Aloft Harlem

Aloft is the first of two higher-end Harlem hotels. Part of the Starwood family, it offers a design-led, environmentally focused experience. Everything about this property is modern and hip, from the lighting fixtures, clean lines and color splashes in the lobby, to the oversized stylus-and-vinyl artwork adorning the guest rooms. Aloft offers 122 rooms, each decked with a plush platform bed, 42-inch flat screen, mini fridge, oversized shower, Bliss Spa products, ergonomic workspace and free WiFi. There is no restaurant as such, but Re:fuel is a cafe offering snacks on demand, and W XYZ is a trendy nightspot with cocktails, music, pool and even live performances. If you’re hungry, you could do worse than make the short trip to Sylvia’s or Red Rooster. And if you do, you’re going to need to use the Re:charge fitness center, which is open to guests 24/7. Aloft Harlem also offers one of New York’s greenest hotel experiences. Natural materials like cork and sustainable wood veneers are integrated into the hotel’s design. Showers feature product dispensers to reduce landfill litter from non-biodegradable bottles (unused soap is recycled and distributed to domestic homeless shelters or countries that are in need of it), and all rooms have recycling receptacles. Meanwhile, guests are encouraged to participate in the Make a Green Choice initiative in which they earn a $5 food/drink voucher for each night they decline housekeeping services and re-use towels. Aloft is located in the heart of Harlem, a block from 125th Street and just steps from six subway lines.