso coffee machines, and Pharmacopia bath products. The most basic King rooms don’t come with balconies and are low on frills so if you’re looking for more of an in-room experience its best to upgrade to a Balcony King or one of the handful of suites that come with seating areas and more space. Food and drink The hotel aims to be a destination for both food and cocktails having tapped local mavens to execute on both fronts. Talented chef Brad Kilgore (James Beard “Best Chef: South” nominee and Food & Wine “Best New Chefs in America” alumnus) heads up the ground-floor Marygold’s Florida Brasserie with dishes ofcoconut-gouda mousse Oxtail Beignets, Mahi Mahi cooked with aji amarillo and Short Rib Vaca Frita with roasted maduro purée. The dining room is awash in warm lighting, natural woods and lush greenery surrounded by a combination of intimate booths, spacious banquettes, and central tables, all perched perfectly to watch the action unfold in the open kitchen. Higher Ground, the hotel’s third-floor cocktail-centric lounge is headed up by Bar Lab Hospitality who cemented their place on the international cocktail map with their wildly-popular Broken Shaker concept. The indoor-outdoor lounge features an indoor billiards room in a stylish living room setup while outside funky, hand-painted benches surround a beautiful Seagrape tree while wicker chairs, swings and chaises are perfectly situated amongst the lush Miami flora. The spa The hotel lacks a spa but does have an extensive fitness center and a roster of classes for guests that includes yoga on an outdoor deck and bootcamp classes. The neighborhood/area Wynwood has long been known as one of Miami’s edgiest neighborhoods with galleries, boutiques and a bounty of restaurants within a 5 block radius. You’ll want to spend a lot of time pounding the pavement here, with so much to see and taste all around. Miami’s pristine beaches are an easy 15-minute ride over the causeway should you want some ocean time. The service Friendly, professional and young—the hotel definitely sees itself as a fresh-faced addition to the hospitality landscape. For families Though the hotel is not specifically geared to families, it’s a fine option for parents looking for a stylish base for exploring Wynwood. Some of the suites offer connectivity to king rooms making it ideal for families and the restaurant kitchen can accommodate the palates of little ones, offering simple pasta dishes (though they’re not listed on the menu). Anything left to mention? While the hotel is lacking in certain frills (like no room service) there are also thoughtful touches like complimentary fortune cookies in the rooms with unique fortunes and bicycles for guests to explore the neighborhood." - Sara Liss
